Travel Questions and Advice

[Mondo707]

Thank you for the replies Mondo, Mr. G and VF. I suspected that was the case with the money, but so much was made of how desirable the greenback was that I thought I'd check.

Seems like finding a semi-reasonably priced hotel room for the first night in Havana is going to be challenging with the upsurge in travelers from the US. I may just go with a casa particular from day 1.

One website I found actually lists whether each casa is guest friendly which is handy but the prices didn't seem that great. If anyone has a suggestion for a good casa in Vedado or a good website, please PM me.

Thanks again! WS.

Hey WS,

I was planning to go this November for music fest but a couple of things bum me out. 1st direct flights from the West Coast won't happen till early 2017 and my place in Vedado is all booked up for November.

I mentioned this cause when I email the apt owner I got "we have vacancies for December" back from them. So, that said, if you are interested in this place PM me for the info.

This place is in a primo Vedado location right on the corner of the famous Malecon.

Just one thing, not knowing you I hope if you end staying don't mess it up for me.

Mondo.

[Walk Softly]

Thank you for the replies Mondo, Mr. G and VF. I suspected that was the case with the money, but so much was made of how desirable the greenback was that I thought I'd check.

Seems like finding a semi-reasonably priced hotel room for the first night in Havana is going to be challenging with the upsurge in travelers from the US. I may just go with a casa particular from day 1.

One website I found actually lists whether each casa is guest friendly which is handy but the prices didn't seem that great. If anyone has a suggestion for a good casa in Vedado or a good website, please PM me.

Thanks again! WS.

[Mondo707]

I wish us Canadians could get 97 CUC for 100 Canadian. Today's rate is 0. 7623 CUC to 1 Canadian. Not sure if the bank skims another 3% off of that or not. I was just in Havana a couple of weeks ago but never had to change money myself. Other Canadians were getting 74 to 76 CUC for 100 Canadian.

Havana is not like it was 10 or 15 years ago. You really need the help of a very experienced person to show you around and teach you a few things. If you're mainly interested in tourist type stuff there are lots of tours available from most of the hotels. If you want to have a cheap tour around Havana hop on the red double decker bus that you will see at bus stops near certain hotels. There's one stop near the Habana Libre. It's actually on Calle L between 27 and 25 but very close to 25 on the same side as the Habana Libre. The price should be 5 CUC unless it has changed recently. The bus goes all over the Havana area and you can get off and on at any of the stops.

http://www.bc.gob.cu/Espanol/tipo_cambio_METROPOLITANO.asp

Hey VF,

Yeah, you are right, not only you but anybody would love to get 97 CUC for 100 Loonies, LOL. I meant to tell him that if he has Canadian dollars it's a no brainer to take those instead of USD, because the Canadian dollar doesn't get the 10% gravamen that the the USD incurs.

What I meant to say without realizing that the exchange rate for Canadian was at 131+ to 100 USD, of course one has to do the conversion as far as what one gets in CUC but yes no way you get 97 CUC, sorry my bad.

USD vs Canadian dollar conversion as of today.

1 US Dollar equals.

1. 31 Canadian Dollar.

Mondo.

[Vedado Fun]

Hey WS,

I'll comment on the topics I know of.

First of, If you are Canadian, since you mention Canuck, I would recommend taking Loonies with you since they are not penalized like the greenback (US dollar) US dollar has a negative -10% versus other currencies. So, forget about exchanging Loonies for greenbacks.

When you exchange foreign currency they take a 3% fee, so for a 100 Loonies you get 97 CUC (the currency you use while in Cuba).

As far as getting a driver, I agree this would be your best bet to get more bang for your Loonie (no pun intended) since on your own you would be hard press to find things you're interested in doing or chicas on your own without paying your newbie dues first. I suggest you go try a few taxi rides and talk your way into the things you are interested in and follow your gut feeling so as not to be "taken for a ride", pun intended. I would suggest if you like cultural stuff I'd suggest la Cienega de Zapata, not that I've been there but for sure I will visit down the road. This place is a marvel as far as nature is concerned and completely unspoiled. This is the area where the US invasion in 1961 took place (Bay of Pigs).

One thing I would only go during winter time since mosquitoes will have a feast off of you (I think) in the summer time.

I think Habana Libre hotel (23rd & L) has many tours that they sell daily and usually they can help you pick & choose according to your interests.

These are the things I can suggest, maybe other mongers here can help you out too.

Mondo.

I wish us Canadians could get 97 CUC for 100 Canadian. Today's rate is 0. 7623 CUC to 1 Canadian. Not sure if the bank skims another 3% off of that or not. I was just in Havana a couple of weeks ago but never had to change money myself. Other Canadians were getting 74 to 76 CUC for 100 Canadian.

Havana is not like it was 10 or 15 years ago. You really need the help of a very experienced person to show you around and teach you a few things. If you're mainly interested in tourist type stuff there are lots of tours available from most of the hotels. If you want to have a cheap tour around Havana hop on the red double decker bus that you will see at bus stops near certain hotels. There's one stop near the Habana Libre. It's actually on Calle L between 27 and 25 but very close to 25 on the same side as the Habana Libre. The price should be 5 CUC unless it has changed recently. The bus goes all over the Havana area and you can get off and on at any of the stops.

http://www.bc.gob.cu/Espanol/tipo_cambio_METROPOLITANO.asp

[Mr Gogo]

Hello Sir,

Mr Mondo gives great advice. I would also throw in a trip to Penar del areío if you like scenery. Having two weeks in the Havana area can work to your advantage because you don't have to rush things. Find a taxi or bicitaxi guy who speaks English and pick his brain. You can actually book a hotel for the first couple days and walk around and find a Casa you like, the taxi guys can help with this. Find the right Casa and just hangout near there and people will develop a comfort zone with you and the girls will play.

I tell guys all the time don't act like tourist because it marks you. Don't wear those notorious Cuban hats, sitting in the tourist spots, or acting bored and desperate will get you the hardcore hookers and the cops watching. Sit outside your Casa with a bucanero beer, go up la rampa and have a beer, or just walk the malecon (it's a nice 45 minute walk from prado on the malecon to 23 avenida). If you aren't comfortable with this there are plenty of tours and historical places to keep you busy for a few days.

[Mondo707]

I'm trying to plan a trip to Cuba in December and doubt I'll want to spend the whole 2 weeks in Havana.

Would any of you have suggestions for areas within a few hours travel of Havana that you feel are well worth a side trip for a day or a few days?

I'm interested in touristy / cultural stuff / scenery as much as the chicas. (I speak some Spanish but am by no means fluent.).

Also, I see recommendations not to book in advance through things like AirBnB, but what do you recommend for the night of arrival? (Hotel etc. ?) For that, at least, I like to have a reservation.

Money? I read lots of discussion about USD or not from American side but can any fellow Canucks chime in on this: I can get US dollars but is it worth the trouble when I'd have to pay exchange fees both ways?

Seems like finding a driver / guide / facilitator is the way to go: Any suggestions on how to find a good one?

Thanks! WS.

Hey WS,

I'll comment on the topics I know of.

First of, If you are Canadian, since you mention Canuck, I would recommend taking Loonies with you since they are not penalized like the greenback (US dollar) US dollar has a negative -10% versus other currencies. So, forget about exchanging Loonies for greenbacks.

When you exchange foreign currency they take a 3% fee, so for a 100 Loonies you get 97 CUC (the currency you use while in Cuba).

As far as getting a driver, I agree this would be your best bet to get more bang for your Loonie (no pun intended) since on your own you would be hard press to find things you're interested in doing or chicas on your own without paying your newbie dues first. I suggest you go try a few taxi rides and talk your way into the things you are interested in and follow your gut feeling so as not to be "taken for a ride", pun intended. I would suggest if you like cultural stuff I'd suggest la Cienega de Zapata, not that I've been there but for sure I will visit down the road. This place is a marvel as far as nature is concerned and completely unspoiled. This is the area where the US invasion in 1961 took place (Bay of Pigs).

One thing I would only go during winter time since mosquitoes will have a feast off of you (I think) in the summer time.

I think Habana Libre hotel (23rd & L) has many tours that they sell daily and usually they can help you pick & choose according to your interests.

These are the things I can suggest, maybe other mongers here can help you out too.

Mondo.

[Walk Softly]

I'm trying to plan a trip to Cuba in December and doubt I'll want to spend the whole 2 weeks in Havana.

Would any of you have suggestions for areas within a few hours travel of Havana that you feel are well worth a side trip for a day or a few days?

I'm interested in touristy / cultural stuff / scenery as much as the chicas. (I speak some Spanish but am by no means fluent.).

Also, I see recommendations not to book in advance through things like AirBnB, but what do you recommend for the night of arrival? (Hotel etc. ?) For that, at least, I like to have a reservation.

Money? I read lots of discussion about USD or not from American side but can any fellow Canucks chime in on this: I can get US dollars but is it worth the trouble when I'd have to pay exchange fees both ways?

Seems like finding a driver / guide / facilitator is the way to go: Any suggestions on how to find a good one?

Thanks! WS.

[Ozzie1451]

Getting ready for my adventure to Cuba. I'm seeing a lot of talk about visas. When I went to Cuba before I think we paid $25 in the Grand Cayman Islands. My partner who's also going said he paid $65 locally to obtain a Visa. American airline has said someone is going to call me about inquiring a Visa. However no one has yet to call. I'm wondering how the airlines are going to do this since I am now legally flying out of the USA. Does anyone have any insights on how to obtain a Visa other than paying $65. I've read online it's saying contact the embassy but that's in vain. No one picks up the phone and my time is getting closer. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

I bought my ticket from jetblue and it may be different than American Airlines. Latest information provided by jetblue at their website is that traveler buys the tourist visa for $50 at airport during check-in. I wonder if it is also required to make a hotel reservation at least for a night before arriving to Cuba?

[Mr Gogo]

Getting ready for my adventure to Cuba. I'm seeing a lot of talk about visas. When I went to Cuba before I think we paid $25 in the Grand Cayman Islands. My partner who's also going said he paid $65 locally to obtain a Visa. American airline has said someone is going to call me about inquiring a Visa. However no one has yet to call. I'm wondering how the airlines are going to do this since I am now legally flying out of the USA. Does anyone have any insights on how to obtain a Visa other than paying $65. I've read online it's saying contact the embassy but that's in vain. No one picks up the phone and my time is getting closer. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Here is the info I received from American Airlines:"card:

Most customers will need to purchase a travel card for your trip to Cuba. In the coming days you'll likely receive a call from Cuba Travel Services (CTS) to guide you through this process. You can also contact them by calling 305-204-9314 or 877-511-2822 (USA Toll-free).

You can get info about the tourist card and lodging. Have your American locator number handy so they can pull your reservation".

We paid I think it was 20 usd for the visa back in the days when we would go to to Havana at the counter in the Cayman Islands. For our upcoming trip I paid 65 at the local agency here in Florida.

Understand its Cuba charging for the visas to visit but the American companies are increasing the prices. Call the number above to have your visa sent to you. It takes seven working days for you to receive it so do it soon because our trip is coming fast.

[GrownMan1]

Getting ready for my adventure to Cuba. I'm seeing a lot of talk about visas. When I went to Cuba before I think we paid $25 in the Grand Cayman Islands. My partner who's also going said he paid $65 locally to obtain a Visa. American airline has said someone is going to call me about inquiring a Visa. However no one has yet to call. I'm wondering how the airlines are going to do this since I am now legally flying out of the USA. Does anyone have any insights on how to obtain a Visa other than paying $65. I've read online it's saying contact the embassy but that's in vain. No one picks up the phone and my time is getting closer. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[Dart13]

On my latest trip I've used OsmAnd navigator on my smartphone and it was a lifesaver for driving around Cuba. Even though the road signage has improved quite a bit since my last visit, in cities GPS still comes in handy. Especially cities like Santiago, Holguin or, in particular, the maze city of Camaguey.

Apparently Sygic app now has a map of Cuba too, but its a paid app. OsmAnd is free. Both are offline apps, so you don't need an internet connection to use those either just to look at, or as a satnav in a car.

[Mondo707]

For those of us who don't yet know their way around Cuba.

While doing early planning for a Winter trip I found "International Travel Maps and Books" out of Vancouver BC (Canada).

They have just put out a newly revised map of Western Cuba with a detailed map of Havana on the other side.

Available by mail order from their website.

Buen viaje!

Hey WS,

Also, you can download into your smart phone the app for Here maps.

I did just that on my last trip and it worked fine with my smartphone. What's really good is that you can use it offline, so as you'll know data plans are very expensive in Cuba and most of the time the internet sucks big time.

This app worked well in Havana for me and while is not able to equal Google maps it doesn't require a connection to the internet.

Mondo.

[Walk Softly]

For those of us who don't yet know their way around Cuba.

While doing early planning for a Winter trip I found "International Travel Maps and Books" out of Vancouver BC (Canada).

They have just put out a newly revised map of Western Cuba with a detailed map of Havana on the other side.

Available by mail order from their website.

Buen viaje!

[MrSoulo]

Hello Bart,

Sorry for delay. I will bring Euros and just in case some dollars that I have from previous trips. Thank you for the tip.

I am plan to stay in Vedado neighborhood for about 1 week have someone tips of best stops for hunting day / night? I also have 7 free days what do you suggest to do Other Cities / Beach with available girls.

Thanks in advance to you all.


Rock

Hey Rock,

Since you're staying in Vedado maybe you can help me out a bit. I'm looking for a nice clean, private, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Casa with a kitchen in Vedado. I'd like to stay as close as possible to Hotel Capri / Salon Rojos / Hotel National.

Please let me know if you can assist me, your help would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Mrsoulo

[RockRoll500]

I am not a Vedado fan, I like el centro the best, during the day check out the Prado, walk from the Inglaterra Hotel down to the Malecon, also west on San Rafael, the walking street by the Inglaterra, daytime and evenings, lots of good info on this site about Vedado as lots of guys prefer that area. I arrive tomorrow in Havana, last time I was in Havana was June 2015, hope I am not too shocked with the USA invasion, I was in Holguin in March 2016, saw no USA presence there, only euros, wish Obama had left things alone, as it was so good for us canucks and euros, apologies to my usa friends.

Thank you. Will research a little bit more. Enjoy your stay.