Havana

[MjTravel]

Hi, can anyone confirm novelacuba purchased evisas are not being accepted at American airports for flights departing to Cuba?

Various sources are stating only USA purchased evisas are now being accepted for American travelers going to Cuba. The QR code on the evisa has a country indicated below it, and apparently all novelacuba evisas have FRA indicating France. This change only affects American travelers originating flights to Cuba through USA airports. Americans arriving into Cuba through Panama, Mexico, etc can apparently still use non-USA purchased evisas. Non-American travelers are not affected by this change.

We all expected this loophole through novelacuba to be closed at some point. Are we back to $85 visas? $50 if you snail mail a check to the Cuban embassy in Washington DC?

It's always better to suck it up and pay an extra 35 dollars or so to get the real McCoy, in my humble opinion.

[StripperMan]

Hi, can anyone confirm novelacuba purchased evisas are not being accepted at American airports for flights departing to Cuba?

Various sources are stating only USA purchased evisas are now being accepted for American travelers going to Cuba. The QR code on the evisa has a country indicated below it, and apparently all novelacuba evisas have FRA indicating France. This change only affects American travelers originating flights to Cuba through USA airports. Americans arriving into Cuba through Panama, Mexico, etc can apparently still use non-USA purchased evisas. Non-American travelers are not affected by this change.

We all expected this loophole through novelacuba to be closed at some point. Are we back to $85 visas? $50 if you snail mail a check to the Cuban embassy in Washington DC?

[MjTravel]

Vacation paradise! Well, for me anyway, but I like pain apparently.

Yeah man, the trash piles are incredibly shitty to experience in close proximity to basically anything. Like you, I've been lucky with having an apartment that generally always has power and even it has been out daily the last time I was there in May. Not long, less than an hour, but yeah, super horrible.

But man the Cubanas FUCK SO WELL, oh my. I've yet to find anyplace where they are enthusiastic, generally give maximum effort to please, and are so damn cheap too! Was just in Cartagena and it's not even a comparison in terms of desire to fuck. It was all, leche papi, leche! Or worse, "well you paid me $300 k, but that was for 1-2 hours, and we're now *just past* the 2 hour mark, so you have to give me another $300 k. Jesus Christ, fucking nightmare that!!

Havana is / can be a vacation paradise, but yeah, we need some oil shipments back on track to get close to what the situation was last summer / year before.

Agree with you about the Cubanas. How was the situation in Cuba otherwise? I was there in late-May just as Castro was being indicted.

Have things changed for the worse?

[Nomars777]

Vacation paradise! Well, for me anyway, but I like pain apparently.

Yeah man, the trash piles are incredibly shitty to experience in close proximity to basically anything. Like you, I've been lucky with having an apartment that generally always has power and even it has been out daily the last time I was there in May. Not long, less than an hour, but yeah, super horrible.

But man the Cubanas FUCK SO WELL, oh my. I've yet to find anyplace where they are enthusiastic, generally give maximum effort to please, and are so damn cheap too! Was just in Cartagena and it's not even a comparison in terms of desire to fuck. It was all, leche papi, leche! Or worse, "well you paid me $300 k, but that was for 1-2 hours, and we're now *just past* the 2 hour mark, so you have to give me another $300 k. Jesus Christ, fucking nightmare that!!

Havana is / can be a vacation paradise, but yeah, we need some oil shipments back on track to get close to what the situation was last summer / year before.

Cuba isn't a functioning country. Most Cubans are accustomed to the heat, but their food spoiling is the real difficulty. Not to mention those without generous family abroad are poor AF and have trouble buying food to begin with. In some provinces they don't have running water. No gasoline or inclination to pick up trash has led to huge piles everywhere in Habana Vieja (even in front of my building where there is a hotel next door and they used to always pick it up). Cubans get sick of the smell and the flies so they light trash piles on fire. It truly is a disaster and it's getting worse. Obviously there are major health concerns of trash just sitting around rotting.

A vacation paradise!

[Jiniterinator]

I don't get it. How are we still able to go there to hobby when there's no power anymore anywhere? And without power what's keeping the water running? How is anything in Cuba still working? Either I'm being lied to by the news, or something weird is going on here.

Cuba isn't a functioning country. Most Cubans are accustomed to the heat, but their food spoiling is the real difficulty. Not to mention those without generous family abroad are poor AF and have trouble buying food to begin with. In some provinces they don't have running water. No gasoline or inclination to pick up trash has led to huge piles everywhere in Habana Vieja (even in front of my building where there is a hotel next door and they used to always pick it up). Cubans get sick of the smell and the flies so they light trash piles on fire. It truly is a disaster and it's getting worse. Obviously there are major health concerns of trash just sitting around rotting.

A vacation paradise!

[MjTravel]

As of this writing, there is no such thing as an apagon-proof casa in Cuba. I am in Cuba now and even in my typically reliable Habana Vieja apartment, I have suffered daily short (1 HR) and one long (16 hours) outage. In other areas around town it's even worse (two members of this board were here at the same time and they suffered even worse, as I am sure they will report soon). I don't think you could find anyone who lives here who would disagree that things are worse here than they have ever been. I've always been optimistic about my trips to Cuba, since I stay somewhere with few apagones, and even I am approaching "f this $#!t". Just too hot for no AC. Too many other places to go to that can keep the lights on.

I'd recommend prospective travelers to plan for the cooler months, at least until there is a major change here (like in Venezuela), because you will have a lot of trouble sleeping in 80 F nights without AC.

You can find close-to blackout proof accommodations, but primarily at privately run, boutique hotels with good foreign management and extremely well-trained Cuban staff. Have a casa on the side for ladies.

[Newton York]

I don't get it. How are we still able to go there to hobby when there's no power anymore anywhere? And without power what's keeping the water running? How is anything in Cuba still working? Either I'm being lied to by the news, or something weird is going on here.

[Tacoma101]

72 hours, boots on the ground notes.

6th trip overall. 3rd since August 2025.

I hate the Havana airport. The most incompetent and disrespectful employees on the planet. Expect to have to go to secondary bag screening or questioning if you have a US passport. My wait was an additional 40 minutes.

Having a lined up taxi is helpful. Expect to pay $40 into the city, anywhere, maybe $35 if you haggle with a local taxi driver that's waiting around.

At Etesca, have them insert your SIM card, be sure it's working (WhatsApp 100% as well) and have them write down your new cell number. The employees there will be as lazy as you allow them to be. Some of the old Cuban cell numbers they give you have problems, so if you don't figure that out at the office, you're in a world of trouble later on, like I was. I ended up using my google voice number to have my burner phone functional on WhatsApp.

A lot less public taxis (classic car gas guzzlers) and cars in general on the street. A lot more people are walking.

A lot less police on the street. Not that it's needed, but if you bank on it for your safety, that safety net is gone.

Trash piles are out of control. You'll be extra lucky if you happen to eat out near one. A zillion flies will join you for your meal. I was thrilled to find a dead one under my toast on day 1.

Begging is a LOT worse. So many people with their sob stories. You could spend all day listening to them. Exhausting!

Power outages are now in full effect in Havana Vieja. No area of the city is spared unless MAYBE the Airbnb is next to a federal building / hospital and on that same grid. I had full overnight power outages 2 of my first 3 nights. 17 hours and 14 hours. Miserable is an understatement, especially if you have been out drinking. My friend who said she NEVER has outages in her private residential area next to a hospital, experienced the same.

With the varying blocks of power outages, quiet nights M-W are now much busier with more people walking around the Prado and other areas with power. Seems like everyone is outside! But wow it feels sketch when the lights go out. Definitely saw more cuties (by my standards of course) starting on my Friday night strolls.

Pick your poison, if you're good with enjoying chicas in the dark, by cell light and no AC, this place is for you. Currently what you gain here is far less than what you sacrifice.

Even if you do have power, that doesn't guarantee the cell towers will be functioning for you to have wifi at your Airbnb. Even my new permanent line SIM card was insanely slow. Hours to send an IG message. Just ridiculous. Many times it simply just didn't connect at all for hours. I later learned that iPhones are NOT very compatible with Cuban SIM cards.

Expect many businesses / restaurants to be closed, reduced hours / days. Hard to even find large bottles of water. Who drinks those? Gringos. Who's not visiting now.

I ended up cutting my trip short 4 days (Stayed 5 1/2). It was just too much for me as I live outside sex prison USA.

Cuban women can be gorgeous and the hunt there is cool and I still had some magical moments.

Would I go back? Yeah, when it's cooler and they have some steady gas shipments.

[Jiniterinator]

As of this writing, there is no such thing as an apagon-proof casa in Cuba. I am in Cuba now and even in my typically reliable Habana Vieja apartment, I have suffered daily short (1 HR) and one long (16 hours) outage. In other areas around town it's even worse (two members of this board were here at the same time and they suffered even worse, as I am sure they will report soon). I don't think you could find anyone who lives here who would disagree that things are worse here than they have ever been. I've always been optimistic about my trips to Cuba, since I stay somewhere with few apagones, and even I am approaching "f this $#!t". Just too hot for no AC. Too many other places to go to that can keep the lights on.

I'd recommend prospective travelers to plan for the cooler months, at least until there is a major change here (like in Venezuela), because you will have a lot of trouble sleeping in 80 F nights without AC.

Hola amigos,

Regular reader in the Havana thread, and monger around the world (mainly Europe and se Asia). Going to try out Havana in a couple of weeks. I've RTFF back a full year and used the tips from some of the veterans here to recruit potential girls to meet up with. I used the LM and V&S bars Instagram accounts to scout for talent and eventually sent dm's to 60-70 girls. Of these, probably a dozen responded and moved the conversation to whatsapp. Interestingly, with a few of them the conversation led to the discussion of the pay for play. Based on the intel from this thread, I suggested a rate between $30 and $50 depending on duration and service level. Three of them were upset by the offer stating "Me has dado gracia" or "Tus 50 No me harian falta" and similar. One quoted $120 for one afternoon or morning and $150 at night. Another one bragged that she has clients that pay up to $300 per hour with her Later, one of them texted me asking if I was still interested she would consider the $50. Most of them ask for something to be brought to them (ranging from phones to cosmetics and clothing). ATM I have a working list of 5-6 girls that are eager to meet with me for the recommended price. A word of advice, don't start this process too early. I'd recommend a week ahead of arrival would be ideal to avoid lDifferent stories were used to just.

Now, I need some advice from the more experienced members on a couple of logistical issues.

Most importantly, I still haven't made my choice on the accommodation front. Airbnb's look too good to be true or lack some essential information for mongers. Can anyone recommend an apagon proof casa that is ok with bringing guests? I believe, based on the recent insights that there are gems like this still to be found.

The second issue is due to my lack of Spanish speaking skills. If any member will be kind to share a contact of a girl that speaks some English, would make things much simpler.

Will reciprocate with a full report and contacts to the community when I get back.

Finally, I plan to have a local number, so if you are interested to grab a beer with a fellow monger and / or exchange notes hit me up.

Cheers,

RoyalFcuk.

[CiscoMech]

First a Public Service Announcement (PSA) - for the ENTIRE summer of 2026, La Vitrola in Plaza Vieja has 50% off all their regularly listed prices, this, plus the fact their food and drinks are super solid, meant I spent a LOT more time there then normal. The 50% discount took a fairly expensive place and turned it into downright reasonable, especially given their live music, the magician guy Tony who is REALLY good, and then the drinks, which are very good and it's a great place to go. If you're near Plaza Vieja, give it a shot, at these prices, completely worth it

Watching Nomars777 carry the forum I know his back hurts. But I've decided I need to go ahead and book a trip to HAV for end of month. But seriously thanks for the report. I actually already had a trip to Jamaica planned for some business, so going to stop in Cuba on the way back for a double trip. Interested to see how this will work navigating customs / immigration back to back. I've actually been considering checking out Holguin in a future trip. Maybe fly from Kingston, Jamaica to Santiago de Cuba on day then head up to Holguin. The lodgings and the chicas up there are allegedly some of the best in the entire country!

Also just a saved round for anyone looking to actually get into the apps Bumpy has pretty much replaced Bumble and is loaded with talent. Only issue is they pretty much all say Havana even when they actually live all around the island. It's actually a pretty good dating site if you are looking to date as well. My view on the apps though is to stay off them because the girls all play games on there and will try to take advantage of you. They can't help it. But if you are looking for real dating experience in Cuba then it might be worth a shot. Plenty of doctors and professional Cubans on there.

[Nomars777]

Generally plan $5 k or so, to and from, if your chica lives out in Marianao, La Lisa or other places super far out. That's just the price now.

That said, in the DAYTIME, they can catch shared car rides, which likely are only 1-2 mil pesos, so like between $3-4 USD now closer to $1. 60 now that the peso has declined so much recently.

But those shared collectivo rides are basically gone by sundown, per my recent visits to Parque La Fraternidad where they pick up these rides. Not that there aren't any, but far fewer when the sun goes down. So daytime transportation costs could be much cheaper than the $5 k, but if you're looking for her to get there quickly, via moto, $5 k is what it's been lately. La Nave car rides, even more.

But if you can arrange daytime chica visitas, you're on your way to saving money on transportation.

That is very true Jimmy!

Actually had a couple of gals using this mode of transportation (daytime) but many of them lived far away and had to use la nave to get them to my renta. Even motos 4-5 k pesos via la nave.

[BusinessTravl]

That is very true Jimmy!

Actually had a couple of gals using this mode of transportation (daytime) but many of them lived far away and had to use la nave to get them to my renta. Even motos 4-5 k pesos via la nave.

If your talking about their transportation of 10-20 dollars I think. They take collectivo taxis or what is called gazele shared taxis. These can run anywhere from 200-300 pesos for a collectivo or 10-15 pesos for the gazelles. A few pennies.

A long time ago when I first went the girls got us good and claimed they needed these crazy amounts for cabs. They pocketed it and likely just took the stroll to the park and took there 30 cent ride homes laughing.

[JimmyStreets]

Maybe I paid then with gifts worth of in total 15-30 maximum. Also have to calculate transportation which was kind of "expensive" for being a third world country. 10-20 more.

If your talking about their transportation of 10-20 dollars I think. They take collectivo taxis or what is called gazele shared taxis. These can run anywhere from 200-300 pesos for a collectivo or 10-15 pesos for the gazelles. A few pennies.

A long time ago when I first went the girls got us good and claimed they needed these crazy amounts for cabs. They pocketed it and likely just took the stroll to the park and took there 30 cent ride homes laughing.

[JimmyStreets]

Hola amigos,

Regular reader in the Havana thread, and monger around the world (mainly Europe and se Asia). Going to try out Havana in a couple of weeks. I've RTFF back a full year and used the tips from some of the veterans here to recruit potential girls to meet up with. I used the LM and V&S bars Instagram accounts to scout for talent and eventually sent dm's to 60-70 girls. Of these, probably a dozen responded and moved the conversation to whatsapp. Interestingly, with a few of them the conversation led to the discussion of the pay for play. Based on the intel from this thread, I suggested a rate between $30 and $50 depending on duration and service level. Three of them were upset by the offer stating "Me has dado gracia" or "Tus 50 No me harian falta" and similar. One quoted $120 for one afternoon or morning and $150 at night. Another one bragged that she has clients that pay up to $300 per hour with her Later, one of them texted me asking if I was still interested she would consider the $50. Most of them ask for something to be brought to them (ranging from phones to cosmetics and clothing). ATM I have a working list of 5-6 girls that are eager to meet with me for the recommended price. A word of advice, don't start this process too early. I'd recommend a week ahead of arrival would be ideal to avoid lDifferent stories were used to just.

Now, I need some advice from the more experienced members on a couple of logistical issues.

Most importantly, I still haven't made my choice on the accommodation front. Airbnb's look too good to be true or lack some essential information for mongers. Can anyone recommend an apagon proof casa that is ok with bringing guests? I believe, based on the recent insights that there are gems like this still to be found.

The second issue is due to my lack of Spanish speaking skills. If any member will be kind to share a contact of a girl that speaks some English, would make things much simpler.

Will reciprocate with a full report and contacts to the community when I get back.

Finally, I plan to have a local number, so if you are interested to grab a beer with a fellow monger and / or exchange notes hit me up.

Cheers,

RoyalFcuk.

Cubanas will shoot for the moon and see if they hook a big fish but 90% are likely bluffing and will take dramatically less than the amounts you're talking about here. The game is different in Cuba and they are masters of making you feel sorry for them (Gifts, etc). 100% do not send them money prior or preplan gifts. Next thing you know once you do that her whole family is expecting things from you.

As stated just say I'll pay you this amount and if they play hardball move on. Right now in Cuba there is virtually no competition and no tourists so paying a premium now makes no sense. Cubanas will squeeze and squeeze. Go slow and take your time. No need for gifts etc. You'll magically see there absurd amounts drop from the amounts your saying to 10-20 dollars or less. IF you say a 100 they will say 200. So no point saying a high amount. They will say higher.

[BusinessTravl]

Maybe I paid then with gifts worth of in total 15-30 maximum. Also have to calculate transportation which was kind of "expensive" for being a third world country. 10-20 more.

Hola amigos,

Regular reader in the Havana thread, and monger around the world (mainly Europe and se Asia). Going to try out Havana in a couple of weeks. I've RTFF back a full year and used the tips from some of the veterans here to recruit potential girls to meet up with. I used the LM and V&S bars Instagram accounts to scout for talent and eventually sent dm's to 60-70 girls. Of these, probably a dozen responded and moved the conversation to whatsapp. Interestingly, with a few of them the conversation led to the discussion of the pay for play. Based on the intel from this thread, I suggested a rate between $30 and $50 depending on duration and service level. Three of them were upset by the offer stating "Me has dado gracia" or "Tus 50 No me harian falta" and similar. One quoted $120 for one afternoon or morning and $150 at night. Another one bragged that she has clients that pay up to $300 per hour with her Later, one of them texted me asking if I was still interested she would consider the $50..