Havana

[Muzungufotsy]

Thanks a lot for the advice. During my second part of the trip I will stay at the old town, so I'll definitely try this. Do you know the girls in old town willing the spend the night with one guy or they prefer short time looking for more customers? And what are the rates for short / long option? Trying to collect info about the price to know what will be acceptable and to know when they are trying to overprice the stupid gringo.

20 cuc ST. 40 cuc LT before Covid. Just convert to MN. Should be easy.

[Muzungufotsy]

Moneda Nacional (National Currency), in this case CUP (Cuban Pesos).

Anybody who has been to Cuba knows what MN means.

[Onojdi]

I have found girls just walking around old town at night after say 10. They will be hanging out in the doorways sitting on steps and other places. Just say hola. They may even approach you if you look OK. Don't worry its safe to walk around at night. Also take a ride with some pedicabs and ask the guy. Some of them know a lot of girls.

Thanks a lot for the advice. During my second part of the trip I will stay at the old town, so I'll definitely try this. Do you know the girls in old town willing the spend the night with one guy or they prefer short time looking for more customers? And what are the rates for short / long option? Trying to collect info about the price to know what will be acceptable and to know when they are trying to overprice the stupid gringo.

[HarryDubois]

As of today or at least for the past couple of weeks, USD is back taking the throne in Cuba. Bring your USD if you have them. The street value is higher than euro or any other currencies. To give an example, in December 2021, USD100 is around 7000 MN and Euro100 is around 8500 MN. As of now, USD100 is around 10500 MN and Euro100 is around 10700 MN. Notice the big jump? Do the math and tell me which currency is better.

From chatting with Cubans online, I get the impression that many don't understand the distinction between the US dollar and the Euro. They know that there is the CUP and "the other currency". And I think "the other currency", USD or euro, will go pretty far. If you have money you can call me honey.

[Rebel Monger]

What is MN?

Moneda Nacional (National Currency), in this case CUP (Cuban Pesos).

[AmorPorFavor]

As of today or at least for the past couple of weeks, USD is back taking the throne in Cuba. Bring your USD if you have them. The street value is higher than euro or any other currencies. To give an example, in December 2021, USD100 is around 7000 MN and Euro100 is around 8500 MN. As of now, USD100 is around 10500 MN and Euro100 is around 10700 MN. Notice the big jump? Do the math and tell me which currency is better.

What is MN?

[AmorPorFavor]

Reading at your comments, thing doesn't look very bright. We'll see. I have some experience traveling around the world but I rely a lot on internet contacts and Cuba is different. So far I made few contacts on Instagram but we'll see how "productive" they will be.

So a square near Persevencia and the Malecon. Any other place where I can look around?

I have found girls just walking around old town at night after say 10. They will be hanging out in the doorways sitting on steps and other places. Just say hola. They may even approach you if you look OK. Don't worry its safe to walk around at night. Also take a ride with some pedicabs and ask the guy. Some of them know a lot of girls.

[CohibaMonster1]

Long time listener and first time caller LOL. I have been RTFF, but a lot has changed since the pandemic and currency situation in Cuba, So I was hoping to ask some questions for those with boots on the ground.

I will be going to Havana in a few months and would really like to purchase some cigars. I will be touring a few of the cigar factories as well.

1. Can I purchase cigars directly from the factory gift shop or are those types of purchases only done at LCDH (la casa del habano) stores?

2. can a mlc card be purchased in the United States (where I live) or will only be able to purchase one when I get to Cuba?

3. Can I use US dollars in the country at restaurants and other non government owned places or should I get my currency exchanged on the black market for cup or should I take euros or Canadian dollars?

4. I have heard recently that LCDH shops are only accepting non US credit cards, is this the only option currently?

5. how can purchases be made at the "duty free" store at the departure area after the x ray (also heard only non US credit cards may be used)?

In regards to the currency, a lot has changed over the last year and I would genuinely appreciate anyone that can help out.

[DiavelLoco]

Good luck! Be sure to take enough CASH. . and not USD, since USD are not used or accepted now. I think EURO's are the currency used by most travelers now.

As of today or at least for the past couple of weeks, USD is back taking the throne in Cuba. Bring your USD if you have them. The street value is higher than euro or any other currencies. To give an example, in December 2021, USD100 is around 7000 MN and Euro100 is around 8500 MN. As of now, USD100 is around 10500 MN and Euro100 is around 10700 MN. Notice the big jump? Do the math and tell me which currency is better.

[HarryDubois]

I rely a lot on internet contacts and Cuba is different. So far I made few contacts on Instagram but we'll see how "productive" they will be.

A few weeks ago I posted here a lot of links to Facebook profiles of people in Cuba. I think I have two or three posts. Send them friend requests, then send their friends friend requests, etc.

I have no idea how many are actually female or are posting authentic photos. All will request phone recharges however obviously don't give money to anyone you have not physically met.

Also, this youtube video regarding prostitution in Havana is only 10 days old. In the comments the creator told me that it's still $30 a night.

https://youtu.be/QIciYMu6OqQ

[Onojdi]

Reading at your comments, thing doesn't look very bright. We'll see. I have some experience traveling around the world but I rely a lot on internet contacts and Cuba is different. So far I made few contacts on Instagram but we'll see how "productive" they will be.

So a square near Persevencia and the Malecon. Any other place where I can look around?

[Rebel Monger]

Their is no more exchange rate for US dollars? And if reading wrong what is it? Thanks, hard to believe they turn down us money as that's all that is sent over their from all the Florida strippers!!

They don't want the money sent directly to our relatives but to a type of card that our relatives can only use to shop in their stores where they sell everything way over priced. Let's put it this way, we Cubans living in USA wouldn't pay those prices here in this country, but we have too many Cubans allowing them to take advantage of us. As for me, I haven't sent any money since Western Union stopped to operate there.

Even if you take Euros with you, the exchange rate with the government sucks and they're beginning to criminalize the "black market" exchange which right now is over 100 CUP to the dollar and Euro while the "government" gives you 20 something CUP to the Euro.

[RacShack]

Good luck! Be sure to take enough CASH. . and not USD, since USD are not used or accepted now. I think EURO's are the currency used by most travelers now.

Their is no more exchange rate for US dollars? And if reading wrong what is it? Thanks, hard to believe they turn down us money as that's all that is sent over their from all the Florida strippers!!

[Ty Down]

Expect full report with the actual places and prices when I come back.

Good luck! Be sure to take enough CASH. . and not USD, since USD are not used or accepted now. I think EURO's are the currency used by most travelers now.

[NeilGeorge]

it is a cat and mouse game on the streets. Gals won't even look at you if there are police around. And they won't walk with you, generally don't want to talk very long. And they will not be obvious in any way.

Rates I have no idea.

In Cuba the girls respond to a whistle. Like whistling for a dog. Not offensive like in other feminist countries. And they will follow you to your casa particular (private residence or room) walking about 30 feet behind. If you get a cab you may have to tip the driver $10 because they know what is going on and could report the girls. $20-$40 is reasonable for all night. No BB, strictly with condoms. Their government puts out TV ads on their local govt channel. First offense, the girls get a ticket and no jail. Second time they get 30 days in detention, like a jail.