General Info

[DMonger2013]

First, what part of Cuba are you going to. Which city?

We are flying into Havana and looking for a casa along the outskirts or by the marina. We were also considering going down when they Cigar Festival was on in late February 2014. Any thoughts on going down then? There were two arguments by my buddies about going during the festival. One argument was that there would be more cuban women looking for foreigners because it would be busier, making the opportunities much better for me and my buddies. The other argument was that if it was really busy with tourists then the ratio of women to men would be less because of the sheer amount of tourists looking for the chicas.

Has anyone had this experience during the festival?

[Mickee]

Gents,

I've never been to Cuba but hear you can still have a blast if you know the lay of the land. I'm going with some buddies one of which has been down there twice. He had a guy that would set him up daily with semi-pros. My buddy has been trying to contact him for our upcoming trip in February but the guy hasnt been answering his phone. None of us speak very good spanish so I'm looking for someone who has contacts in Cuba that can look after us.

I'm new to this forum and know that enough that I won't get contacts through the forum but rather through "private messaging". Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

First, what part of Cuba are you going to. Which city?

[DMonger2013]

Gents,

I've never been to Cuba but hear you can still have a blast if you know the lay of the land. I'm going with some buddies one of which has been down there twice. He had a guy that would set him up daily with semi-pros. My buddy has been trying to contact him for our upcoming trip in February but the guy hasnt been answering his phone. None of us speak very good spanish so I'm looking for someone who has contacts in Cuba that can look after us.

I'm new to this forum and know that enough that I won't get contacts through the forum but rather through "private messaging". Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

[Ilasan2]

Nightclubs are the best places to go to when you want to look for a hot mami or papi. Nothing makes them want to show off some skin but the dance floor. Cuba is one of those countries that have a close- knit relationship with music. Unlike in the US, Cuba's music is more of like salsa and reggae. So stop booty shaking because that's not how they roll. They want a smooth dancer who knows how to sway his / her hips as the beat from the congas fill the air. It's a Latin America country- think of J Lo.

Go to a park. It might be old- fashioned you may say but this could save you from the expensive drinks at the bar. Just stroll and wander around parks and you could see women and men there. Just hanging around and waiting for a 'service' they'the be glad enough to give you. Cuban mamis and papis in the bar charge around 80 dollars while those who just wait outside could give you anything for as low as 4 dollars. If they do well and if they really blow your mind with the wonders of their sexy bodies and their greatness in performing, throw in a ten and they'll surely appreciate it.

The farther you go, the better the bargain. So if you are one of those cheapskates and you would want to get a good deal with the smallest offer you can give, then Cuba can make you have a sextravaganza at the cheapest price. Let's say you got out of the club, went past the park and you still can't afford a Cuban hottie or hunk. Well, just keep on walking. The lesser the girls and guys, the better chances of bargaining. These prostitutes would rather offer a lower price in order to get some money just to provide what they need. They perform better once you have talked about the deal.

[Velasco]

What items do the jiniteras go crazy for from the first world? .

A few thoughts, and these are things that go beyond jineteras. I have mentioned this here before and I will mention it again. I think the BEST gift you can give a Cuban is a set of towels (Face, hair and body). Second would be a set of bedsheets and pillowcases. 100% cotton since it gets hot there, I think most beds tend to be doubles. Other ideas.

1- I would say some good quality makeup / nail Polish. Cubanas are pretty savvy about this stuff, so don't bring cheap crap. Nail Polish REMOVER too. Soap is good, but is pretty heavy when you are talking about airline luggage.

2- A nice purse will go a long way. I have picked up some knockoff bags that earned me quite some goodwill.

3- Sneakers, even if they are your own. Ask her if she knows someone who could use them. If not, she can sell / barter them.

4- Baseball hats.

5- Tylenol / ibuprofen and other painkillers.

6- Bras, though the problem is you don't know the size of the woman you are going to meet. I once brought bras to a Cubana on a return trip, but she was unaware of her bra size and they were too large. They probably ended up with one of her older sisters. She has two older sisters that are bustier. In her defense, I once saw a magazine article stating that over 30% of women don't really know their bra size.

[Wet Nose]

I've read that toiletries are really expensive in Cuba but I'm not going to pack a bunch of tampons in my suitcase even though that would be a golden idea. I'd feel too weird doing that. Although for other mongers that might be a brilliant way to make mongering down there way cheaper. Perhaps cheap perfume or shampoo?

Get a sack of chocolate bars and go nuts. Cuban chocolate is AWFUL. If you know a local cuban, a bottle of Bacardi is like a sly in-joke.

[The Dirty Pirate]

What items do the jiniteras go crazy for from the first world? I'm trying to collect all my old electronics that I don't need / want to get rid of (old laptop, phone, etc) and just give it away when I go down there to girls who make me happy as an incentive for better performance. From RTTF it seems like gifts go a long way with Cuba's non-professional putas. What are some small gifts that are cheap but highly valued in Cuba that I can fit into my luggage that won't [CodeWord140] of Cuban immigration?

I've read that toiletries are really expensive in Cuba but I'm not going to pack a bunch of tampons in my suitcase even though that would be a golden idea. I'd feel too weird doing that. Although for other mongers that might be a brilliant way to make mongering down there way cheaper. Perhaps cheap perfume or shampoo?

I'd love to hear tips from guys with experience with gifting cheap gifts to las cubanas and their families that went along way. Not looking to sell anything for profit but just to improve the GFE experience in a cost-effective manner.

I snag all the hotel soaps and shampoos from any hotel stay between trips to Cuba, and then take all that shit LOL. They love it and it doesn't cost me anything really. I have also taken cheap clothing and things like tylenol. They like sweets too, a bag of those fun-sized Hershey bars allows basically everyone to grab a handful.

[Onibmab]

What items do the jiniteras go crazy for from the first world? I'm trying to collect all my old electronics that I don't need / want to get rid of (old laptop, phone, etc) and just give it away when I go down there to girls who make me happy as an incentive for better performance. From RTTF it seems like gifts go a long way with Cuba's non-professional putas. What are some small gifts that are cheap but highly valued in Cuba that I can fit into my luggage that won't [CodeWord140] of Cuban immigration?

I've read that toiletries are really expensive in Cuba but I'm not going to pack a bunch of tampons in my suitcase even though that would be a golden idea. I'd feel too weird doing that. Although for other mongers that might be a brilliant way to make mongering down there way cheaper. Perhaps cheap perfume or shampoo?

I'd love to hear tips from guys with experience with gifting cheap gifts to las cubanas and their families that went along way. Not looking to sell anything for profit but just to improve the GFE experience in a cost-effective manner.

[Kalifornication]

Senior Member El Chico could not be further off from the Truth.

In every province there is a black market for the exchange of American Currency. Why? Because most Cubans, at least those that travel, are not heading on to Canada. They are going to the USA or some other foreign location (perhaps on a mission (e. g., medical mission).

The CUC, as we all know, is monopoly money not valid outside of Cuba. When Cubans travel, and many do, they need and prefer the American dollar. To that end, the black market. Where are these folks. Everywhere. Just ask your casa particular owner to refer you to someone that desires to exchange CUC for the American dollar. They are also standing outside most currency exchange offices, just stand around for a bit and they will find you. The best bet is, if you are going to wait outside a currency exchange office, is to choose one embedded in a "Cuban" neighborhood, that is, where the Cubans live, as far away from the tourist zones as possible. That is where you will get the better rates. I just changes $1500 American for an exact $1500 CUC a week ago from my girls aunt. She has money and her son is off to Brazil, so this is a poor example. But I will tell you this, from my personal experience as I never change at the Cardeca, In Havana they will give $90 CUC for $100 American, in Santiago, a poorer town, they will give $85 CUC for $100 American. A month ago in Santa Clara, a place I know very very well as a location outside the tourist zone from a fella I know that does this as his business, I got $96 CUC for every $100 American. This very moment in Santa Clara, the rate is about $93 CUC for $100 American.

Hence, much better then the exchange at the official office.

There is no black market for changing foreign currency like you will find in countries like Venezuela. Not one that is readily available anyway. I have never heard of black market rates and anyone on the street will give you a worse rate than at the bank.

If you bring CAD you will get an OK rate. No different than if you went to Europe and changed your money at a bank. Banks always take a 2 or 3 point margin off the current spot price. Today the spot rate for CAD / USD is 0. 971 and Cuban banks are giving 0. 9706 CUC so you can't complain. You can see the rates at:

http://www.cubacurrency.com/exchange_rates.html

The only thing is that a bank may give a slightly better rate than at the airport or a CADECA, so only change a bit at the airport and find a bank later. There is also a 10% tax on USD so don't bring it. Bring CAD or Euros.

[El Chico]

Actually this site is better because it show the buy sell: http://www.bc.gov.cu/Espanol/tipo_ca...ROPOLITANO.asp

To buy 1 CUC it will cost you 1. 07249 CAD (or CAD / CUC = 0. 9324). So today they are adding about 0. 4 to the spot price which is not unlike any other bank in the world.

[El Chico]

Gents, it's a simple question really and you don't need to go into explaining the details!

How much why'all getting in CUC on the black market for every 100USD and 100 CAD NOW?

Is is a question for those like me who exchange on the black market and not for someone to speculate on what he has never experienced.

Thank you for your understanding.

There is no black market for changing foreign currency like you will find in countries like Venezuela. Not one that is readily available anyway. I have never heard of black market rates and anyone on the street will give you a worse rate than at the bank.

If you bring CAD you will get an OK rate. No different than if you went to Europe and changed your money at a bank. Banks always take a 2 or 3 point margin off the current spot price. Today the spot rate for CAD / USD is 0. 971 and Cuban banks are giving 0. 9706 CUC so you can't complain. You can see the rates at: http://www.cubacurrency.com/exchange_rates.html

The only thing is that a bank may give a slightly better rate than at the airport or a CADECA, so only change a bit at the airport and find a bank later. There is also a 10% tax on USD so don't bring it. Bring CAD or Euros.

[BrasilSoccer0]

Gents, it's a simple question really and you don't need to go into explaining the details!

How much why'all getting in CUC on the black market for every 100USD and 100 CAD NOW?

Is is a question for those like me who exchange on the black market and not for someone to speculate on what he has never experienced.

Thank you for your understanding.

[Sammytheman]

The rates in Cuba a similar to the rates you will get at any bank in the world. 1 CUC = 1 USD. Therefore, if the spot rate for CAD is currently. 95 USD, there will be a. 02 to. 03 difference, so you might get 0. 92 CUC for $1 CAD.

If 1 CDN equals. 95 USD, and CUC is equivalent to USD then why these commies give. 92 for 1 CDN?

[El Chico]

Posted this Q on Havana thread and someone quoted me 87cuc / 100usd rate. Which is really poor rate. But he did exchanged in a hotel!

What rates why'all getting on the black market? Please state where and when.

Also to fellow Canadians, what rates are why'all getting for your cad?

Gracias.

The rates in Cuba a similar to the rates you will get at any bank in the world. 1 CUC = 1 USD. Therefore, if the spot rate for CAD is currently. 95 USD, there will be a. 02 to. 03 difference, so you might get 0. 92 CUC for $1 CAD.

The extra difference with changing USD is the additional 10% charge because it is hard for them to handle USD due to the embargo. Therefore it becomes. 90 less the usual. 03 margin to get to the 0. 87 which sounds reasonable.

In the end, don't bring USD if you want a proper rate. Bring CAD or Euros.

[BrasilSoccer0]

Posted this Q on Havana thread and someone quoted me 87cuc / 100usd rate. Which is really poor rate. But he did exchanged in a hotel!

What rates why'all getting on the black market? Please state where and when.

Also to fellow Canadians, what rates are why'all getting for your cad?

Gracias.