Havana

[QUOTE=Szx80;2938507]So once you have changed money and have your bricks of CUP notes, what can you do with them? Can you use them to pay for your Casa and so save as compared with paying the dollar price? How about things like dance lessons and nice food (where prices are set in USD or Euro) do they simply convert to CUP using the street rate, so you end up paying the same but have been to more trouble?

Are there any situation where you need to pay with a credit card (that is, can use neither USD nor CUP cash)?

And any hints on reducing the risk of exchanging money on the street?[/QUOTE]My last trip I had a very annoying typical Havana experience. I told my Airbnb host clearly I wanted to change 500 dollars to pesos on arrival. And they clearly agreed. And when I showed up they said sorry we only have 300 today. We could not have had a more clear agreement and they waited until I arrived to tell me I had to find a way to get 200 dollars changed elsewhere.

Anyways it didn't matter. It turned out girls preferred dollars to pesos this time. Probably because The value of the peso Is sinking so precipitously.

[QUOTE=Questner;2938625]Why would anyone use a credit card to pay in CUP and get the official exchange rate? Get your brick of CUP so you can use it as wallpaper or lit it up during a blackout. Here same as in Argentina now, onshore use cash, any cash and don't get stuck with CUP on a way home.[/QUOTE]Many places (like a casa and even a dance school) quote prices in USD or EUR. Obviously you can pay in foreign cash or maybe use a CC for extra convenience. If you ask to pay in CUP then they know the street exchange rate and so you don't gain anything but have been to some inconvenience by changing to get CUP. Obviously if you have changed at the bank and then use CUP to pay in this situation you are losing out big time.

I just got back from a two week+ trip in Habana. August is not the time I would recommend if you have a choice, but the intermittent storms cool things off a bit with the rain and wind. Mornings and late afternoon / early evening when the sun is low are the best times to walk about.

I'll get right to what everyone cares about: While I am not a streetwalker kind of guy, I do like my exercise, and it is fun to banter with the jineteras a little. Suffice to to say, if you look foreign (I. E. , non cuban) and do not have girls walking up to you on Prado and San Raphael, you're invisible. Some are really cute, but the streetwalkers are usually black chicks (85%) with some mullatas and the occasional white girl. There is definitely street action going on, and the later in the day, the better (I'd say the street action was the most robust I'd seen it). Yes the Jinateros can be annoying AF, just don't engage, look straight ahead and keep walking. Never respond to, "Amigo" or "Where are you from? Or anything else, girls excepted of course.

And yes, Cuba is a third world dump. But I view it like I would camping. I'm not a foodie so I don't give a shit. If you want to eat well, go on a cruise.

As for me, I did my usual online thing, and I have recruited some new stars (two of my starters have left the country, great for them, bad for my team, but I'm happy for them) . I had a great time and so did they (I have some tricks). Yes some girls offer better performance than others, but in my experience (five trips in 13 months), the experience is best if *both* parties are having fun. This may sound obvious, but I assure you there are ways to make even the most hardened pro hot for you. Leave her quivering and wide-eyed (there are ways to do this), and she'll be into you and the experience can be awe-inspiring. But if you're lowballing some girl, she's already going to be unhappy and you're starting in a hole, no pun intended.

Anyway, for you low ballers, there will always be girls for you in Habana. But a star who you'd happily take photos with at the Winter Formal and all your friends would be "holy shit! That's not going to be $40. It seems this board is largely populated by the cheapos, so I'll probably stop contributing except for trip reports. But don't worry about me inflating prices, as we are definitely not meeting the same girls.

[QUOTE=Szx80;2938507]So once you have changed money and have your bricks of CUP notes, what can you do with them? Can you use them to pay for your Casa and so save as compared with paying the dollar price? How about things like dance lessons and nice food (where prices are set in USD or Euro) do they simply convert to CUP using the street rate, so you end up paying the same but have been to more trouble?

Are there any situation where you need to pay with a credit card (that is, can use neither USD nor CUP cash)?[/QUOTE]Pesos are great for the little stores all over Havana (eg, Prado, San Raphael, and Obispo) that sell canned juices and sodas (some made in US), and snacks like potato chips and candy. Always good to have snacks in the casa for the ladies. I was surprised to find Lays, Snickers, Milky Way, and Twix, among others. Almost all stores want pesos, except for the government-run stores who want MLC. Cigar stores typically do denominate in USD. In the past year I have seen more and more US products on shelves. I spent far more pesos than ever this trip, and will ask for $3-400 worth from my hosts on my next trip.

As for US credit cards, there were two times it came in handy: 1) Buying my Cuban visa from the "Cuba desk" at Houston Airport (IAH). They would not take cash, but YMMV. And 2) at an Etecsa store in Habana, the clerk used my credit card to buy a mobile plan online. Sounds sketchy, I know, but it worked and I had no fraud on my card.

[QUOTE=JimmyStreets;2936562]I think what your not realizing is when you overpay for any goods or services. Including women you are causing the price to go up for everyone else. Cubans are amazing at sob stories. There all starving, etc etc. Take a look around. Did you see chubby or fat ones? I did quite often.[/QUOTE]This is hilarious reasoning. You call us simps and heroes who overpay, and yet we're supposed to give a shit about you, over some cubana down on her luck that gives us a good time? LOL! The girls I end up with I wouldn't want to share with you mongers anyway, jajaja. I assure you we are not shopping for the same things.

It's so funny how the cheapos shit all over Cuba, but don't see a correlation between their attitudes and their experiences in Cuba. I hit 8's and 9's all week and twice on Sundays, and none of those girls would be DTF for $40 LOL.

Vayas con dios, muchachos!

Another thing:

I pay everywhere I can in pesos, but a few times I didn't have enough on me and the restaurant wouldn't take credit cards.

Ever since I stash a couple of €50 notes in my wallet, if need arises.

[QUOTE=Mondo707;2938614]Your best bet is like the poster suggested, have your host exchange the currency to CUP, make sure you let him / her know in advance you want large bills only, ie, 500 or 1000 notes. Otherwise you'll end up with bricks, I know it happened to me a couple of trips back. Live and learn, right?

They usually take a 5 CUP cut from the street rate. No big deal for you. Just make sure you know the going street rate.

CC use is available if your CC is not from the USA. Sometimes the issue is connectivity but certainly works at lots of tourist places. Again, you need to know what the exchange rate is before pulling the trigger.

You can usually pay with CUP most anywhere except certain MLC places which it's too complicated for me to explain. The issue paying with USD / Euro at most places is that you'll usually get shorted from the street rate. So, in case you have to pay with either currency or cc make sure you ask what exchange rate they'll give before doing any transaction and you're good with it. For me if it's 5 or 10 CUP difference I won't sweat it.

You are welcome.

Mondo.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=JinaWrangler;2938889]I just got back from a two week+ trip in Habana. August is not the time I would recommend if you have a choice, but the intermittent storms cool things off a bit with the rain and wind. Mornings and late afternoon / early evening when the sun is low are the best times to walk about.
[/QUOTE]Wrangler, I enjoy reading your Cuba trip reports. I will be going on my first trip to Cuba end of this month. It'll be a four day trip. I will source all my chicas from Badoo as I am not into I've a few questions that I didn't find answers to in the forum.

1. Where should I buy travel health insurance for Cuba? I've read that it is mandatory. Someone on the forum said that it was included in the price of their ticket. I bought my ticket with points, and don't see travel insurance listed anywhere on the invoice.

2. I know I can get my Cuba visa at the airport. Can I fill out any forms in advance to make the process quicker? Do I need a passport size photo for the visa?

3. How do you spend your down time during the day when you are not with a girl? I would like to visit Fabrica de Arte in the evening, but would like things to do during the day. That's one thing I have struggled at in Medellin. How to fill the gaps during the day.

4. Are there any rooftop bars or restaurants that you would recommend, one with a great view of the water and sunset. I am staying in Old Havana.

[QUOTE=HumptyHump;2939326]Wrangler, I enjoy reading your Cuba trip reports. I will be going on my first trip to Cuba end of this month. It'll be a four day trip. I will source all my chicas from Badoo as I am not into I've a few questions that I didn't find answers to in the forum.

1. Where should I buy travel health insurance for Cuba? I've read that it is mandatory. Someone on the forum said that it was included in the price of their ticket. I bought my ticket with points, and don't see travel insurance listed anywhere on the invoice.[/QUOTE]Yeah it's included in your airfare. Contact your airline. But I always get travel health insurance from Geoblue so I can be evac'd should I get hit by a taxi or ecoli. For a trip as short as yours it's probably $20. They will pay up to a million to get you out of Cuba and into a US hospital. A no-brainer for me.

[QUOTE]2. I know I can get my Cuba visa at the airport. Can I fill out any forms in advance to make the process quicker? Do I need a passport size photo for the visa?[/QUOTE]No, it's not a real visa, just a tax by the Cuban government to come in and leave. It's like a little check that you fill out with a pen after you buy it (don't forget in Cuba they put the days before the months haha). Again, depending on the airport, they might not take cash, so be prepared with a US credit card.

Of course you know about the declaration form you submit within 48 hours of your travel?

[QUOTE]3. How do you spend your down time during the day when you are not with a girl? I would like to visit Fabrica de Arte in the evening, but would like things to do during the day. That's one thing I have struggled at in Medellin. How to fill the gaps during the day.[/QUOTE]Great question, as it's always my biggest issue. But in late August I'd say, stay inside and enjoy your AC haha. Actually, the Playas del Este are nice and fairly close. Mornings are best for exploring the stores, as it is cooler (I. E. 80 F haha). And of course since you're young and virile, maybe have a nooner and an evening rendezvous the same day. Only 4 days man, you have to be efficient haha.

[QUOTE]4. Are there any rooftop bars or restaurants that you would recommend, one with a great view of the water and sunset. I am staying in Old Havana.[/QUOTE]The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski has the nicest rooftop bar IMO. It's adjacent to the Hotel Parque Central (which is great for buying and smoking cigars, and buying a safe breakfast, and maybe hearing some live music on a Sunday morning). From Manzana Kempinski roof, you can see (and even hear music coming from) all the other downtown hotels at night. The Grand Packard has a nice outdoor bar, but it's not rooftop. It's carved into the front of the hotel around halfway up. It overlooks El Morro and the Havana Harbor mouth.

Have a great trip and give us a report.

1. Health insurance is included in your ticket. All US airlines include it as part of the fare. Even if you paid for your ticket with points, it will still be included. At least it was for me on American Airlines.

2. The "visa" / tourist card is a simple pink piece of paper, 2 on one sheet. No photos necessary. You don't even really need to fill it out ahead of time, no one has looked at it, much less asked for it on either trip. That said, I don't think you would get away with not having it. Buy it at the airport, they will setup a little rolling desk right in front of your departure gate about 30-60 minutes ahead of boarding. Super easy.

3. Go to the museums. There are several in Havana Vieja, including one down in the renovated section of old town, where they have rehabilitated a lot of old buildings. There's a museum right along the water, interesting historical artefacts from various shipwrecks, replicas of Spanish era galleons, etc. Super cheap too, something like $2 US to get in, if that. There are several places around like that.

Another option, if you like to get a ride around vs. Walking, is to grab one of the bici-taxis and have them give you a ride through town. They have a lot of information on various parts of the city, almost like a tour guide. I have a contact who I found particularly nice. He asks for a lot, but man, the bici-taxista work is DAMN hard, so I don't really mind paying him a fair rate.

My favorite option, since I like mojitos, is to walk through town, see what spots look good, stop in, sit down, drink a mojito. Enjoy the break from the sun, hopefully there's a breeze, then repeat another 2-3 times and you've spent a good few hours. Even better if the places have nice music. Live music is even better, which I encountered on occasion.

4. Rooftop places. I wish I could help there. I know there are some, but I just never did run across any of these either. If you are NOT American, you can go to either the Hotel Gran Packard (rooftop bar and pool area that's supposed to be very nice) or the other hotel caddy-corner from the Packard, right on the malecon, also with a rooftop bar area. They ONLY take credit cards, so if you're American, generally you're shit out of luck. But if you're not American, then check those places, prices seemed reasonable when I enquired.

Let us know how it goes and ENJOY!!

Nomars777.

[QUOTE=HumptyHump;2939326]Wrangler, I enjoy reading your Cuba trip reports. I will be going on my first trip to Cuba end of this month. It'll be a four day trip. I will source all my chicas from Badoo as I am not into I've a few questions that I didn't find answers to in the forum.

1. Where should I buy travel health insurance for Cuba? I've read that it is mandatory. Someone on the forum said that it was included in the price of their ticket. I bought my ticket with points, and don't see travel insurance listed anywhere on the invoice.

2. I know I can get my Cuba visa at the airport. Can I fill out any forms in advance to make the process quicker? Do I need a passport size photo for the visa?

3. How do you spend your down time during the day when you are not with a girl? I would like to visit Fabrica de Arte in the evening, but would like things to do during the day. That's one thing I have struggled at in Medellin. How to fill the gaps during the day.

4. Are there any rooftop bars or restaurants that you would recommend, one with a great view of the water and sunset. I am staying in Old Havana.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=HumptyHump;2939326]Wrangler, I enjoy reading your Cuba trip reports. I will be going on my first trip to Cuba end of this month. It'll be a four day trip. I will source all my chicas from Badoo as I am not into I've a few questions that I didn't find answers to in the forum.

1. Where should I buy travel health insurance for Cuba? I've read that it is mandatory. Someone on the forum said that it was included in the price of their ticket. I bought my ticket with points, and don't see travel insurance listed anywhere on the invoice.

2. I know I can get my Cuba visa at the airport. Can I fill out any forms in advance to make the process quicker? Do I need a passport size photo for the visa?

3. How do you spend your down time during the day when you are not with a girl? I would like to visit Fabrica de Arte in the evening, but would like things to do during the day. That's one thing I have struggled at in Medellin. How to fill the gaps during the day.

4. Are there any rooftop bars or restaurants that you would recommend, one with a great view of the water and sunset. I am staying in Old Havana.[/QUOTE]I'm the one that posted about the health insurance. Like I said, health insurance is included in the cost of your tix to Cuba. I'm taking for granted you're a gringo, right? Like I said before, find the copy from your CC and make a screenshot for your phone. If you read thru all the charges, one if for such insurance.

This link has all the info you need for your 2nd question. Español & English.

[URL]https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/assets/pdf/ManualDViajeros.pdf[/URL]

I'm a late riser, nonetheless, in case you're a Cuban music aficionado (timba / salsa), Casa de la Musica Miramar has matinees from 4 to 9 pm daily. Difference from the late session is less hard core ones and more civies to hook up with.

For rooftop bar in Habana vieja, most hotels have one. I go to the Inglaterra hotel and usually have dinner and enjoy the view.

Now, Humpty, hope this helps you out, just one thing, would you post your adventures when you get back?

You are welcome.

Mondo.

Thanks for all the tips and advise guys. It is much appreciated. I confirmed on the American airways website that health insurance is included in the ticket, even when the ticket is bought with points. I didn't know that I needed to fill out a health form for Cuba 2 days before travel. Will look into it.

I got a place in Havana Vieja. Made an account on Badoo and made contact with a number of chicas. Some of them are down to meet. No one has mentioned anything about money yet. One girl already said she wants to stay the night, since she will be coming from out of town. I wanted to ask, is there any risk of the girls drugging and robbing you? I know its a big concern in Medellin, so wanted to assess the risk in Cuba.

Is there anywhere I can buy generic Cialis? Has anyone tried it in Cuba? I have never needed it before, but I like to be with at least two girls each day on my travels, and I was having some trouble doing it the second time after a few days of non stop fucking.

I will be sure to write a trip report, as I have done with my Medellin trips.

[QUOTE=HumptyHump;2939975]Thanks for all the tips and advise guys. It is much appreciated. I confirmed on the American airways website that health insurance is included in the ticket, even when the ticket is bought with points. I didn't know that I needed to fill out a health form for Cuba 2 days before travel. Will look into it.

I got a place in Havana Vieja. Made an account on Badoo and made contact with a number of chicas. Some of them are down to meet. No one has mentioned anything about money yet. One girl already said she wants to stay the night, since she will be coming from out of town. I wanted to ask, is there any risk of the girls drugging and robbing you? I know its a big concern in Medellin, so wanted to assess the risk in Cuba.

Is there anywhere I can buy generic Cialis? Has anyone tried it in Cuba? I have never needed it before, but I like to be with at least two girls each day on my travels, and I was having some trouble doing it the second time after a few days of non stop fucking.

I will be sure to write a trip report, as I have done with my Medellin trips.[/QUOTE]No risk of being drugged. The girls are desperate there, so petty theft if possible in your room. Lock everything when she is there. I have had shampoo, wipes, toothpaste taken. Not a big deal, but it's difficult to find quality replacement products after. Bring your own Cialis / Viagra. There are jineteros on street corners offering Viagra and everything else possible but I wouldn't trust it. Also, bring whatever meds you need and may need for yourself, such as an antibiotic just in case. There is nothing in the pharmacies and the black market is hit and miss. Lots to see around, especially if you like history. I did a one day private tour with taxi of the Bay of Pigs, about 3. 5 hours away, so a full day. Vinales is closer and a nice day trip. Trinidad is beautiful but need to sleep over one night at least. Beach at Playas del Este / Guanabo is actually quite nice. Cuba is Cuba, no other way to describe it.

Thanks for the tip about antibiotics. Will need to check if anyone has a full dose lying around. Will check with my doctor if they will prescribe a dose in advance.

I keep hearing about Vinales. If I can find a chica whose company I enjoy, maybe I'll take her.

[QUOTE=Hilfinger;2940085]Also, bring whatever meds you need and may need for yourself, such as an antibiotic just in case. [/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=HumptyHump;2940153]Thanks for the tip about antibiotics. Will need to check if anyone has a full dose lying around. Will check with my doctor if they will prescribe a dose in advance.

I keep hearing about Vinales. If I can find a chica whose company I enjoy, maybe I'll take her.[/QUOTE]Honestly, when I went, the only medical things I took were some bandaids, a half used tube of polysporin, a small bottle of Tylenol and a couple of travel sized hand sanitizers. At the end of my trip, I ended up giving it all to the last girl anyways (along with whatever rubbers I had left).

Personally, I think going through the trouble of getting a bottle of antibiotics is a little overkill for a week's vacation. But that's just me.

As for the girls, I agree with Hilfinger that I'd be more worried about leaving the girl alone in my room for any period of time more than her trying to slip me something and rob me. When my buddy was done banging a chick once, he went to wash up a bit and came back to her going through one of his bags. He gave her the boot super quick at that point. Funny thing is, she then had the balls to write him the next day to say she had a great time and if he'd like to see her again. No shame.

So moral of that story is to make sure your stuff is locked up before inviting any girls back to your place. If you don't have a safe in the room, at least take one of those little combo luggage locks and don't leave anything of value out if you're going to leave the girl in your room unattended. I personally have never run across that issue, but once is all it takes to wake you up to it.

Lastly, as for money, the girls won't really want to say anything before hand cause they want you in front of them with a hard-on so they can ask for whatever they want. Before they arrive make sure they give you a price or you offer something that they say yes to, just to save your own time of having to kick a girl out if she asks for more than you're willing to pay.

[QUOTE=EMode;2940180]
So moral of that story is to make sure your stuff is locked up before inviting any girls back to your place. [/QUOTE]The place I got has two bedrooms. So I'll use one bedroom exclusively for the girls, and use the other one to keep my stuff, sleep, etc. I am talking to one girl that wants to take me to a live music event at the malecon for the "summer closing festival". Sounds fun. Super sweet girl and does not give off any pro vibes at all. Will play it by ear as far as the money talk is concerned. I don't mind kicking girls to the curb if they ask for too much.

Good idea to get the 2 bedroom place. I did the same for my second Airbnb and that was great. Kept all my stuff locked in BR2 and used BR1 for the sessions with the girls.

Love the idea of a non-pro and going to the live music festival, should be a great time.

Let us know how your trip goes when you get rolling!

[QUOTE=HumptyHump;2940492]The place I got has two bedrooms. So I'll use one bedroom exclusively for the girls, and use the other one to keep my stuff, sleep, etc. I am talking to one girl that wants to take me to a live music event at the malecon for the "summer closing festival". Sounds fun. Super sweet girl and does not give off any pro vibes at all. Will play it by ear as far as the money talk is concerned. I don't mind kicking girls to the curb if they ask for too much.[/QUOTE]

This is my MO as well. There is my bedroom, and then there's the room where the magic happens. I keep most of my possessions in my suitcases which have robust TSA locks, in the sleep room. Yes the bedroom door has a lock, but IMO the locked suitcases are a sufficient deterrent. A couple times, girls stayed really late (like when there is a storm and taxis won't drive), and I've brought them into the sleep room to nap with me a little until the storm passes and the taxis start rolling again. Fortunately, they were very affectionate and agreeable types who are fun to hang with. But my usual MO is to call them a taxi ASAP after business is completed.

Also, try to get an AirBNB with a safe. Not bank vault secure, but you're trying to stop casual thieves, not master safe crackers.

When I leave the unit, I always take my drivers license on me and leave my passport in the safe, so both won't likely be stolen at once. I also split my cash in that manner.

And yeah find a young sweet one with little or no experience and that can have GFE vibes. Believe it or not, one beauty I was with last trip said she'd only been with one other guy (who knocked her up). She was from a more remote neighborhood and she was incredibly nervous, so I believed her. Does it matter if it's true so long as I believe it, hahaha? This is why BTW it may be worth it to import girls from more remote areas, as they are less likely to be experienced pros with the 1000 cock stare jjj.

[QUOTE=HumptyHump;2940492]The place I got has two bedrooms. So I'll use one bedroom exclusively for the girls, and use the other one to keep my stuff, sleep, etc. I am talking to one girl that wants to take me to a live music event at the malecon for the "summer closing festival". Sounds fun. Super sweet girl and does not give off any pro vibes at all. Will play it by ear as far as the money talk is concerned. I don't mind kicking girls to the curb if they ask for too much.[/QUOTE]