Local traditions and culture in Varadero

Obviously you are going to tip people who have provided you some form of service and i strongly recommend tipping them in CUC..there are no restrictions on who can posess what currency since the economy of cuba is partially done in CUC.. for example there are items for every day use such as cooking oil which are available only with CUC.. also many of the items which were in dire shortage about 15 years ago such as soap, shampoo etc are available in cuba and much cheaper.
You give gifts to people you meet socially, and if you are coming as a tourist, your chance of meeting people socially is very limited since most of the interactions would be people who are there to provide services for the tourist.
If you have friends or associates or people who are at the same social level as you are, you can bring them gifts: DVDs to write on, flash drives, music cd s or movies dvds etc. women appreciate good quality perfume and clothes and costume jewelry. but for a tourist to cuba, tip them as you wish, in CUC and believe it or not, it would be MUCH MUCH appreciated..

It's not just 1950s American cars you see aplenty on Cuban roads. Here is a classic British car of the same era, an Austin A40, made in Longbridge, Birmingham.
It shows how Cuban motorists 'make do and mend': note the 'homemade' grille and new, non-standard bumper.

‘Casas particulares’ in Varadero are illegal because the government wants tourist to stay at expensive hotels. Anyway, whether you’re in Cuba or anywhere else in the world… laws have been made to be broken! So there are lots of people around offering you casas.

If you speak any Spanish, you may get lucky and end up at some casa… paying 20 or 25 CUC, while the cheapest hotel charges 40 or 50 CUC!

Although very poor, the people of Cuba are extremely friendly and open. Try not to assume a posture of superiority with these people. Don't be taken back by what would be considered forward behaviour at home. They are quick to make and maintain eye contact and are ready to shake your hand whether as a greeting or parting gesture.
Tipping for services rendered outside of the resorts is accepted practice. Tip at what you feel is a comfortable rate but remember that to them $.50 is the equivalent of about $20.00 for you at home. In your resort, tipping is discouraged but will get you better service if you feel you need it. A one dollar bill, folded and discreetly passed to a bartender or waiter(best way is with a handshake) will secure you royal treatment. Remember, at all times, that these are poor people, so do not flaunt your wealth or possessions in front of them.
When you are in a town or city you may on a rare occasion, be approached by a beggar. If you choose not to give him/her anything they will not be persistant. If you choose to give anything, try to do it when you are leaving a locale, as your actions will attract other nearby beggars who will then approach you.
The Cuban people love their children. Any gift that you might give them for their children will be greatfully appreciated.

Not really a tip, but I can't fit all my pictures into "Overview".
Anyway, motorvehicles are part of the allure & culture of Cuba, so here is a Cuban post office van!

This mid-to-late 1980s Dodge Caravan is made in Canada, as are most "American" cars built since the early 1960s that one sees in Cuba.