Planning a Cuba Trip

[oneizzzz]

Hi All,

My girlfriend and I are thinking of a Cuba trip the first week of May.  She speaks pretty good Spanish.  We are planning 5-7 days.  Would be flying from USA.

We were thinking of spending most of our time in Havana, maybe spending a few days visiting farms or riding horses.  

I'm looking for advice from the Pros.  You guys in the FOH Old Guard have so much Cuba knowledge and I'd be really grateful for recommendations.

I'm wondering about places to stay, places to eat, factory tours, beaches, travel tips, airlines, travel necessities (travel visas, cash, etc...).  I'm researching the forum/old threads to get info too.

Also wondering if it's appropriate/legal/how to bring stuff like toiletries, baseball cards, etc.. for the Cuban people.  I think my Grandfather did that about 20 years ago.  I know there's a big need for essentials down there and we'd be in a position to help.  Just curious what Cuban people/kids  need and want.  And how specifically to give that stuff out.

My DMs are open.  Thank you so much in advance!  Any and all tips and recommendations are welcome.

Alex

[NSXCIGAR]

Don't rent a car--find a driver. Do a search for some recommended ones here. Your driver will also probably get you an exchange for USD to CUP at a good rate. Ask him before you arrive and how much. For a week for two people I would recommend having at least $250 in CUP or about 40,000 CUP. Your driver should also accept USD for payment. 

Bring Euros for anything you want to buy in cigar shops or the hotels. You MUST get MLC cards with Euro at the airport office in the front. USD can be used for customs however. They will take a 10-15% cut on the MLC unfortunately but no way around it if all you have are US bank cards. 

Bringing toys, supplies and such is not a problem. I've found they really like dollar store hygiene products like deodorants, pain meds, creams, cosmetics etc. Just pack everything in checked luggage as they can harass you about carry-on contents after you get off the plane. 

[Monterey]

There an entire section "Cuban Travel Forum" full of information that will help you.

[NSXCIGAR]

15 hours ago, Monterey said:

There an entire section "Cuban Travel Forum" full of information that will help you.

Definitely a few things in that thread not updated like the MLC situation which is extremely important for US travellers. 

I actually ran into a guy from the US at the festival who booked his trip through a Cuba travel agency (according to him) and they told him to bring only USD. He had several thousand dollars to buy cigars and he was screwed. He couldn't even buy internet in his hotel. So even a supposed Cuba travel agency gets this stuff wrong. 

[JohnnyO]

USD is the standard now for the MLC card. Dont rent a car, you'll have the battle of your life trying to get gas. Unless you want to buy it on the parallel markets at 200 CUP/Diesel and 300 CUP/gasoline per liter. Thats $1.12 and $1.71/liter. Dont expect services that you might find at a hotel/restaurant in the US. Your best gift would be chocolates, expresso coffee. John

[JohnnyO]

Gasoline is selling as high as 500 CUP a liter or $2.77 USD/liter on parallel markets and DC is having fits. Diesel is still holding at 300 CUP or $1.67/liter. Lines are all the way to Poughkeepsie. John

[bates40]

I always bring a bag of used baseballs- I put the word out to local teams and coaches before I leave. I usually carry 3-4 in my backpack as I am walking around the the smiles of the young kids- some who had previously been playing  with rocks as a stick for a baseball and bat, respectively. I prefer to stay in a casa privada vs. hotel, better value and always get to know the owner. 

[atzemis]

Interested in a trip sometime soon as well. Regarding travel outside of Havana, what is generally the best way to do this? Will a hired driver as mentioned take you anywhere in the country, is there another recommendation, or should one book a tour? Cheers

 

Edit: One more question: how is now as a time to visit? The impression I get reading FOH is that things seem to be always getting worse in Cuba. Should I reconsider travel or is it okay?

[JohnnyO]

On 5/5/2023 at 9:36 AM, atzemis said:

Interested in a trip sometime soon as well. Regarding travel outside of Havana, what is generally the best way to do this? Will a hired driver as mentioned take you anywhere in the country, is there another recommendation, or should one book a tour? Cheers

 

Edit: One more question: how is now as a time to visit? The impression I get reading FOH is that things seem to be always getting worse in Cuba. Should I reconsider travel or is it okay?

Charlie if you leave Havana you might run into a few problems. No food or electricity. John

[JayXXIII]

I am also new to the forum and interested in traveling to Cuba sometime in the near future from the US so any guidance is greatly appreciated. I'm sure Rick Steve's traveling tips today are a bit dated. 

[gangus]

Sending good vibes for the trip. Hope to be going soon myself. 

[JohnnyO]

If you go, wait for the hurricane season to be over. You don't want to be battling it out with a 1000 mosquitos once the power goes out. Plus you may not be able to get home when you were scheduled to. March is the most beautiful month there. Right now its almost 100F daily with 85% RH+. Sticky, gooey, just plain nasty sweatbath. January and February have honorable mentions. John

[bates40]

On 6/9/2023 at 7:10 AM, orsolyahim said:

A trip to Cuba sounds like an amazing adventure. Havana is a must-visit, and exploring farms and riding horses sounds like a great idea too. For places to stay, check out Casa Particulars for an authentic experience. For food, try Paladares, privately-owned restaurants. Beach-wise, Varadero is stunning!
When it comes to travel necessities, bring some cash, as credit cards can be tricky. As for bringing gifts, toiletries are always appreciated. Baseball cards could be a hit too! I'm not sure about specific needs, but you can ask locals or community centers for guidance.
If you're planning to explore Germany this summer, you'll have a blast! By the way, if you need train tickets, this website is super helpful: https://www.dbfahrplan.com/de/. I'm new here too, but the community seems friendly.

It is weird that when I first started visiting HAV simple items such as soap, pencils, etc. were greatly appreciated. In 2012+ I was getting requests for Nike, chains, etc. Now people are back to asking for the basics of soap and pencils.