Havana

Question question about getting into Cuba. If you fly from an airport outside of the USA on a separate ticket, using a foreign carrier, then how would US immigration officials ever even know that you visited Cuba, unless they notice an entry stamp in your passport?

I know that Cuba requires you to pay an entry voucher fee. But why would Cuba send info back to the US that one of their citizens is entering the country, when there's still hostility between the 2 governments and they cooperate on very little?

It seems to me like this is the easier route than coming up with one of the 13 permissible purposes, then risk being audited later, asking to provide receipts on where you stayed and spent your money.

[QUOTE=VanessasClient;2875951]Question question about getting into Cuba. If you fly from an airport outside of the USA ... then risk being audited later, asking to provide receipts on where you stayed and spent your money.[/QUOTE]You're overthinking it. USA'ans are allowed into Cuba for 12 reasons: family visits, journalism, etc. Number 7 is "supporting the Cuban people". Check box 7.

[QUOTE=VanessasClient;2875951]Question question about getting into Cuba. If you fly from an airport outside of the USA on a separate ticket, using a foreign carrier, then how would US immigration officials ever even know that you visited Cuba, unless they notice an entry stamp in your passport?

I know that Cuba requires you to pay an entry voucher fee. But why would Cuba send info back to the US that one of their citizens is entering the country, when there's still hostility between the 2 governments and they cooperate on very little?

It seems to me like this is the easier route than coming up with one of the 13 permissible purposes, then risk being audited later, asking to provide receipts on where you stayed and spent your money.[/QUOTE]I agree with JC, just put a check mark on "help to the Cuban people" whichever number that is.

I'd add just one caveat, do not lie to USA Customs when you go thru customs. Not sure if they can have access to your travel to Cuba, nonetheless, in today's world of AI and connectivity who knows if they have access to your travels. So, that's just me, also, I don't think they'd require receipts. I think it's just their M. O. To scare / making it more challenging for people so they'd stay away from Cuba and starve the dollars that Cuba brings in for its economy. Make it as hard as possible and some people will choose to go elsewhere, I. E. Colombia, D.R. Etc.

Enjoy your trip and report when you come back.

Mondo.

I just got back from a four-night trip to Havana on Monday. I was my first time in Cuba and I traveled solo direct through Miami. I do speak (adult learned and not perfect but good) Spanish.

I had a great time. I didn't find it that much more primitive third world than say Colombia. There were no lights on the streets and lots of huge potholes, smog and noise but there lots of great bars and restaurants. I've seen people here disparage the "tourist traps" like the Floridita and Bodeguita del Medio but I had a great time at those places. The drinks are excellent and great Cuban music. Both were Hemingway hangouts and are full of international tourists. Being an American myself I can say this tourist places where there are not many Americans are a lot less obnoxious LOL.

A quick comment to the question as to whether it would be easier to fly through a third country vs. Using the "support of the Cuban people" exemption and flying direct. The entire extent of the inquiry into my using that category of exemption was the American Airlines counter person asking which exemption I was flying under. It never came up again at any point in the traveling. I put together a minimal journal and had it with me, but no one ever asked. The only thing the US immigration person asked was whether I had any alcohol or tobacco products. On the Cuban side they looked at my passport, visa and health print out, didn't stamp anything and said welcome to Cuba. I think it's safe to say at least in my experience no one on either side gives a $hit that you are going to Cuba.

Another thing that comes up all the time is whether the casa Airbnb will allow visitors. I got one that was listed as "entire apartment for your use" and in the rules only said one guest at a time. I had no problem at all. The owner and the host person wasn't around and the neighbors didn't care. On Sunday night a girl had to step over some neighbors on the front step to come up and no one cared or was surprised at all.

The host set me up with a SIM card and took me to someone's house to change dollars at 255. I changed $600 and honestly it was too much. I couldn't find ways to spend that much in four days even including the girls.

Yea so the girls. Absolutely super high quality. Walking through parque central or san Rafael anytime after dark there are tons of super beautiful girls of all types. I did not see even one police person. I'm sure they are there but I didn't see them. The fact that it's so dark everywhere makes it easier. My experience was you can talk to them without a problem. On my second night a totally sweet little 18 yo approached me in parque central before I even got rolling. She already had her identification out LOL. She had a big unattractive friend who stayed back. Without me even asking she said $20 US. We sealed that with a DFK right there and just gave her my address and said stop by in an hour. Pretty much wifed up after that. Once I had her in the light she was almost flawless with only a couple of small tattoos and tiny bit of smoker's breath. She was my perfect right off the farm type. She didn't know how to handle herself so just treated me like any boyfriend. I have had black girls before but always sort of quickies never really got to luxuriate over one. Wow that skin was something I will remember. I brought some Victoria secrets things and that sent her into another level. Suddenly wanted photos and videos. She actually wanted to wear one of the cute little things home and I had to tell her she couldn't wear that on the street LOL. Needless to say I was a lot more generous than $20.

Yea it was a great trip.

I plan on going to Cuba in Jan. I was wondering if anyone with experience can tell me if there is a party scene where I can pick up girls. Pros or semi pros. Instead of picking up street walkers.

[QUOTE=MrJibb;2869028]So I just arrive in Cuba again this year, this time staying 2 months mostly in Varadero to kitesurf and relax. I went 1 month last year so I'm not a newbie and well prepared this time. Thought I'd give some intel how the situation is right now.

Badoo is SUUUUPER easy, in the street easy too, easy to approach anyone you want. You probably need to speak a little Spanish as most don't know a word of English. Some do, but 1 in every 100 probably. Some you can take out to dinner and drinks, give them some extra cash and they're happy. Some will just want the action and the cash straight up. All ages, types, shapes and sizes are available, it's very easy here and fun. Havana in general is a shithole but it has its good spots and places too, not too many though. I prefer other parts of Cuba, Vinales, Varadero, Cienfuegos and so on. More quiet, chill vibe, and you're able to find girls there too if you look a little harder.[/QUOTE]Can you advise as to how to best use badoo in havana? Can you do preliminary research? Or does it only work once on the ground there?

Any tips for 1st time user. ?

I know Havana well but would love to add badoo to the repertoire.

Thanks!

Any tips for a badoo user in Havana? They say it works well. I know Havana well, but would like to add BAdoo to repertoire if it really works.

Does it?

Any tips for a first time user? Is it only effective when in the ground in Cuba? Or also as preliminary research?

[QUOTE=Sangnyc21;2877851]I plan on going to Cuba in Jan. I was wondering if anyone with experience can tell me if there is a party scene where I can pick up girls. Pros or semi pros. Instead of picking up street walkers.[/QUOTE]I've posted about this place before, it's called La Esencia. Mostly civies and a few UTR's before Covid they used to have specials on Fridays and the place was packed. Link below. On my trip this year I didn't make it so let's know if you visit. FYI, on Mondays I was told they have gay night.

[URL]https://havana-live.com/restaurants/la-esencia/[/URL]

The other place I'd recommend would be FAC (fabrica del arte cubano) This place gets pack with civies and a few pro's and UTR's but mostly civies. Link below. Fridays and Saturdays are packed, don't know about other nights.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cuban+Art+Factory/@23.1274933,-82.4099062,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88cd774005ffa967:0xfa1cbb54271580c1!8m2!3d23.1274933!4d-82.4099062!16s%2Fg%2F11fy_q74_3?entry=ttu

Trip advisor
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147271-d6979715-Reviews-Fabrica_De_Arte_Cubano-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html


Report back after your trip.

Mondo.

ps, Btw, I'll be flying in on the 17th until the 31st of January.

[QUOTE=TravelerXX;2878008]Any tips for a badoo user in Havana? They say it works well. I know Havana well, but would like to add BAdoo to repertoire if it really works.

Does it?

Any tips for a first time user? Is it only effective when in the ground in Cuba? Or also as preliminary research?[/QUOTE]I'm asking the same question, haha.

Hope someone chimes in as far as usefulness in la Habana. I browsed thru some of the prospects in la Habana and there were (it seems) a few worthy of attention.

Mondo.

[QUOTE=Mondo707;2878153]I'm asking the same question, haha.

Hope someone chimes in as far as usefulness in la Habana. I browsed thru some of the prospects in la Habana and there were (it seems) a few worthy of attention.

Mondo.[/QUOTE]Just put up any photo and say you're in Havana for fun and you will get plenty of matches. Half of the girls are too unsophisticated to put up fake photos. I was there in the spring of this year.

[QUOTE=JohnClayton;2878158]Just put up any photo and say you're in Havana for fun and you will get plenty of matches. Half of the girls are too unsophisticated to put up fake photos. I was there in the spring of this year.[/QUOTE]Do I have to pay subscribe and / oror use Badoo by phone? It works on my computer which is nice, but tell me the best way to navigate he app?

Sorry bro, I have been in the game and in Cuba a ton but never used the app.

Now I want to because it sounds great!

Is it useuful for preliminary research and making contact or ONLY on the ground in Cuba on a Cuban line?

Yes, FAC is a no-bariner. Hopefully it is not closed when you are there. It closes after the NY for a few weeks.

MONDO: What abiout Essencia? I am going to check it out. Can you describe it the tell us what it has to offer? Hot single women or hot working women? Or both?

[QUOTE=Mondo707;2878152]I've posted about this place before, it's called La Esencia. Mostly civies and a few UTR's before Covid they used to have specials on Fridays and the place was packed. Link below. On my trip this year I didn't make it so let's know if you visit. FYI, on Mondays I was told they have gay night.

[URL]https://havana-live.com/restaurants/la-esencia/[/URL]

The other place I'd recommend would be FAC (fabrica del arte cubano) This place gets pack with civies and a few pro's and UTR's but mostly civies. Link below. Fridays and Saturdays are packed, don't know about other nights.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cuban+Art+Factory/@23.1274933,-82.4099062,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88cd774005ffa967:0xfa1cbb54271580c1!8m2!3d23.1274933!4d-82.4099062!16s%2Fg%2F11fy_q74_3?entry=ttu

Trip advisor
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147271-d6979715-Reviews-Fabrica_De_Arte_Cubano-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html


Report back after your trip.

Mondo.

ps, Btw, I'll be flying in on the 17th until the 31st of January.[/QUOTE]

Most nights are packed, every Thursday to Sunday when it's not closed for renovations. Often but not always in May and early-January.

[QUOTE=Mondo707;2878152]I've posted about this place before, it's called La Esencia. Mostly civies and a few UTR's before Covid they used to have specials on Fridays and the place was packed. Link below. On my trip this year I didn't make it so let's know if you visit. FYI, on Mondays I was told they have gay night.

[URL]https://havana-live.com/restaurants/la-esencia/[/URL]

The other place I'd recommend would be FAC (fabrica del arte cubano) This place gets pack with civies and a few pro's and UTR's but mostly civies. Link below. Fridays and Saturdays are packed, don't know about other nights.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cuban+Art+Factory/@23.1274933,-82.4099062,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88cd774005ffa967:0xfa1cbb54271580c1!8m2!3d23.1274933!4d-82.4099062!16s%2Fg%2F11fy_q74_3?entry=ttu

Trip advisor
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147271-d6979715-Reviews-Fabrica_De_Arte_Cubano-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html


Report back after your trip.

Mondo.

ps, Btw, I'll be flying in on the 17th until the 31st of January.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=JohnClayton;2878158]Just put up any photo and say you're in Havana for fun and you will get plenty of matches. Half of the girls are too unsophisticated to put up fake photos. I was there in the spring of this year.[/QUOTE]I am wondering the best way it works. I just use a stadard account? Clock on the ones I like until one clocks back? And then we can chat?

Can you explain to a guy totally new to this app stuff.

[QUOTE=JohnClayton;2878158]Just put up any photo and say you're in Havana for fun and you will get plenty of matches. Half of the girls are too unsophisticated to put up fake photos. I was there in the spring of this year.[/QUOTE]I'm heading to Havana and going to try Badoo. Mind if I ask a few questions?

Are there a lot of girls there in Havana or slim pickings? Is Badoo the best site?

Do you need to verify your account with ID or something?

Is it worth paying for a premium membership?