Havana

[Adinga]

I don't trust Cubans and can't run the risk of being ripped off.

Since I'm carrying cash I can't afford to make mistakes so I go to the Hotels. I've factored the currency conversion into the vacation cost.

[Chaman]

Is better to exchange for Euros at your country, you will get a better exchange rate that other currencies.

[Chaman]

There is a restaurant (or paladar) near downtown called Guajitiro.

The waiters are very sexy and attractive girls. This is may be the closest to a Hooters type of restaurant.

On my travels to Cuba the girls on this restaurant (IMHO) are far more beautiful than the ones you can find on.

Salon rojo, Casa de la Musica or la Cecila, Dos gardenias (that's were I have been) But the truth is that this girls are just working and are not looking for anything else,

I you buy a bottle of wine they can share a glass with you, but are not open to flirting, I guess.

One girl actually give me her phone but When I called she just give me lots of excuses.

My questions is have anyone been in this restaurant have been successful taking out with one of this girls?

[Tanesh]

Has anyone been to these discotec. Can you please tell me what's the going rate for girls in these club? Let me know as I am going there second week of September.

[John]

Hi Guys.

I am going to Cuba this trip starting Aug 9 to Sep3. We are two friends looking to rent a deceent place with 2 bed rooms and a place where it has privatE IN DOOR AND OUT DOOR.

Appreciate your help..

[RandyLahey]

I am not going to post Randy and Duniesky informations here but whoever need them just pm me and I will be more than happy to hook you up as long as you stay away from my chicks hahah.

Giotto Texan: If you're still around and willing to share this information, I would be happy to gift you a membership so we can exchange PM's.

[Bob Somewhat]

Why would you exchange in the hotel. That's like throwing 13 % of your money.

Have you tried the black market. I always had the guys give me the money near a bank, they'll wait outside while I go inside the bank to verify the authenticity of the bills they give me, then I pay them.

I need to know what they are giving now or recently on the BM for 100USD and also for 100CAD. Any Canadians here can tell me what kind of exchange rate they are getting now? I usually fly to Toronto first.

The way I see it when I'm trading to the bank, I'm funding the government.

Funding government- all the things we love about Cuba- continuance of black market economy- ability to continue getting laid.

Socialismo o Muerte indeed.

[BrasilSoccer0]

Why would you exchange in the hotel. That's like throwing 13 % of your money.

Have you tried the black market. I always had the guys give me the money near a bank, they'll wait outside while I go inside the bank to verify the authenticity of the bills they give me, then I pay them.

I need to know what they are giving now or recently on the BM for 100USD and also for 100CAD. Any Canadians here can tell me what kind of exchange rate they are getting now? I usually fly to Toronto first.

I was converting $200 everyday and getting 174 cuc at Cohiba hotel.

On $100 it be around 87 cuc.

[Charapa]

Hi you all,

I'm heading to Cuba next week and after reading a lot of posts I belive that the best way to have fun is to have a local friend / guide that can show me the city and places where to have good time with no-pros, so if you have any trusted contacts in Cuba that you can share with me I will appreciated.

Thanks and I will write my review as soon as I get back.

[Charapa]

At Giotto Texan, I'm sending you a pm to request for your guides Randy and Duniesky informations.

To all members, If you know guys in Cuba that can help me get around and have a good time, please send me pm!

Thanks to all for your feedback on your trip, I will do the same when I get back.

My second trip to Cuba, the first one was disapointing because I was staying in resort in Varadero and yall know how that goes, no bringing chicks in or it will cost you arm and leg to bring one in. But as a real hunter I didn't loose hope, I just got on the streets and make friends, I managed to make two cool friends with good heart on my first trip, Randy and Duniesky. On my second trip last month I made arrangement with my friends Randy and Duni to find me Casa particular where I can bring chicks in and we can cook and eat togather. They did the job and this second trip I was getting fresh meat almost every night, I mean from 7 to 9 non pros, straight good girls. I think I am falling in love with this one chick they hook me up with.

Well my second trip I told Randy to take vacation for the two weeks that I will be there just to hang with me. Randy and Duni they work in a brick company in town outside Varadero and they make only equivalent $15 a month, so I told them I will pay them 20 each just to hang with me for two weeks, to hook me up with good chick and protect me on streets. I would pay for drinks everytime we went out, It was cheaper because I was sending them to get drinks and they will get them at locals price, also their entrance in many places was $2 or less. These guys will bring me back change of all transactions they did unlike other countries I visited. They will get taxi and we would pay $2 what would cost tourist $50. For example our trip from Varadero to Havana it only cost me 5 cuc for both of us and return was 30 cuc private taxi straight to Varadero. This deal came out way cheaper than if I would go by my self..

[Adinga]

I was converting $200 everyday and getting 174 cuc at Cohiba hotel.

On $100 it be around 87 cuc.

[BrasilSoccer0]

Can someone tell me how much CUC they got for a 100 USD? Last time I was getting 90-92 CUC per 100USD But that was 2yrs ago. This of course in the streets.

Also, I booked on Avianca from Medellin. They switched us in the last 10 minutes to Copa. When I got to Havana, guess what? NO LUGGAGE! I had to wait for THREE days.

I flew CUBANA to and from Toronto and had no problem. Much cheaper for sure.

[Cuba Tourist]

Cubana was not fine for me. They told all the Americans they had no record of our tickets and made us wait in this tiny office for 2 hours and only let us on the plane 10 minutes before departure. It was like being treated as an undesirable. The airline is owned by the government and they act in a political manner. Also the planes are old and the technology is out of date. Still, it may be much cheaper. If possible, I would avoid them but it depends on how much difference in price-for $100, definitely avoid. For $400, go for it! Just my opinion.

[Rock Harders]

Mongers-

I can confirm from my trusted sources on the ground in Havana that Salon Rojo has indeed reopened and was only closed for repairs.

Suerte,

Rock Harders

[Combo]

Yes, Cubana is fine. As far as casas and other information is concerned, you will have to go beyond this site to other travel sites issues.

Yes, there are a few other options for cash. Duales. Com is another place you can use to transfer cash to a prepaid card you can use ONLY in Cuba. These services are all in located in Canada. For someone who lives in the US, it is better safe than sorry so take more than you need, as Cuba is not a good place to run out of cash. You will basically send them a cashier's check or a USPS money order weeks in advance, and you will then pick up your card either at the airport or at a local office in Havana. Bring your passport when you go for the pick up.

Also, make sure you do not arrive in Cuba with US currency, as they give a horrible exchange rate. You should be able to get Canadian $$, and don't wait until you get to Cancun, do it in Chicago. Good luck!

Thanks Velasco.

I'm going to check into Duales. I have a scary vision of losing my money and other documents (and God forbid my passport). It's worth the peace of mind to know you have a backup.