It's best to check with your supplier with regards to using a mobile in Cuba. I've never had any problems with Virgin using a pretty basic and now rather ancient 2-band Nokia on a pay-as-you-go tariff but friends have experienced some problems with other providers and fancier phones.
The cheapest way of communicating with people at home is to text because you'll also be charged by most providers for receiving calls - and also to switch off your voicemail. Calls to your voicemail can end up working out really expensive with some providers - you end up paying for people to use it and leave a message and you then pay the international/roving rate to listen to it. Best to tell everbody at home that you will be turning your voicemail off and if they need you to phone them back, tell them that they are best texting a message instead and asking you to phone them.
If in one of the cities, the cheapest way to phone home can often be to book an international call from one of the state telecom shops.
This is the way the Cubans do it and you can pay in CUCs or charge it to your plastic if you have one that is accepted there but this will work out more expensive than paying in cash.
SM
Travelling to Cuba in July for a fortnight - really looking forward to it.
I have done a bit of reading about it on the internet, but would like advice from people who have been there.
I am doing a Havana/Varadero twin centre, and have a couple of simple questions:
1) What type of plugs do they use?
2) I would like to take some cheap things to give out/left with maids. I was thinking of pens, colouring pencils and books, bars of soap, batteries, roll-on deodorants, razors. Are these sorts of things appreciated as well as tipping? Can't obviously take too much with us, but would like to take something. Anything else I should consider taking? I do intend to leave behind all usused toiletries too.
I have done a bit of reading about it on the internet, but would like advice from people who have been there.
I am doing a Havana/Varadero twin centre, and have a couple of simple questions:
1) What type of plugs do they use?
2) I would like to take some cheap things to give out/left with maids. I was thinking of pens, colouring pencils and books, bars of soap, batteries, roll-on deodorants, razors. Are these sorts of things appreciated as well as tipping? Can't obviously take too much with us, but would like to take something. Anything else I should consider taking? I do intend to leave behind all usused toiletries too.
hi went to cuba last june, we took pens, books, soap, sweet etc, yes the maids do appreciate all of these but when we went on the trips which took you in to the local towns etc the people there as in the children loved the pens and the coulouring books/notepads etc, the older people loved then soap and smellies etc.
It was so nice to see something so cheap and easy for us to take made them so happy and greatfull.
It was an amazing holiday.
....The plugs that you need to take are the flat pin plugs, international 1's
Have a good holiday
It was so nice to see something so cheap and easy for us to take made them so happy and greatfull.
It was an amazing holiday.
....The plugs that you need to take are the flat pin plugs, international 1's
Have a good holiday
I was in Cuba this past March and found that as well as the items mentioned above childrens vitamins and aspirin (both childrens and adults) were well received. I also visited a school and took note books, pencils, small rulers, rubbers and pencil sharpeners.
I did notice at times that people were coming up and asking for soap, lotions and money, though the Police were stopping this in Havana.
Have a good trip it's a great holiday destination.
I did notice at times that people were coming up and asking for soap, lotions and money, though the Police were stopping this in Havana.
Have a good trip it's a great holiday destination.
Talking of Cuba, what are the best excursions that I should do when there?
Bear in mind that I am doing 4 nights in Havana, so don't mention that that as a trip.
Anything else to do whilst in Varadero - feel free to mention.
Thanks.
Bear in mind that I am doing 4 nights in Havana, so don't mention that that as a trip.
Anything else to do whilst in Varadero - feel free to mention.
Thanks.
The best site I have found for Cuba advice is:
http://www.happyfacescuba.com/forums/
They are a really friendly crowd.
Joe.
http://www.happyfacescuba.com/forums/
They are a really friendly crowd.
Joe.
Other things to take. toothpaste/toothbrushes/sanitary towels and echo other psoters on pens/books etc.
Not too many exciting things around Vard. I went a one day jeep safari which was good as you got out into the countryside and saw some of the real cuba. Visit a couple of towns, stopped at a ranch for lunch where you could have a little horse ride. Option to snorkel and a visit to a couple of caves. interesting day out.
There is a marina where you can swim with the dolphins nearby.
I went on a jet boat safari. This is OK it is not a Jet ski so not overly fast but quite fun. You do visit to a so called ZOO but it really is just a few animals and not worth more than a 10 minute visit. On this trip worth paying the extra for a longer Jet boat ride as you go further out and spend less time at the Zoo.
Kind Regards
Stewart
Not too many exciting things around Vard. I went a one day jeep safari which was good as you got out into the countryside and saw some of the real cuba. Visit a couple of towns, stopped at a ranch for lunch where you could have a little horse ride. Option to snorkel and a visit to a couple of caves. interesting day out.
There is a marina where you can swim with the dolphins nearby.
I went on a jet boat safari. This is OK it is not a Jet ski so not overly fast but quite fun. You do visit to a so called ZOO but it really is just a few animals and not worth more than a 10 minute visit. On this trip worth paying the extra for a longer Jet boat ride as you go further out and spend less time at the Zoo.
Kind Regards
Stewart
In addition to everything else others have mentioned, women will be over the moon to receive a gift of decent nail varnish. It doesn't take up much room in your case and the local stuff is not only dreadfully thick and lumpy but can also cause allergic reactions. Having a little stock of decent stuff means that women can not only keep their own nails looking nice but earn a little more money on the side by offering manicures to neighbours etc. Nail varnish remover pads to go with it will also be gratefully received as they often have to resort to almost industrial strength solvents to remove it which can be hard on your hands.
The same goes for almost any cosmetics - I use NO7 face creams a lot and they often give away free gift packs so I have been saving up the free lipsticks and mascara etc and will be taking them with me next month for women friends over there.
SM
The same goes for almost any cosmetics - I use NO7 face creams a lot and they often give away free gift packs so I have been saving up the free lipsticks and mascara etc and will be taking them with me next month for women friends over there.
SM
Please dont forget your British reps who work out there for months at a time. A friend of mine works in an office there so doesnt have much interaction with guests. Any newspapers or magazines you are finished with can be given to your rep (British or Cuban) and will be much appreciated for those who like to keep up wiith the Celeb gossip from back home!
Another couple of Cuba questions:
1) Cigars - where is the best place to buy them - on streets (realise probably worst option), at hotel, on factory tour, at airport, etc. Any advice on potential savings greatly appreciated. Also, what is the limit to taking them out of the country? Do you have to have receipts for them all?
2) Havana - looking to go to a few music bars - recommend any?
3) Cheapest way to get around in Havana, as I will want to cram in as much sightseeing as possible when there.
4) Good places to eat.
5) All the books I have been reading on Cuba mention paying tips etc in dollars, yet I think I remember reading on some website that dollars aren't widely accepted. Should I take dollars or Euro's or sterling? Also do they accept coinage (stg, Euro) as tips?
1) Cigars - where is the best place to buy them - on streets (realise probably worst option), at hotel, on factory tour, at airport, etc. Any advice on potential savings greatly appreciated. Also, what is the limit to taking them out of the country? Do you have to have receipts for them all?
2) Havana - looking to go to a few music bars - recommend any?
3) Cheapest way to get around in Havana, as I will want to cram in as much sightseeing as possible when there.
4) Good places to eat.
5) All the books I have been reading on Cuba mention paying tips etc in dollars, yet I think I remember reading on some website that dollars aren't widely accepted. Should I take dollars or Euro's or sterling? Also do they accept coinage (stg, Euro) as tips?
Hi,
I can't advise you re cigars but with regards to your other queries:
2) Assuming you mean for local Cuban music - though you won't find much else! - then it depends on whether you want to catch any of the big names or just have a drink with some good music playing. If you're not a Cuban music afficianado then you'll catch good live salsa and son in almost any bar, at any time in Havana Vieja. Just walk up Obispo - the main drag - and wander into any bar that has sounds you like pouring out of it. But it's worth bearing in mind that the cocktail bar in Hotel Florida is one of the the few places where you'll get to sit and listen and dance in air conditioned comfort of an evening. Unlike most places there's a cover charge here - 5 CUCs (see below) but it includes your first cocktail.
During the day, the Casa de Artisanal near the craft market usually has good live but very traditional music - think Buena Vista Social Club - playing in really lovely open air patio. But it is really difficult to escape music anywhere in Havana Vieja (the old colonial part of the city) simply for the price of a drink. If you want to go to where the locals go, try the Casa de Cultura - a nightly programme of performances with excellent bands where there's a good possibility you'll be the only tourists but don't use the toilets unless absolutely desperate!
If you want to catch the big names, then you're most likely going to catch them at the big venues. If you like the more traditional sound then the Casa de la Trova in Centro is the place to ask about. If more interested in salsa/dance music then the Casa da Musica is a very nightclubby air-conditioned place and has good bands but it is a bit of a pick-up joint. Personally I much prefer the atmosphere at the Casa de Musica out in Miramar. Entrance here will cost you in the region of between 10-15CUCs depending on how well known the band are. The really big names, if appearing in Havana while you're there will be on at the National Symphony Hall where prices are about the same. However, you'll need to rely on word of mouth to know who's playing where so before heading of the any of these places check with the hotel concierge staff or the taxi driver who always seem pretty well-up on these things. Big venues like this will have one band playing the 'matinee' ie around 4.00pm slot and another doing the evenin gig which whilst the doors will open at around 8.00pm don't expect the band to appear until 10.00pm! But if you want a table you'll need to arrive before then.
3) The cheapest way of getting around Havana is likely to be the Coco taxis - a scooter with a 2 seater open cab on the back! They're metered and nippy so can dodge the traffic jams etc but can be pretty hairy to ride in! Forget any ideas of seat belts - just hold tight! Within Havana Vieja, the cycle rickshaws are very cheap - barter with the 'driver' but ou won't get anywhere too fast! The most relaible and safest way to get around it to use the licensed yellow tourist taxis - metered and with drivers who wll speak enough English to get by if your Spanish isn't up to much. Of course you will want to do at lest one trip in a 50s Oldsmobile or similar! But I would advise you to stick with the metered licensed ones to. Your hotel can book one for you, including a city tour. I woudl advise you tos teer clear of the unlicensed ones - you've no guarantees re safety etc and the police keep a watchfull eye and will stop any unlicensed car that seems to be travelling around with tourists in the back. You don't need the hassle.
4) Generally speaking, Cuba is not the place for good food! The diet is one of the most unhealthy around but the best food is to be had in the small private restaurants called Paladares. Basically these are small private enterprises where you'll be eating in someone's front room. There won't be a menu as such but rather a set meal of the day and the prices are very reasonable. But they open and close with some rapidity so the best thing to do is to rely on the local grapevine again - ask around and accept that you might strike lucky or you might just end up in the informant's Auntie's parlour! Treat it as an adventure and all part of the Cuban experience. And finally, if you want ambience then you probably can't beat some of the restaurants on the Malecon - the food won't necessary be that good but the view makes up for it!
5) If you are travelling from the UK take Sterling in eother cash or travellers cheques - US dollars are next to worthless now and there's no point in paying exchange fees twice over by taking Euros. You'll be able to change Sterling into Convertible Pesos (CUCs) at banks and Cadecas (bureau de change) very easily. Most of the big hotels have an exchange desk and there's a large Cadeca on Obispo as well as banks a plenty where you'll always be able to draw money on your plastic. But you'll queue and need to know the Cuban etiquette for this - there won't be line of people, you enter and ask 'El Ultimo?' and the last person in the queue will put their hand up and you know that your turn is after them and you then become 'el ultimo'. Or alternatively the security guards will only let you in when there'e a cashier free in the first place!
Don't be confusd by the fact that prices are often stated as $ but this is used as the symbol for the CUC and you will be expected to use this all the time - 1 CUX is worth around 65/70p and the exchange rate seems to be pegged to the Euro. In contrast there are approx 25 local pesos to the £1 sterling but you will have little use for them - it's inlikely that ou'll ever want to buy anything that can be purchased with them. A few, available from the Cadecas will be useful for buying fruit from street traders but as a tourist you will be charged and expected to pay in CUCs everyhwere. And don't be surprised if the locals are charged less to get into the music venues mentioned above. There is a dual economy in Cuba and as a toruist your a firmly living in the CUC one - there's no point in doing anything other than accepting it. After all your holiday is probably costing you in the region of a docter's annual salary - accept that they know you can afford it. You're not being ripped off - you're living the socialist maxim: From each according to their means, to each according to their needs.
As for tipping, people won't thank you for tipping in anything other than CUCs - they will pay through the nose for changing anything else into local currency. If in a bar it's usual to just round up to the nearest CUC and leave the small change but its worth taking it and leaving 1 CUC instead because the lady standing guard at the toilets will expect a few cents in return for holding the door open and letting you some toilet paper. Likewise with taxi drivers etc - round it up or just add a CUC tot he total. Also, in the hotels the porter will expect a CUC for taking your bag up etc but the chambermaids will be happy being tipped in kind with small gifts of toiletries. Soap is on ration and decent toilet soap expensive and often only available from the so-called 'dollar shops' ie those which only deal in CUCs.
Hope this is of help and that someone else can answer your query re cigars.
SM
I can't advise you re cigars but with regards to your other queries:
2) Assuming you mean for local Cuban music - though you won't find much else! - then it depends on whether you want to catch any of the big names or just have a drink with some good music playing. If you're not a Cuban music afficianado then you'll catch good live salsa and son in almost any bar, at any time in Havana Vieja. Just walk up Obispo - the main drag - and wander into any bar that has sounds you like pouring out of it. But it's worth bearing in mind that the cocktail bar in Hotel Florida is one of the the few places where you'll get to sit and listen and dance in air conditioned comfort of an evening. Unlike most places there's a cover charge here - 5 CUCs (see below) but it includes your first cocktail.
During the day, the Casa de Artisanal near the craft market usually has good live but very traditional music - think Buena Vista Social Club - playing in really lovely open air patio. But it is really difficult to escape music anywhere in Havana Vieja (the old colonial part of the city) simply for the price of a drink. If you want to go to where the locals go, try the Casa de Cultura - a nightly programme of performances with excellent bands where there's a good possibility you'll be the only tourists but don't use the toilets unless absolutely desperate!
If you want to catch the big names, then you're most likely going to catch them at the big venues. If you like the more traditional sound then the Casa de la Trova in Centro is the place to ask about. If more interested in salsa/dance music then the Casa da Musica is a very nightclubby air-conditioned place and has good bands but it is a bit of a pick-up joint. Personally I much prefer the atmosphere at the Casa de Musica out in Miramar. Entrance here will cost you in the region of between 10-15CUCs depending on how well known the band are. The really big names, if appearing in Havana while you're there will be on at the National Symphony Hall where prices are about the same. However, you'll need to rely on word of mouth to know who's playing where so before heading of the any of these places check with the hotel concierge staff or the taxi driver who always seem pretty well-up on these things. Big venues like this will have one band playing the 'matinee' ie around 4.00pm slot and another doing the evenin gig which whilst the doors will open at around 8.00pm don't expect the band to appear until 10.00pm! But if you want a table you'll need to arrive before then.
3) The cheapest way of getting around Havana is likely to be the Coco taxis - a scooter with a 2 seater open cab on the back! They're metered and nippy so can dodge the traffic jams etc but can be pretty hairy to ride in! Forget any ideas of seat belts - just hold tight! Within Havana Vieja, the cycle rickshaws are very cheap - barter with the 'driver' but ou won't get anywhere too fast! The most relaible and safest way to get around it to use the licensed yellow tourist taxis - metered and with drivers who wll speak enough English to get by if your Spanish isn't up to much. Of course you will want to do at lest one trip in a 50s Oldsmobile or similar! But I would advise you to stick with the metered licensed ones to. Your hotel can book one for you, including a city tour. I woudl advise you tos teer clear of the unlicensed ones - you've no guarantees re safety etc and the police keep a watchfull eye and will stop any unlicensed car that seems to be travelling around with tourists in the back. You don't need the hassle.
4) Generally speaking, Cuba is not the place for good food! The diet is one of the most unhealthy around but the best food is to be had in the small private restaurants called Paladares. Basically these are small private enterprises where you'll be eating in someone's front room. There won't be a menu as such but rather a set meal of the day and the prices are very reasonable. But they open and close with some rapidity so the best thing to do is to rely on the local grapevine again - ask around and accept that you might strike lucky or you might just end up in the informant's Auntie's parlour! Treat it as an adventure and all part of the Cuban experience. And finally, if you want ambience then you probably can't beat some of the restaurants on the Malecon - the food won't necessary be that good but the view makes up for it!
5) If you are travelling from the UK take Sterling in eother cash or travellers cheques - US dollars are next to worthless now and there's no point in paying exchange fees twice over by taking Euros. You'll be able to change Sterling into Convertible Pesos (CUCs) at banks and Cadecas (bureau de change) very easily. Most of the big hotels have an exchange desk and there's a large Cadeca on Obispo as well as banks a plenty where you'll always be able to draw money on your plastic. But you'll queue and need to know the Cuban etiquette for this - there won't be line of people, you enter and ask 'El Ultimo?' and the last person in the queue will put their hand up and you know that your turn is after them and you then become 'el ultimo'. Or alternatively the security guards will only let you in when there'e a cashier free in the first place!
Don't be confusd by the fact that prices are often stated as $ but this is used as the symbol for the CUC and you will be expected to use this all the time - 1 CUX is worth around 65/70p and the exchange rate seems to be pegged to the Euro. In contrast there are approx 25 local pesos to the £1 sterling but you will have little use for them - it's inlikely that ou'll ever want to buy anything that can be purchased with them. A few, available from the Cadecas will be useful for buying fruit from street traders but as a tourist you will be charged and expected to pay in CUCs everyhwere. And don't be surprised if the locals are charged less to get into the music venues mentioned above. There is a dual economy in Cuba and as a toruist your a firmly living in the CUC one - there's no point in doing anything other than accepting it. After all your holiday is probably costing you in the region of a docter's annual salary - accept that they know you can afford it. You're not being ripped off - you're living the socialist maxim: From each according to their means, to each according to their needs.
As for tipping, people won't thank you for tipping in anything other than CUCs - they will pay through the nose for changing anything else into local currency. If in a bar it's usual to just round up to the nearest CUC and leave the small change but its worth taking it and leaving 1 CUC instead because the lady standing guard at the toilets will expect a few cents in return for holding the door open and letting you some toilet paper. Likewise with taxi drivers etc - round it up or just add a CUC tot he total. Also, in the hotels the porter will expect a CUC for taking your bag up etc but the chambermaids will be happy being tipped in kind with small gifts of toiletries. Soap is on ration and decent toilet soap expensive and often only available from the so-called 'dollar shops' ie those which only deal in CUCs.
Hope this is of help and that someone else can answer your query re cigars.
SM
Sma is pretty much the expert on Cuba so I really can't add much to what was posted.
I was in Cuba in March and the food was't anywhere near as bad as I had expected though there wasn't a lot of choice. I had a couple of good seafood meals in a restaurant on Obispo can't remember the name though.
Every small bar will have music playing usually Salsa or Son and it makes for a great atmosphere.
I was warned not to buy cigars from street vendors. I did visit what is supposed to be Cuba's oldest cigar factory, you can do a tour of the factory and see the cigar rollers at work and there is a good selection of cigars for sale in the shop. I don't know about the prices as I didn' want any but you could visit the shop then compare. It's called the Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas, and it's situated to the west of the Capitolio Nacional building.
Enjoy your trip it's a great holiday destination.
I was in Cuba in March and the food was't anywhere near as bad as I had expected though there wasn't a lot of choice. I had a couple of good seafood meals in a restaurant on Obispo can't remember the name though.
Every small bar will have music playing usually Salsa or Son and it makes for a great atmosphere.
I was warned not to buy cigars from street vendors. I did visit what is supposed to be Cuba's oldest cigar factory, you can do a tour of the factory and see the cigar rollers at work and there is a good selection of cigars for sale in the shop. I don't know about the prices as I didn' want any but you could visit the shop then compare. It's called the Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas, and it's situated to the west of the Capitolio Nacional building.
Enjoy your trip it's a great holiday destination.
Thanks for the compliment, Judith, but I wouldn't class myself as the expert on Cuba yet - still too much to do and see of Cuba before I would claim that! But I hope that I can be of help when it comes to getting off the standard tourist trail in Havana and Santiago and I can always happily blether on about Cuban music until the cows come home :-)
SM
SM
Planning a holiday in April 2008 but reading the Hotel Reviews not to sure anyone any ideas. Usually go to Goa so used to everything that comes with third world countries
hi not many good reviews for hotels and their food
rosan I have only come home from cuba last monday ...and no way will i ever go back it is nothing like goa .......goa is far far better ....so much to see and do in goa ..the food at our hotel was the worst ever in all my travels and I would eat anything that would not eat me 
colleen (from the goa forum.......sorry your name is ronsan
For peteburns the cigars are the same price in every shop ...the same price in the hotel too and the same as the cigar shop tour ...we paid £94 for 25 montecristo no 1 s ...btw they cost £220 for 25 at gatwick airport ....pete i know other names and priced of gigars if you want to know ....just ask ....colleen
I would got for a hotel with at least a 4 star rating - we stayed at the Superclubs Breezes in Varadero and the food was pretty good. varadero isn't the real Cuba though - so make sure you visit Havana at least.
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