Havana

[WaveCutter]

Guys,

Been a long time since I had a some adventure. My Spanish is ok. Good enough to get by. Spoken like a 9 year old. But good enough. Anyways.

Need a week. I've been to Sousa many times but am seriously considering a week in Havana. Anyone? Care to provide your ideas, comments, experiences? Tips tricks? Never been to Cuba.

[Travel2040]

Hey T2040,

I'll give you my take on this.

There are approximately 6000 to 8000 Cubans stranded in Costa Rica since Nicaragua didn't allowed them to pass through their country on the way to the US.

What I hear is that the situation is becoming pretty difficult for a lot of them while they wait to be flown to Mexico and on to the border with the US.

There was an accord reached and Costa Rica agreed to fly them to Mexico since Nicaragua would not allowed them through their territory then the accord was reached to fly them to Mexico and then they would have to fend for themselves in order to get to the US border.

My guess is your "Cubana friend" is probably having a hard time since you mentioned she's used to the jinetera high life style in La Habana.

For those not familiar with this, for Cubans Ecuador didn't required a visa (that ended last month and now Cubans are required to obtain a visa to fly to Ecuador) so since the rapprochement between Cuba / US rumors started flying about the US halting the wet foot dry foot part of the CAA (Cuban Adjustment Act) which allows any Cuban who reaches the US territory to get a free pass as long as he / she claims being afraid for her / his life cause of the Castro government.

So, my guess again is your "friend" is having a rough time down in CR and that's why she call you.

Hope this helps.

Mondo

Thank you very much for an complementary answer about my question! I perceived her as desperate and she indirectly asked about the possibility of coming to Europe. She is a very beautiful girl and funny but at this time this is not applicable for me. I stand firmly enough on my rule that the best is to have the fun in Cuba! I think the living standard in Ecuador is nearly the same as in Cuba?

[Mondo707]

This was a little bit strange and a small coincidence for me? A girl or I will call her a friend since we have meet each other 4-5 times during my every trips to Cuba calling me suddenly and said that she had to escape to Equador because of problems in Havana. She didn't confirmed what the problem concerned. I have always suspected her to go with tourists because of her high living standard in Cuba. Always the newest iPhone, expensive clothes and she rent a very nice apartment in Vedado without to have a job in Cuba. 2 Years ago she also implanted silicone breasts that is not common to do in Cuba. After reading this forum and what have been mentioned about Equador I think things are starting to fall into a place and show the truth? But I'm little surprised that she hadn't going with a tourist to US, Canada or Europe?

Hey T2040,

I'll give you my take on this.

There are approximately 6000 to 8000 Cubans stranded in Costa Rica since Nicaragua didn't allowed them to pass through their country on the way to the US.

What I hear is that the situation is becoming pretty difficult for a lot of them while they wait to be flown to Mexico and on to the border with the US.

There was an accord reached and Costa Rica agreed to fly them to Mexico since Nicaragua would not allowed them through their territory then the accord was reached to fly them to Mexico and then they would have to fend for themselves in order to get to the US border.

My guess is your "Cubana friend" is probably having a hard time since you mentioned she's used to the jinetera high life style in La Habana.

For those not familiar with this, for Cubans Ecuador didn't required a visa (that ended last month and now Cubans are required to obtain a visa to fly to Ecuador) so since the rapprochement between Cuba / US rumors started flying about the US halting the wet foot dry foot part of the CAA (Cuban Adjustment Act) which allows any Cuban who reaches the US territory to get a free pass as long as he / she claims being afraid for her / his life cause of the Castro government.

So, my guess again is your "friend" is having a rough time down in CR and that's why she call you.

Hope this helps.

Mondo

[Bart1]

This was a little bit strange and a small coincidence for me? A girl or I will call her a friend since we have meet each other 4-5 times during my every trips to Cuba calling me suddenly and said that she had to escape to Equador because of problems in Havana. She didn't confirmed what the problem concerned. I have always suspected her to go with tourists because of her high living standard in Cuba. Always the newest iPhone, expensive clothes and she rent a very nice apartment in Vedado without to have a job in Cuba. 2 Years ago she also implanted silicone breasts that is not common to do in Cuba. After reading this forum and what have been mentioned about Equador I think things are starting to fall into a place and show the truth? But I'm little surprised that she hadn't going with a tourist to US, Canada or Europe?

Cubans can fly to Ecuador without a visa, not sure but I think the only country possible, they then travel overland thru Colombia enroute to the USA. Have you not seen or read the news about the Cubans stranded in Costa Rica because Nicaragua won't let them enter. Nics are friends with Raol. They doing this now because they are afraid Obomba will close the wet foot dry foot policy because of recent agreements with Raol. Above info courtesy of a Canuck in Colombia.

[Travel2040]

This was a little bit strange and a small coincidence for me? A girl or I will call her a friend since we have meet each other 4-5 times during my every trips to Cuba calling me suddenly and said that she had to escape to Equador because of problems in Havana. She didn't confirmed what the problem concerned. I have always suspected her to go with tourists because of her high living standard in Cuba. Always the newest iPhone, expensive clothes and she rent a very nice apartment in Vedado without to have a job in Cuba. 2 Years ago she also implanted silicone breasts that is not common to do in Cuba. After reading this forum and what have been mentioned about Equador I think things are starting to fall into a place and show the truth? But I'm little surprised that she hadn't going with a tourist to US, Canada or Europe?

[Lusifer69]

Thanks for the info Taboc, much appreciated it. As far as AirBnb there are reviews and I normally rent on AirBnb worldwide with little issues. In Cuba in particular I am considering it because you get the whole place to yourself (they say total privacy, I read that bring girls as you wish) or is it a different story in Cuba? My understanding with casa particulares don't you share one with the owners? Last time I went the lady owner was really nice I'll give her that but know knows what kind of owner you will get.

In Cuba is the same as a Casa particular but they have a family member or friends in Miami that post their property in Airbnb I have stayed at a couple of houses that are in Airbnb in Matanzas and yes you get your own private room or somethings a studio type of apt but is always in the backyard or on top of the house where the family lives. Is never going to be a full house for your self. The only place that has that type of options is a Cuban run businesses call isla Azul you can find them in Varadero Guanavo playa Del este and other vacation spot do the island they have great prices and the house is 100% private ones you rent it they give you the keys and they won't go by it till the end of the rental.

[Rebel Monger]

Welcome back Rebel Monger haven't seen a post from you in years. I live in South Florida and I don't even speak to Cuban girls here-they are too arrogant. I learned a long time ago from other peoples failures that it is not a good idea to move any foreign girl to America for marriage. Its best to move / visit their country and enjoy the fruit there. Good to see you are doing okay.

Happy Holidays.

Thank you Mr. Gogo. Lately my haunting grounds has been the Dominican Republic.

I understand what you say about the Cubanas when they move out of the island, suddenly they feel important but deep down they still need the money to send back to their family back home, mostly at the beginning because they have to give impression they are rich. Anyway, if you see one you like, talk to her and see how things go. Fear nobody!

As for the marriage thing, yes I know, it doesn't work when you import them and mostly it doesn't work when you marry them in their country. Why marry at all? If you need somebody to clean your house, just hire a good looking maid and I bet she will give you the "honey pot" too. Life in about having fun, not getting it complicated.

[Mr Gogo]

Sure Taboc it makes sense the thing is we are only going for 4 days so might not be worth spending time searching for a place on foot with luggage, and also keep in mind airbnb offers insurance to both parties. Reason I asked thought maybe one cannot rent from airbnb if coming from US.

I was reluctant to reply because I wrote about using Airnb a few pages back. Airnb is an American business and has to follow American rules regarding Cuba or face a hefty fine. I know several people who backed away from using Airnb for Cuba lodging because Airnb requested their authorization papers. American businesses will not challenge Uncle Sam.

[Sean EZ]

I used AirBnB in Europe, and it was a good experience. Yet to use them in Cuba, so don't have enough knowledge to comment.
I would rather pay 5 cuc to a local guy who would walk miles around to find a nice casa, and who knows he would help me find a chica too. Few weeks back one of such guys took me to a boxing gym, and had a great time there. Even I could put on the gloves and get some training, and it was fun. So, I prefer dealing with locals than any online system in Cuba only to support them and the system there.

Sure Taboc it makes sense the thing is we are only going for 4 days so might not be worth spending time searching for a place on foot with luggage, and also keep in mind airbnb offers insurance to both parties. Reason I asked thought maybe one cannot rent from airbnb if coming from US.

[DSilva]

I'm heading to La Habana in February and am looking for a casa that is friendly to guests, preferably one that already has regular guests in mind. I've been to Cuba many times but have never partaken of the delights. When I go out, I'll be choosing more affluent options, like galleries, shows, and dinners. Any feedback or tips are appreciated. I stayed near Hotel Presidente this last trip, but wasn't impressed. I'm familiar with most areas of the city, but am new to finding my long lost love.

[Taboc]

In Cuba in particular I am considering it because you get the whole place to yourself (they say total privacy, I read that bring girls as you wish) or is it a different story in Cuba?

I used AirBnB in Europe, and it was a good experience. Yet to use them in Cuba, so don't have enough knowledge to comment.

You can easily get a casa like it is your own apartment with keys mostly in Miramar and Vedado as there are units built as independent ones. Other places may not give you 100% privacy as even the private casa might be a first floor where the owners live on the ground level, or you walk thru the owners hallway to reach your private room. In places like Santa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego you are going to mostly get the later type. You might want to avoid them if you want total privacy, so make sure AirBnB offers a way to check with the owners beforehand. I on the other hand like the casa owners around, as they offer an interesting amistad.

On a personal level, I like the cuban system that is why I go there. Yes, chicas are great, but lets be honest, you can find great chicas in other places and can get bad ones in Cuba too. I keep going back as I would like to support them in a small way I could, This year I had 5 trips and will be there for newyears. Going to AirBnB, I think may not be supporting the common folks there on the ground 100%. I would rather pay 5 cuc to a local guy who would walk miles around to find a nice casa, and who knows he would help me find a chica too. Few weeks back one of such guys took me to a boxing gym, and had a great time there. Even I could put on the gloves and get some training, and it was fun. So, I prefer dealing with locals than any online system in Cuba only to support them and the system there.

[Sean EZ]

Going to AirBnb is like using a dating site while Cuba, sort of. Once there you can check casas, talk to the owners, get a feel for the neighbourhood, close by food option etc.

Thanks for the info Taboc, much appreciated it. As far as AirBnb there are reviews and I normally rent on AirBnb worldwide with little issues. In Cuba in particular I am considering it because you get the whole place to yourself (they say total privacy, I read that bring girls as you wish) or is it a different story in Cuba? My understanding with casa particulares don't you share one with the owners? Last time I went the lady owner was really nice I'll give her that but know knows what kind of owner you will get.

[Taboc]

1. can you rent a car at the airport for 4 days? I remember we rented one and it had to be a week rental and was not at the airport.

I have rented from Rex a while back for two days. Send them email, they were very responsive.

3. why nobody mentions renting from AirBnb? There seem to be quite a few choices on Airbnb.

Going to AirBnb is like using a dating site while Cuba, sort of. Once there you can check casas, talk to the owners, get a feel for the neighbourhood, close by food option etc.

4. are non-US debit cards working in Cuba or is better to bring USD? (I am talking about EU, non-US issued cards). Are you getting bad rate doing cash withdrawals though?

Non US Visa works.

[Sean EZ]

A few questions.

1. can you rent a car at the airport for 4 days? I remember we rented one and it had to be a week rental and was not at the airport.

2. can you get local SIM card with internet?

3. why nobody mentions renting from AirBnb? There seem to be quite a few choices on Airbnb.

4. are non-US debit cards working in Cuba or is better to bring USD? (I am talking about EU, non-US issued cards). Are you getting bad rate doing cash withdrawals though?

Thanks in advance.

[UpCountry]

Thanks, had another similar experience in centro a few days later with another two girls and then turned down another two.

I would add a further point about having your own casa, they come into their own if you are more a monger who likes going to the late night venues, meeting a chica, then jumping in a taxi and taking her back to your apartment.

The chicas in the clubs are more expensive, better looking on average, they will often start with at $100 but will drop to $60. Back in your casa you are in control, just lock away your valuables.

I met this chica at the infamous Johnnys now called Rio on a Monday night. She had her hand down my pants stood at the bar. Back in the apartment she gave me fantastic blowjob with CIM for $60.

You have to factor in taxi costs too. The girls will call their own driver and this will set you back another $10.

A night out clubbing in Havana and taking a chica, you won't have any change out of $100 minimum.

Looks hot too. Must have done a good job too.