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Varadero Varadero
5 Reviews One night I stopped one of the "old taxis" said I wanted to go to Cardenas, 10 kms away. The Lady driver looked at me and said "OK". I got in and she turned around and started to drive me back towards...
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Yes i did it and i wa warned 100 times dont buy cigars off a beach vendor but i did and yes they where fake. i compared them to the real ones too i though i was getting such a deal.................... Go to the local market there more expensive than you may think though just but singles as souviners and gifts a box rums 40 and up USD
Well ,I would never have belived it but the Jineteros they are all over you in Havana. I guess i looked like a tourist but still it was for me a bit too much ! I managed on the first evening to be fooled by 2 of the kind,It did not cost much but still I got them following me for a good while. After that I did just say no gracias and just walk away but they are all over the place. Try not to be the same fool as I was looking just like a tourist try to mingle in.Don´t start talking to them then you can´t get rid of them. If you are traveling with someone try always to be 2 or more together and if alone don´t be in the main center at night. And always keep your things like camera wallet and stuff close to you and don´t leave it on the table at a restaurant if you go to WC, one person in our group got his camera stolen and it took 5 hours to give the report to the police and he did not get...
begging is something you will get almost everywhere..santiago was no different..but found that they were not as persistent as in some places I have been..you can see why some of them do it..they are not having a very good life..but some do not need to, but its easier than working.. I found that if you avoid eye contact and say a polite "NO" and keep walking..they will not pester you..smile too as you walk away..only one man was very persistent..he grabbed me by the arm and asked for a dollar..I raised my voice slightly and told him to leave me alone and go away,I had nothing for him..he immediately left me alone and walked away...also,get away from the tourist spots..that is where they wait for tourists. if you are able to..carry some 1 peso pieces to give to those in obvious need.
Modelled after the Capital Building in Washington DC, I decided to take a self-guided tour of the building this trip.It is very similar to the DC building, but subtle differences. More monuments to Jose Marti etc and of course, Cuban historians. It is a magnificent building inside and I enjoyed seeing it. The highlight was making a new friend though. A lovely lady that hands out the toilet paper in the ladies' washrooms, we started talking, about her, her family. etc. I took her photo and sent it back to her. The joy I get from being in Cuba is talking to people and connecting. As you enter this beautiful building, there is are amazing statues at the top of the steps and inside the main entrance, art galleries, a library, and the wings of the building used to house Senate and Chamber of House of Representatives, but now are offices of Plaza de la Revolucion. There many historical...
Dont buy cigars on the street. You will get sand, or very bad copy. You have very little chance to get good cigars on the street. Buy cigars in the shops and ask for bill. You need to show that on Cuban customs when leaving Cuba. If not so, you can lost your cigars.And in shop, you are sure to get orginal Cuban cigars.
Below are a couple of things we only discovered when we had to pay our bill at the end of our stay in our first casa. The casa owner purposely misled us or just did not inform us.1. Drinks are extra. If you eat in at your casa particular, note that all the drinks you request/accept during the meals are not free, i.e. they are not included in your meal price. The prices of waters are often the same as restaurants, but who do the casa pay taxes to?!?2. Different meals are different prices. If you order fish over pork, the price may not be the $7 you were told originally when you book the casa. It may be one or two dollar more. When in doubt, always ask. Make clear of the prices before hand. Eat out! Street foods are much cheaper and more authentic. State-run restaurants and private paladars ususally offer better selection, but may take longer to serve.
Be careful of those waiting to take your luggage as you exit the airplane. They will take your luggage right out of your hand and throw it in your trunk before you can protest or do anything to stop it. One friend had to pay $20 to get his suitcase back. If you're lucky, they'll just demand a $3 tip, but thats only IF you're lucky. WATCH YOUR BELONGINGS!!!
Many times yu may see in Cuba beautiful, young women and men dressed in most colourful Cuban costume--some with music playing - others dancing among themselves and they want their picture taken by you------BUT FOR A FEE!!!! Just shake your head "NO" and walk on if you do not wish to pay a fee or you can negotiate the fee that they request---BUT NEVER PAY THE ORIGINAL PRICE THAT THEY WANT IN THE BEGINNING!!!!---to let you take their photo.
DO NOT buy your famous CUBAN CIGARS for a CHEAPER PRICE from a sidewalk or beach vendor as you will be taken for QUALITY and PRICE!!! Be sure to buy your CUBAN CIGARS and RUM at the many reputable shops availalle in Varadero, Havana and right In the Resort.
Yes yes we all know that this is a resort area by now and that you will have difficulty finding those hidden treasures in this area. But for most people this is the cheapest way to get themselves into Cuba. Packaged deals are just that, a deal, and sometimes a real steal of a deal!! Dont feel badly if you end up here, you will still meet TONS of terrific Cubans, but do yourself a favor and get out and explore if you can, it is worth it for sure. Havana is not just another faceless city... Have fun, explore, enjoy a mojito or 10!! Get to know the Cubans, they are very friendly and genuine people. Try and find a decent air only deal into Havana and stay in casas.... Sometimes air only to Varadero can be an alright price. I think that out of Toronto and Vancouver you will find cheaper air only than in Calgary. Obviously this information does not apply everyone :)
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Q: We're hoping to do Eastern Cuba in December, we've already done the west. I'm trying to book flights, ideally from Manchester. I...
A: flights domestically it is, aerocaribbean do it, as you are in Manchester check the Cuban tourist office http://www.travel2cuba.co.uk/ hope it helps cheers
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