7 Things No One Told Me About Havana Cuba

7 Things No One Told Me Before Visiting Cuba
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[@Official_inkdoll]

One important thing for anyone planning to go to cuba is that’s you need to bring with you everything you think you might need from the pharmacy or Beautyhouse, there’s no medicines and the pharmacy/ hospital lack of supplies , there’s two pharmacies in Havana one international and one “local “ but both are empty.

[@mrst4407]

I’m British, and my daughter is out in Cuba atm. She has taken Euros with her which was easy to exchange. She was told not to take US dollars. She said there’s a shortage in toilet roll. She and her friend have hired a lovely air bnb for a few months and it’s lovely , they also have a maid who cleans and can cook for them . The internet is absolutely fine, her flat has great Wi-Fi. She’s also bought a local SIM card with data. She was told beforehand that she won’t get Wi-Fi or proper food, but this has been proven wrong. The locals are friendly and helpful.

[@raulpendas]

You should take with you the small shampoo, small soap, and toothpaste like the one used in a hotel. Use them as tips for taxis, or give them to someone that does you a favor.

[@jasonwilliams2549]

That reads like sound advice to me I dream of making a visit some day!😁

[@Muschg]

Cool vid. I was in Cuba a couple of months ago and I would say that most information is still accurate. There is a very bad economic crisis hitting this country and you can't blame people if they hustle you to make a living. Still met a lot of sweet and lovely people out there. Magical place...

[@markbroadus8788]

One thing worth mentioning is the frequent power outages for hours imposed by the government due to the rising of fuel costs.

[@Auf_dem_Sonnendeck]

Unfortunately, I've also had the experience that everyone in Havana tries to get money out of you. The taxi drivers were the worst. Outside Havana, in the small towns, it was different. The people there were very friendly. Cuba is still a big, great adventure.

[@305jakec]

That’s happens basically every where in the world !!

[@2226robin]

@@305jakec Everywhere in the world ???? you must talking US rap country , Cuba, China. Have you ever been in Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Portugal ? People in UK, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavian they look unfriendly but they will help you and don’t asking for money from you. France and Italy you only get help if you looking for real Francaise or Italian not France nor Italy immigrants.

[@transikk]

@@2226robin buddy are you seriously comparing Portugal to Cuba? I you go to Indonesia thailand vietnam peru bolivia brasil DR or egipt just name a few that visited it always the same “gringo prices” or walking atm prices this guy is right. Same f thing all over the world,

[@jillpatton3432]

Many of those taxi drivers are doctors and other professionals trying to earn some USD because their salaries are crap.

[@matheusvillela9150]

@@2226robin People trying to get all they can out of tourists is pretty standard for the third world

[@PhillyDom]

Champ 🏆 keep the videos coming...... Watching from El Salvador Family.........

[@ScreamingReelsTV]

8:03 In my 20 years of Cuban travel I can tell you this one thing, Everyone is on the Hustle. If any Cuban approaches you, outside of an official capacity, there's an ask coming at some point.

[@rockwaysplays]

It takes one crook to know another!😴

[@g.c.s7767]

Hi Sly, I'm in Cuba right now and I feel that it's our responsibility to inform everyone that comes to Cuba about the MONEY situation. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR FOREIGN CURRENCY FOR CUBAN PESOS!!!!! Things will cost you 3 to 4 times more in Cuban pesos than Euros, USD or Canadian. If something is 100 USD it should be 2500 Cuban pesos but the Cubans will charge you 9000 Cuban pesos. In addition, you cannot get no foreign currency from any Cuban bank. So please keep your currency!!!!!

[@tonymaldonado1659]

That is good to know I was told to change some money into Cuban peso’s

[@g.c.s7767]

@@tonymaldonado1659 Some pesos may come in handy for tips, but the Cubans don't even want it for tips! And if you think you can use your credit card in a store or ATM, forget about it. There's never any card connection to Visa or Mastercard. Therefore bring everything you need. It's a wonderful destination but the money situation could really ruin your vacation.

[@tonymaldonado1659]

@@g.c.s7767 thank you so much I’m bringing Canadian dollars and some euros And I might get a MLC card to go to the supermarket need be

[@g.c.s7767]

@@tonymaldonado1659 Excellent! Take all the cash you need......because the country ONLY issues Cuban Pesos......NO other currency! Have a great vacation......Viva la Cuba 🇨🇺...

[@tonymaldonado1659]

@@g.c.s7767 thank you Viva la Cuba

[@markrush2319]

Man a great video with a lot of useful information. I lived in Buenos Aires Argentina for nearly 10 years. And I was in Cuba for 30 days in 2017. I rented a stand alone apartment in a Cuban's family home. In the neighborhood that I stayed in I had no problems buying everything that I needed in Cuban pesos. But you are right when I was in Cuba they had two different currencies but there were also stores that took only American dollars and you could purchase all kinds of imported goods except from the United States. Again great video. What is your next stop? Man you are running out of places to go to keep traveling and stay safe and healthy out there.

[@jaymeez]

Cuba is So High on my bucket list. Can’t wait to go! 👍🏽

[@mikesands1613]

Enjoying the Cuba series. Guess I was lucky to have an airbnb host that kept my fridge stocked with drinks and snacks :)

[@victoriaj1488]

Would u like to share the name 😀 going to Cuba soon Greetings

[@hope-zh3xr]

please share ❤

[@gregrodriguez714]

Sly, on my last trip to Cuba I met some US citizens traveling to Cuba from the west coast, on the plane I could tell they had no idea what they were in for... I just told them that Cuba was like visiting another planet, instead of visiting another country. They looked at me like "weird"..! Two weeks later on the return flight, they were like... Now I see what you mean..!

[@armando5510C]

I’m from Cali and I just got back and I still don’t know how I feel about the trip. It was definitely an experience

[@conkrazy1053]

@@armando5510C good or bad ?

[@armando5510C]

@@conkrazy1053 I’ll be completely honest I’ll never go back I was questioned upon arrival but on my departure it was horrible I was questioned pulled to the side for 30 minutes then went through what they called a routine check which consisted of metal detector, X-ray, property search etc that being said cuba was an experience it definitely made me more grateful but it’s pretty sad the people seem to be frustrated and at times I would see people sitting lost in their thoughts would I recommend going probably not do I regret it ? No not at all I met some really nice people and they definitely need the help. I hope this makes sense

[@Copilot1204]

@@armando5510C damn I just found out my real dad is Cuban . I lowkey wanna go there to see how my family has lived . But I know a lot of them left in the 80s or something to Miami .

[@Copilot1204]

@@armando5510C the food is so good too ropa vieja I can eat that shit all day .

[@rich5248]

I was in Cuba in May and had a good time. I stayed in a hostel and the hostess made breakfast for me every morning. She was able to exchange my American dollars for Cuban pesos. It's definitely recommended you exchange it on the black market than the bank because you'll get more money on the black market. EVERYONE in Cuba is trying to hustle you and they want American money more than anything. The internet sucks down there.

[@Tony-uc8wq]

Hey Sly, I still have family in Cuba. You couldn’t pay with cash at those grocery stores because they only accept MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible). So Euros, Dollars, etc. Cubans on the island have a special credit card of sort that they load these currencies onto, usually they get these currencies from family members who live abroad and send them remittances through western union. They never actually see that money in cash they are not allowed, it’s just placed on those cards. Those stores are drastically different from others that a Cuban with no family abroad goes too, it’s a privilege to buy in those stores as no one in Cuba gets paid in foreign currencies. If you noticed those MLC stores are much more stocked than stores that only accept Cuban pesos. That is the reality of that situation, there are others who are more privileged even though its a “communist” country.

[@markrush2319]

Very interesting but when I was in Cuba for 30 days there were stores where only Cuban could purchase items I think it had something to do with the national food card that every Cuban receives on a monthly basis when I was in Cuba foreigners had to use the CUP at one to one US dollar. But you had to pay a 13% exchange rate tax for US dollars. But I rented an apartment in a Cuban's family home and they took me under their wing and showed me how to live like a local. Cuba was very inexpensive away from the Tourist traps. Cuba was beautiful, awesome and confusing all at the same time. I was there for 30 days in 2017. One of the best times of my life. Oh yeah when I was there, there was no black market for Cuban pesos.

[@Tony-uc8wq]

@@markrush2319 Yes, every Cuban household has a ration card they use at a “bodega”. Where food items are subsidized by the government. The amount of food you can purchase depends on how many people there are in the household. This is only for the staple foods: coffee, rice, beans, sugar, eggs, bread, and milk (once you turn 7 years old you no longer have the privilege to buy milk at a subsidized price). The rations they are allowed to purchase are not enough for the month, think of 2 eggs per person per month. Elsewhere a person typically eats 2 eggs a day lol. They the have to resort to the black market , the aforementioned MLC stores which are fairly new, or Cuban peso stores which we can see queues of up to 3-4 hours in order to get their daily necessities.

[@Tony-uc8wq]

@@markrush2319 No black market for Cuban pesos in that time because of the existence of the CUC (there was a black market for dollars/CUC), CUP is the cuban peso you might have meant CUC (ik it’s confusing). There has always been a currency black market though, fairly recently in Cuban history you could be jailed for carrying dollars though.

[@markrush2319]

@@Tony-uc8wq you are probably 💯 correct. Like I said the Cuban family that I stayed with took me under their wing and showed me how to live like a local. Am an African-American and everyone thought that I was just another Cuban walking around Havana until I spoke. I had no problems using both currencies. Yes it was the CUC. I lived in a Cuban neighborhood and I could get a Cuban coffee for about 2 cents US and ride public transportation for 2 cents US. The family furnished a huge breakfast for about 5 dollars but I never ate this everyday. I never spent over 5 dollars US for a full meal. I could buy a bottle of Havana Rum for around 3 dollars US. But most people just spent a few days or a week in Cuba so they didn't mind spending the tourist prices. My point is Cuba is not expensive if you are willing to get out of the tourist areas.

[@Tony-uc8wq]

@@markrush2319 happy to hear you had a good time in my country, the Cuban people is what makes Cuba great, we come from all walks of life and pride ourselves on our hospitality. Always willing to give even if they have nothing. Many blessings to you Mark!

[@John-ev3rm]

Very eye opening, thank you, now I'm sure I'll never go to Cuba where I would have found these things out the hard way.

[@micky9840]

I enjoy your vidéo, i visited Cuba for 2 weeks.Its unbelivable!!

[@Dayana17ist]

I’m born and raised in Cuba I was very lucky to get out when I was 15 years old and I’m not planning on going back untill the situation with the government change, the situation in Cuba is very sad There’s no food There’s no clothing there’s nothing for The locals Prostitution it’s very high Stealing it’s very high If you don’t have family In Cuba I would be very careful going

[@shaolin1derpalm]

On San Rafael there was a super market that took cup, and off of Centro there were several small tiendas with snacks

[@tcnynytcnyny5420]

For the supermercados you need to have a Cuban MLC card, like a debit card which gets loaded with any other hard currency except USD strangely the card is denominated in dollars and you definitely want to make a trip to the supermercados for good food items and good beverages and coffee.

[@LucianoCorvelo]

Nice video. Very informative. Thank you.

[@juankalaveratv]

One thing the maker of the video missed is the difference between a normal Cuban peso (what Cubans use) and the CUC (made specifically for tourism) which is: 1 CUC = 25 Cuban pesos that’s why he thought he was getting ripped off

[@lhlinn7351]

Great job, thanks for posting.

[@lukenichols8570]

Few of tips that I think are worth adding. 1- at restaurants you can pay in pretty much any western currency but they’ll all have the same value, for example the same drink could cost £1 or $1, obviously it’s a better exchange if you use dollars, so if you’re from the UK, even though you can use GDP, I’d still take dollars. 2- American based websites are either blocked or highly restricted. If you’re planning on staying in multiple airbnbs or need to correspond with guides while you’re out there, get a VPN sorted on your phone so you can use full functionality 3- if someone tries to sell you cheap cohibas, they’re fake. 4- if you have a non US bank card and run out of cash, with moderate ease you can arrange to buy rum from the “dollar stores”/supermarket and exchange it for pesos with a local, we had to do this in Trinidad and it actually worked out really well… we bought £80 of rum and sold it for £120 worth of Cuban Pesos, which are still widely accepted, just not preferred. To find a local to do this with your best bet is asking someone who runs a touristy shop or someone who is already offering to exchange money. They’ll help you get into the shop too, because as mentioned, they’re not really for tourists. 5- TREAT YOUR CASH LIKE A NEWBORN BABY, THEY WONT ACCEPT IT IF IT’S TORN. Do not be scared of visiting Cuba, you’ll never make memories like it anywhere else. If you want to read a book about life in Cuba I highly recommend The Cubans by Anthony DePalma :)

[@juliendearouthier8397]

Thanks brother! Very helpful

[@DonGivani]

I would recommend staying at a Casa Particulare, not a hotel. The people at a Casa Particulare will do the best to offer you a good stay. Hotel employees are not motivated to offer the best, they all get the same wages

[@pman31604]

As you say many places only accept a debit card. If you HAVE to purchase the good or services from one of these spots, you can buy a pre loaded debit card at a bank. Caveat being, the bank only accepts Euros ( can’t speak on CAD) and also they use the official rate of 25:1. Takes you out of as you say grocery stores, the official cigar stores, but the new hotels also. Good video, I can confirm all the info.

[@apersonaladventure8707]

I’m heading out soon and I appreciate your videos, gave me a lot of information.

[@pcatful]

Nothing free. A lot of the prices are surprisingly high for a country like this. Shortages. Cubans are in such a tight spot they just want to have as much money from you as they can. But it's generally a well-mannered situation Even friends just sort of expect Yankees to pay. But I found them to be cool people in general. Right now the tourism is way down so there might be some good deals if you are careful--and it's super uncrowded. Learn what you can. Yep, take what you can (if you don't use it, it'll be a good gift) and go support the people of Cuba.

[@41ganagsta89]

My airbnb Is in a area called Miramar, is that too far from the action? I want to be in the area with the clubs and beautiful women. I just purchased your ebook

[@CarlosCruz-ll5ez]

hope to visit Cuba one day!

[@leonardthomas6312]

YO TAMBIEN!! SALUDOS DE UN AFRO-AMERICANO DEL BRONX, NEW YORK, EL BARRIO DE LA SALSA!!

[@eggy418ful]

Poor people, they had suffer for so long under dictatorship and the saddest thing is there is no end in sight!😢

[@ΑλεξΠΑΟΚ-ψ4κ]

They live free and proudly you suffer but you don’t know it ……..

[@victoralvarez5955]

Maybe if they weren't being embargoed under the world superpower...

[@maxencelecam2379]

So could you survive with only euros in cash there ? Going there for 2 weeks. Have all airbnbs reserved, will be in habana, viñales, cienfuegos, trinidad, varadero and again in habana. Transfers already booked too. I was wondering about museums, outdoor activities, restaurants , cafes, shops, souvenirs... now the official change is 1usd 119 peso but if I change euro in peso and then don't use them all I'll lose money. Will you go only with euri in cash ? If no, how much to change in peso ? Debit cards I have are ING, WISE and revolut but I guess they'll not work

[@02Zenitram]

That’s what I needed to know. Thanks bro

[@simoneyyy13]

The market on the right at 2:46 with the blue tarps is where I got a cheap replacement engagement ring as my father in laws dog damaged my ring that fiance had JUST proposed with, thanks for the flashback.

[@davidwilliamgay4821]

Very interesting Sly. Couldnt believe some of the prices or did i mishear that a bottle of water costs 8$.Thought after watching your Honduras videos that some of the cocktail prices( over 20$) were very expensive. Interesting though that foreigners cannot enter supermarkets. Basically means one can only accomodate in a hotel

[@rcarioca]

no way a bottle of water is $8.

[@bsenka]

The reason you see so many different answers as to whether or not you can use USD in Cuba, is that the Cuban govt keeps changing the regulations. For a while it was literally required for tourists to use USD only, then it was outright banned, then for a long time it was accepted, just with a 10% penalty. More recently, when you were there, they had gotten rid of the internal CUC currency which was pegged to USD, and were accepting almost all forms of foreign cash. At the time that I'm writing this, it has since changed AGAIN, and USD is once again not allowed. By the time you read this, it will probably have changed again.

[@sylviarios5389]

Thank you for another well explained video, hope to go someday,

[@tonywolton]

At 8.13 you are walking past the main entrance to the Ambos Mundos hotel. Hemmingway was resident for a few years. I have been there for drinks and also stayed there back in 2002 for a few nights. Sad to see it closed, if anybody has information please respond. This is one of Havana's most beautiful hotels and I can't bear it to see it closed.

[@ambyramenra]

I’m very excited to go back. It sounds like a lot has changed since our trip in 2016. It also sounds like life has gotten harder for the Cuban people. They already had it tough, but I’ll be happy to spread some more usd among the people. I know they really need it. I’ve enjoyed your walking tours. Thank you for posting.

[@ambyramenra]

@@zaporizhiaisukraine1589 definitely! Thank you for your reply and the reminder. We took sheets, towels and toiletries as gifts - also left everything behind. I forgot how hard it was for Cubans to get basic items. I recently found The Spartan Vlog and really appreciate his informative videos.

[@cubanenglish]

@@ambyramenra don't forget a lantern or torch , or a rechargeable lamp, because there are a lot of black out. Only go to Cuba if you really want to go, i mean you are willing to help and do charity, becase right now its not the best place to go. I am Cuban living in Europe, i go to Cuba every 9 month with 2 suits case full of everything, from toiletries till antihistaminic, pain killer, all kind of vitamins, food : sardine , atún, pastas, tomato sauce ,lentils and other grains, body cream....anything!! Unfortunately i can't buy antibiotic over the counter in UK and you only find those in the black market while in Cuba, extremely expensive, you pay that they want to ask for.

[@rockwaysplays]

@@cubanenglish Thank you for doing that. I am Cuban I live in Canada and as a Cuban I thank you for all of them that you can help.

[@candi730]

@@zaporizhiaisukraine1589 Hi I visited Cuba in 2018 and I'm planning on returning in January. We stay at casa particulars, never hotels and try to only shop, eat and tour with locals. But hearing all of this about the rations, I'm a bit torn about visiting as I don't want be an added strain on the food supply. Can I ask your thoughts, Are tourist needed or more of a strain on the people there?

[@candi730]

@@zaporizhiaisukraine1589 Thank you so much for replying! The first time we visited Cuba we made a point to stay at airbnbs and only shop/exchange with locals. We also brought extra items and left everything we could with the young lady who prepped breakfast for us each day. She was a huge help linking us with locals. No matter where we go, we never stay or do touristy things. We like to engage with the people. Your reply makes me feel so much better about returning. Especially if I can serve the people there in some small way.

[@JuanCarlosMartinez-qc7dp]

Thank so much for speak about the rate and cost of products , Cuban citizen are force to buy dollar in order to buy , basis products and you see the price 100 pesos for a dollar , they get pay once a month end result a full island working for free

[@hemipower63]

You did not talk about the hunger the people there are living.

[@cheesewithxbread]

Bro, there's hunger everywhere.

[@yenphung8809]

Blame it on the US for sanctioning them for 70 years. They did well with little of what they have. Free education, healthcare, they look after their citizens, can you say the same about yours?

[@muhammadwilliams8034]

why don't you talk about the Cuban blockade, the U.S. embargo that punishes any company that does business with Cuba CIA Link to CubanPig Virus

[@imrandamss2385]

Even in thé USA

[@blablaaaa6025]

@@imrandamss2385 you can NOT compare US hunger to Cuba

[@gg13308]

Great video and thanks for the insight

[@KMO325]

Thank you for doing this series, Sly. Because of the political-stuff, info is always sketchy, but you are one of the few folks who I can trust to go to a place and find out what's what.

[@towardsdiscoveries]

Informative and useful video! Great format. I'm back in Havana again.

[@pcatful]

There's lots of BnB's There are some decent mid range hotels. As a US citizen you have to consider if the place you stay is government-owned, and that is most hotels. It's still illegal to support the Cuban government by using their accommodations and buying their products. We found the internet to be difficult even with Wifi. Slow and inconsistent.

[@bensonwu9293]

My father is going to travel to Cuba starting from the 5th of December, 2022, and I want to ensure he is safe during his trip in Cuba, so I found this video to help him, and I released a video about the safety advice for traveling to Cuba as well.

[@shaolin1derpalm]

Havana Centro, I got directions often for free even directing me when I went wrong way.

[@christopherp.hitchens3902]

Cuba is in constant flux. Any guide book written is obsolete 3 months later. There is no pegging down Cuba, which to some degree…is what makes Cuba so fascinating. The list of surprises, warnings and enchantments above are common to newcomers but there are likely even more. 1). Casa Particulares are everywhere and provide not only lodging for a reasonable price (20$ to $30 a night) but can service you in many other ways. These are the OWNERS while state run and international hotels are expensive and staffed with workers that cannot and will not take a personal interest in you. The Casas can (not all) will often exchange money for you at the Black Market rate. It is safer to do this here than to try to do this at a hotel or on the street. The Casa owners will cook breakfast for you, lunch and even dinner. They often provide Wifi for their guests and can wash your clothes for you. Remember, the Casa owner wants you to come back and tell your friends while the hotels do not give a damn. 2). Black Market: This is technically illegal but EVERY Cuban uses it. Many Cubans make a living off it while others need hard currency to purchase items not available on the island or…increasingly to LEAVE Cuba forever, Be discreet when changing money and make yourself familiar with the Cuban Peso. There are scams but I find these scams are no worse than anywhere else around the world. Women Of The Night or…”Prostitutes” …or “Putas”: Also illegal, these girls CANNOT enter your hotel room anywhere and will nearly always need to go to your Casa Particular. Many of these gurls would laugh if you called them “Prostitutes” because they’re just trying to feed their families (like you and me). Some are hard as rocks and may rob your money, towels, soap, shampoo, socks and even deodorant if left alone. Use your common sense! Also, Cuba was once known as “The Largest Brothel In The World” with Castro unfairly quoted as saying “Yes, but our prostitutes are the most educated in the world”. Many of these girls do this at the risk of serving 4 years in jail. I have seen some police ignore this but only because the girls bribe him (or them). Scam: A police will walk up to the girl and instructs her to come with him. They go some distance to talk. She returns extremely agitated and stuttering saying that unless she pays him $50 (or even 5,000 CUP (Cuban Pesos), she will go to jail. Do not pay. The girl and the officer are in on it together. Get up and walk away in the other direction. Remember, the officer is risking jail himself if caught. 3). “Friendly Cubans”: Remember this: 99% of any Cuban that approaches you on the street will be a “Jinetero” (Tourist Jockey). They always approach you with “What time you haff” or “My fren, where joo frohm?” While largely harmless they may try to sell you “Real” Cohiba cigars (not real) or escort you to a restaurant or to be your tour guide. They are HOPING they get something out of you. Remember, the shoes on your feet or your wrist watch cost more than they made in the last 3 years. 4). Crime is still lower than any American state. Extreme poverty is their life. They’ll gladly steal your sunglasses but never violence.

[@misutasutanto6312]

Thanks

[@sergio7104]

At the airport you can get 2 prepaid debit cars one for euros one for National money

[@kj2540]

yeap! we are gorgeous! thank you! mua

[@jp3596]

Love the beginning of the video ;)

[@beverlyhintzen8780]

I hope that you gave the lady at the airport a tip after all the running around that she did for you! The only decent thing to do!

[@kcb211]

Did you have to unlock your phone to use the Cuban SIM card?

[@2226robin]

At least I found a truefull blogger, it’s Sly’s life.

[@yomansup]

Aweosme video, thanks for the info! What area are you walking around in this video?

[@christiancummings5058]

I think I’m going to go to Cuba next month. What’s a good area to stay? I want somewhere not to touristy.

[@javiertoreon]

I visited Cuba in times of CUC (2007 and 2014) and it was desperate, people trusted that things would improve, now I think they are worse

[@NAYIBXbox]

Information is free , but I don't know what type of people you found because nobody will charge you for information , but people in Cuba that work with tourist sometimes they "expect" you to tip them

[@jarwork]

Very interesting good update. The last time I was in Cuba was in September 2019 before corvid. At that time the CUC was the same rate as the US dollar. arrive in Holguin which is the third city on the northeast end of the island I have been going to Cuba for 7 years. Finally got to Havana which was good and also when to Trinidad in Cuba. It was interesting but Havana was an expensive band e spent 4 days there. I know what you mean that nothing is free in Havana. Yes, a lot of the time people would hustle you with that smile. A friend of mine introduce me to a relative to be the taxi driver the father was very good to me. but his son when he did the driving was a crock ok was charging me 5 extra on every trip the pissed me off. I complain to his dad and said if he not driving don't send his son is was too gready and took advantage even when I looked after him. I still love Cuba compared to DR . I think the people are kinder mine you I got some friends there. all do some of them are leaving to go to America now.

[@cubanenglish]

Things have change a lot. People are desperate for the lack of everything and the rise of the prices. One of my neighbours just die because she got a kidney infection and couldn't get any treatment with antibiotics, after 3 weeks she die!! I am not exaggerating, you better don't get ill.

[@paidtourist1554]

Great info Sly

[@franciscusjohannesburger3720]

Thanks for the video !

[@Isaiah-er1ot]

Great video my brother . 👍

[@cynthiabrooks8648]

Thank you

[@Alan-pv2bi]

Most of the money interaction has changed, probably since covid and returning to using 1 currency. The street exchange value is very different now, it probably has something to do with stores that only except cards for payment. The US stopped allowing Western Union to send remittance money, making it much more difficult for the lucky people who were receiving money from abroad.The supermarkets now use cards that need to be loaded with foreign currency, not exactly sure how it works. You could always exchange USD in the streets, I was told that health care workers traveling to other countries on work missions were the purchaser.

[@cubanenglish]

Cubans receive money by transference to their bank from abroad. It could be USD, CAD , EUROS or GBP (Sterling Pound) then we the card they go to those supermarkets . In the streets you are going to find several people willing to buy usd to buy a plane ticket to Nicaragua or anywhere else they can fly in order to make the famous ''travesia'' to the United States. 1 usd is around 100 cuban pesos perhaps more.

[@deleoncapricornio2129]

My beautiful country 🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺

[@pcatful]

What district is this? I went to a lot of different Havana distircts, but this looks different from anywhere I went.

[@Josephtimeisallwegot]

real good job. love your videos.

[@zb37]

Great Video!👍👍

[@rcarioca]

How did you pay in MLC ? DId you have to buy a special payment card ?

[@joanna9242]

You should go to thailand the people are honest they appreciate tourist and they are accepting of all races. Try Koi Samui, it is lovely and very affordable. Look at some youtubers like "Lilly's Life" to see how you might like it.

[@Theofficaldannyalldunso]

Just left Havana last week. Was an amazing experience but also sad to see how the people lived. True that tourist couldnt go to supermarkets but untrue that water cost 8 dollars. You can buy a large bottle for 80 Peso = 80 cents at Hotel Inglaterra

[@tonypedicelli1545]

wow thanks for the information where at that small store where they sell cigars

[@Theofficaldannyalldunso]

The government cigar store is on Obispo. The prices are as good as anybody who tells you they have "official" cigars. Also on Obispo 2nd floor was one of the only "cheaply priced" restaurant i found in Havana. On the 2nd floor with the balcony that overlooks the Don Quixote park. A lunch/dinner can be bought for under $10 dollar. 95% of places in Havana are completely overpriced and charge $20+ for a meal. I mean this is Cuban, around the corner are the long lines to buy 10 pounds chicken once a month. I find it ridiculous to pay $20+/meal here. Absolutely do not follow any Cuban to a restaurant that they "recommend". They get 50% of the meal as commission. Sky Green stay away for sure!!

[@liberator818]

@@tonypedicelli1545 Don't go there.never buy cigars in the streets unless you know a local.Just a tip!

[@zanh895]

Can I buy the SIM card at the airport. Also how much is a taxi from The airport to Havana

[@omarwarnerpatton7398]

The supermarket is only in MLC card (exchangable currency card) the biggest rip off and what is keeping everybody starving in Cuba

[@brianroberts3085]

Best restaurant in Havana

[@black5corpion76]

Question I’m trying to get to Cuba from nyc ? What the process?

[@mendamend]

On a future trip try to visit the east of the island like Santiago and baracoa. It's another world compared to Havana

[@andysharpa2754]

Thanks for sharing

[@smangybrothers2583]

Your very accurate what about all the stories of food expensive there now ??

[@cubanenglish]

Is true!! 1 Lb of pork meat cost 250 pesos ..something that use to cost 25 pesos. 1 beer was 25 pesos now is 250 and more!! 1 usd was 24 pesos, in the streets you get 100 pesos x 1 usd, i bet more. 1Lt of sunflower oil , was around 30 pesos, now it cost 650 pesos. 🥵

[@rosahacketts1668]

My grandfathers mother was Cuban I not inherited the hair but I definitely inherited the body and the natural move.

[@misutasutanto6312]

There is no Cuban hair🤣

[@thehalokidster]

In regard to the two currencies thing, I thought tourists had to use the 'tourist currency' hence why things were more expensive than for the locals! But are we saying that you can exchange foreign currency in the street for a better rate and use the local currency, therefore it's actually cheap to go to Cuba?

[@cubanenglish]

No way!! We Cubans, call it Dubai, because of the ridiculous prices!! Before covid i use to pay 220 cuban pesos for a plane ticket from Habana to Stgo, now it cost 1 100 pesos, and there were not planes till a couple of weeks ago. The only train is broken most of the times, although there are new coches the locomotora is the same old one.

[@victorlionelnazaire685]

Well, in Cuba, nothing stands still ; the situation can change from week to week when it come to currency. They used to have 2 types of Cuban pesos and as I understand NOW it is one type of Cuban peso. You cannot use American dollars credit cards in Cuba, so you need to carry US dollar bills or Euros.

[@raulsantaros8862]

Where did you buy the simcard? Ill be in cuba next week, thanks for the info

[@stephaniec.2426]

I’m interested in this too. Thanks

[@jliriano8543]

Can you bring water in your suitcase?

[@policestateproductions3881]

Hey my guy I’m planning ti go what info you have on vaccination do you need it

[@aliceknyazeva5669]

С праздником, Куба. Привет из России ♥️🌹

[@marcello4258]

thanks bro probably in december.. what I like to know how do you go best from MDE to habana

[@sthunda7132]

Thank you. Your videos have been very insightful. When entering and exiting Cuba, I heard U.S. tourists are not supposed to get their passports stamped by Cuba customs. Is this true? pink Tourist Visa Card to be stamped only?

[@eli92]

I’m Cuban living the USA. #1 never go in the summer. The heat is unbearable, flys everywhere. #2 don’t trust the food they have,they don’t believe in expiration dates. . #3 everything is way more expensive. #4 communism has destroyed the country and its people. IMO…..Cuba is the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. It has everything that all the other islands have and then some. The music and dance, it’s people ,architecture,mountains and valleys, natural caves and waterfalls and not be forgotten it’s beautiful beaches.. But unfortunately it’s in decay. Once they get rid of their communism Cuba will flourish and it’ll be one of the best playgrounds in the world. Don’t believe me? …….You just wait and see 🍾🥂💥🎶🍹💲👍🏻👏

[@nigeltaylor76]

Nothing to do with the American trade and commerce ban on dealing with Cuba then for the last 60 years .perhaps you would have preferred the Mafia to be in charge as it was before Castro.

[@Oubliettedweller]

Bruh it's not communism that did it, it's the American embargo and sanctions on Cuba.

[@felixvalentin5993]

Very important details,I also have a curiosity,Did you see drugs in cuba or felt smell of cannabis in habana neighborhood and streets?

[@jayparfaye2340]

They don't have that problem like the U.S.

[@lf1496]

The women are not "exotic"🙄 We are a very African centric people and our African blood is just as valued as our Spanish blood.. Our CULTURE is heavily Nigerian and Congo with a Spanish mix. The Nigerian Yoruba Lucumi Santeria religion is practiced by most Cubans on some level. Our music is also African. We don't worship being "mixed" like African Americans do. We don't really talk about it like that Our families are just that, family with human beings of all bloodlines. And actually our paradym of beauty for women is the Nigerian orishas Oshun, who has dark cinnamon colored skin, big black eyes and dark hair you would call her "regular black" 🙄. The women and men dressed in all white are initiates in the Santeria religion, just like in Brazil with Candomble. As much reading as you've done on the culture your perspective is still very much American, with your emphasis on being "mixed"🙄 We actually respect Africa no matter how light skinned we are, Smooth blue black colored women are seen as just as beautiful as "light eyes and skinned women 🙄 Your comment is very much in keeping with the black American male fetishizing of light skin women. A Typical and unfortunate perspective that doesn't reflect your appreciation for the women in your family that I'm sure don't reflect that look.🙄 I'm Cuban from the Bronx and left America not to deal with this toxic anti black internalized self hatred among black men who fetishized my light skin. This why I married a Sicilian. He doesn't teach my girls that poison mentality from plantation indoctrination. 😱

[@jayparfaye2340]

Bien dicho.....well said!!!

[@candi730]

This "regular black" 🙄 American woman thanks you for this comment. I paused the video soon as I heard these Cuban women... I already knew there was going to be some otherism, "exoticism" fetishizing going on. Completely informative up until that point. I visited Cuba in 2018 and the reason I'm returning is it's rich African based culture. It was the first time we visited a place and felt completely comfortable and welcomed BECAUSE we are black.

[@nrich5127]

nice to hear the truth from a well educated and articulate lady.

[@Mr_Bawon]

Excuse Black American men of colorism while wenching lol.

[@lisajohnson9612]

I'm also a "regular" African American woman, and I appreciate your comment. It's so unfortunate that there is still a group of AA men who have a "fetish" for women with light skin and eyes instead of appreciating the beauty of all women. I'm happy to hear that it is not that way in Cuba, and I can't wait to visit.

[@austinhawkins8201]

Should I exchange in the USA at a bank before I travel or bring USD and go to a street vendor?

[@mkpersad]

Exchange US for Euros at bank before trip. Ask staff at your Hotel or Casa Particular for honest street exchanges for Euros. A random stranger on the street may scam you by giving you fake or outdated (CUC) pesos. The Cuban Peso (CUP) is useless outside of Cuba and cannot be obtained or exchanged anywhere.

[@fredthomasiii4576]

Sly - good video and very informative......BUT the experience boils down to what you are attempting to achieve???? vacationing??? research???? understanding the culture???? like any place else Cuba offers a very unique experience. The good news is you spent time doing some research.

[@damskee4]

Hey man! loving the Cuba series. I'm from Canada, and its cheap to go there. I've been there 5 times

[@cubanenglish]

Its not cheap anymore!! Believe me!! One beer use to cost 25 pesos (1 usd, 1 cuc) now you will be charge 250 for one Cristal beer, the imported cost more.

[@Copilot1204]

@@cubanenglish so it’s expensive now ?

[@thegreatnessoftheraiders4948]

Aruba was the same regarding US currency.

[@yvettefernandez4319]

I want to go but not without my father. He fled as a young boy in 1960. I want to see where he grew up, attended school, had the family business, etc. but he REFUSES to give the govt ANY of his dollars, and I can't blame him, but it breaks my heart!! I want to help look up our ancestry beyond his grandparents... So sad!!

[@shaikhas100]

Internet is through only one cell phone provider and price you mentioned is not accurate now as in July 2023 I paid 35US$ for 6 GB data and voice sim . Additionally credit cards from all countries can be used except US due to embargo .

[@ericleaper-t1d]

Who arrives in Cuba with only a $100 US bill.. only a American.

[@sushantsuddala865]

All great points Sly! I was curious if you are interested in or will be doing a cigar tour? Myself and many others love cuban cigars and some may be travelling just for cigars. Would be interested in knowing the current situation with cigars, pricing and processes of purchasing authentic cigars.

[@MrSgtau]

I went on a tour at the Romeo y Julieta Partagas factory (near china town) and recommend it. The tour cost me 10 Euros, and was informative. You have to go to a commercial center 4 blocks away to buy the ticket. Cigars can be bought in the official store, and the prices are quite good compared to Mexico (there's a 45% tax on Cuban cigars sold in Mexico), but hard currency must be used. If I recall correctly, USD as well as Euros were accepted, but not CUP. Many sellers will try to sell you cigars on the street "for a good price", but those cigars are more than likely fake. I'm by no means a cigar expert, so I have no idea about the quality of those fakes, but presumably it varies. For a more authentic tobacco tour, Vinales is apparently the place to go.

[@sushantsuddala865]

@@MrSgtau Awesome information! Thank you so much. I have also heard that you should only purchase from the Hotels and authorized sellers. The street ones are usually 100% of the time fake. The fakes are also the best in Cuba because they have access to real boxes and bands for the cigars, but they use fake sticks. Ive also heard now with the price increase placed on cuban cigars because of Habanos SA, it is actually more expensive to buy in Cuba. They are the last to get inventory after exporting most of their stock. I believe the shops there will accept CUC, but I am not sure on the pricing in relation to their competition. None the less, looking forward to buying a box in cuba.

[@Getlost55]

LOL @ Slicing and dicing of the body. Man I wish you would have posted some video of the chicas.