Any news about Cuba?

[bert]

Just before the covid troubles my travel plan to revisit Havana.

Any news about this nostalgic place and the beautiful Cuban guys?

 

 

[topjohn5]

I was going in March but upon further research things aren't very open it seems...I decided to wait for 6 months after the hurricane season.

[endlessdream]

Any news? What’s their deal!?

[zetor]

pleaaaaase   we need info about cuba, 

i was 3 times there and always had a nice time, but this was before covid, let me know please about the situation right now;    gracias

 

[macdaddi]

I have friends in Cuba and stay in regular contact. Things are not great these days, the drop in tourism has had a significant impact on the economy. Cuba received virtually zero medical support during the pandemic and had to develop its own vaccine. There continue to be food shortages, as Cuba relies heavily on Mexico for a number of staples and goods. That being said, Cubans are tough and know how to manage tough times, they are just very hopeful that the tourists return soon and the economy can begin to grow again.  I am headed down in May to Havana for a long weekend, can post more after that trip.

[pong2]

It seems that AXEL hotels, of Barcelona fame, has just opened, or is about to open a new hotel in la Habana. Saw this (being in Barcelona right now, but not in Axel) advertised yesterday. Ad says, that besides 5 places/6 hotels in Spain here they are also in Berlin and Miami.

Several late reports about Cuban scene were in fact not that promising- not delivering, cheating etc were often mentioned. And as its all illegal, there is no recourse. So hope that it will/may turn for the better.

[floridarob]

I stayed at Axel in Berlin, was NOTHING like Barcelona..... I can't imagine Havana being any better. 

All my contacts in Cuba tell me don't bother coming, there's nothing there even if you have money.

I used to go monthly to Cuba about 20 yrs ago.....for the last 10 or so, it lost whatever drew me to there. The guys used to be humble and you were guaranteed fun.....there's too many other places to go and not deal with the problems that still haunt Cuba....imo

[Lonnie]

1 hour ago, floridarob said:

contacts in Cuba tell me don't bother coming

I suggest listening to the experts and thanks floridarob for the advice.

[endlessdream]

A friend who just arrived in Havana told me that things are actually better now. In terms of food shortage and prices, it’s more or less back to pre-pandemic and pre-currency-fusion time. No test nor check at the airport. No quarantine upon arrival. The black exchange rate goes by 100 CUP per USD. He doesn’t cruise so no info on boys. 

[Guest]

For Americans traveling to Cuba, you have to make sure the hotels are not on a “no-go” list - meaning the hotels are not directly or indirectly owned by the government, communist party or military.  When I went a few years ago, most of the major hotels were on the list & it was recommended to stay at smaller casa particulars where the money goes direct to the Cuban people.  
Americans also need to have an itinerary showing activities to Support The Cuban People and receipts showing where you spent money.  While it doesn’t happen very often - you can be asked for these items upon return to the US or anytime 5 years after the trip. 
I’m a rule follower & don’t want any problems, so I kept all the receipts and had an itinerary if asked.  
 

And, I think everyone knows American based credit cards and ATMs do not work in Cuba. Cash only.  Not super comfortable traveling without the safety net of having credit cards ready if needed. 

[floridarob]

President Biden to lift many restrictions on travel to Cuba..... was the headline yesterday.

Too many other options to rush to go there just yet..... if you like eating, lol

[Primeone385]

41 minutes ago, floridarob said:

President Biden to lift many restrictions on travel to Cuba..... was the headline yesterday.

Too many other options to rush to go there just yet..... if you like eating, lol

I saw this on tv this morning !

[Guest]

42 minutes ago, floridarob said:

President Biden to lift many restrictions on travel to Cuba..... was the headline yesterday.

Correct - Biden is lifting many economic restrictions - but individual tourism (not groups) will remain unchanged & is formally highly restrictive for Americans.  Much easier if going/leaving through a third country and no passport stamps.  The itineraries are a formality for most, but something to consider when planning as it is a potential problem.  The itineraries are supposed to show Americans actively engaging with Cuban people for a minimum amount of time each day.  And no - it doesn’t include going to the beach and/or hiring boys

Cuba would not be my destination of choice now for many reasons.  US State Dept website shows all the rules & restrictions.  Kind of silly & outdated policy IMO - but it is what it is.

[floridarob]

On 5/17/2022 at 9:07 AM, Slvkguy said:

highly restrictive for Americans.

I've been going for over 20 yrs, multiple stamps in passport. IF....that's a big IF, you had a problem there isn't a judge to hear these cases. Is a bigger problem if you lie if asked about being there. Only once an immigration officer commented on the stamp and said, you know you're not supposed to go there....I replied, I had permission (I didn't) and he said ahh, ok.....when I used to fly thru Bahamas, US Immigration precleared there and they not only knew when the flight arrived, they'd watch the passengers walking on the tarmac. That's when we had to hand in the blue declarations form and was during Bush's time, the son. They were supposedly cracking down, but I was always asked if I had tobacco or alcohol, that's it....because I wrote that I had been in Cuba. I did see one girl crying, because she lied and they were giving her an OFAC letter and confiscated some of here Cuba souvenirs. But even then, she'd end up with a letter and a fine, but when you contest the fine, like I said ...there are no judges assigned to hear these cases and it stays in limbo....

[Guest]

All good information.  I flew nonstop round trip JFK- Havana and under the US approved Support The Cuban People program for individual travelers.  It was super easy entering/departing Cuba and similarly easy reentering US.  No questions at all.  But, I was prepared just in case.
My adherence to the rules is primarily to avoid screwing up TSA pre-clearance and/or Global Entry. 

This was in 2017.  It was an awesome trip as I’d long been fascinated by Cuba’s history, architecture & politics.  Mixed with many gay locals but no hiring on that trip although appeared readily available.  Especially cruisy at Mi Cayito on Sunday afternoon - an absolute must when in Havana. And the queer parties at the National Theatre are a trip.

[Half-vaccinated]

I can't wait to go. 😃  Airline prices are steadily dropping. 😊 

 

[Youngbottom00]

Hey guys, sorry to ask this. Im confused by the internet/wifi situation in cuba. Im visiting soon and would need internet almost all the time as i have to work as well. I know about the scratch cards that provide hourly internet but is there also a sim card option with permanent internet? As in like any other sim card where i can top up as needed . Thanks!

[endlessdream]

On 5/17/2022 at 4:25 AM, Slvkguy said:

For Americans traveling to Cuba, you have to make sure the hotels are not on a “no-go” list - meaning the hotels are not directly or indirectly owned by the government, communist party or military.  When I went a few years ago, most of the major hotels were on the list & it was recommended to stay at smaller casa particulars where the money goes direct to the Cuban people.  
Americans also need to have an itinerary showing activities to Support The Cuban People and receipts showing where you spent money.  While it doesn’t happen very often - you can be asked for these items upon return to the US or anytime 5 years after the trip. 
I’m a rule follower & don’t want any problems, so I kept all the receipts and had an itinerary if asked.  
 

And, I think everyone knows American based credit cards and ATMs do not work in Cuba. Cash only.  Not super comfortable traveling without the safety net of having credit cards ready if needed. 

If I understood well, these rules are only for ‘American Person’ right? For a foreigner who has no income in the US, am I concerned? 

[endlessdream]

I do see very cheap redemption tickets from NYC to HAV on AA. 

[SolaceSoul]

2 hours ago, endlessdream said:

If I understood well, these rules are only for ‘American Person’ right? For a foreigner who has no income in the US, am I concerned? 

Those rules pertain to US citizens and US legal permanent residents only.  

[SolaceSoul]

11 hours ago, Youngbottom00 said:

Hey guys, sorry to ask this. Im confused by the internet/wifi situation in cuba. Im visiting soon and would need internet almost all the time as i have to work as well. I know about the scratch cards that provide hourly internet but is there also a sim card option with permanent internet? As in like any other sim card where i can top up as needed . Thanks!

I’m unfamiliar with any way for a local or a tourist to access the internet in Cuba other than the scratch cards, and that internet is very spotty and weak. I doubt you’d have much success getting any work don, as most US-based sites are blocked (email is hard enough, but transferring files is next to impossible).

My advice would be to skip the trip until you can go without having to use the internet for work. Cuba is a great place to unplug.

[endlessdream]

1 hour ago, SolaceSoul said:

I’m unfamiliar with any way for a local or a tourist to access the internet in Cuba other than the scratch cards, and that internet is very spotty and weak. I doubt you’d have much success getting any work don, as most US-based sites are blocked (email is hard enough, but transferring files is next to impossible).

My advice would be to skip the trip until you can go without having to use the internet for work. Cuba is a great place to unplug.

In more and more hotels, you would have access point but you need to use the scratch card. You can rent a 3G/4G SIM card, which costs about 10 usd per day before pandemic. If you are staying in a casa, you can talk to the owner to see if he or she can lent you a SIM card so you can charge and use the 3G/4G. During my last trip before the pandemic, they were rolling out 4G  but only invite frequent 3G users to try it. 

[endlessdream]

12 hours ago, Youngbottom00 said:

Hey guys, sorry to ask this. Im confused by the internet/wifi situation in cuba. Im visiting soon and would need internet almost all the time as i have to work as well. I know about the scratch cards that provide hourly internet but is there also a sim card option with permanent internet? As in like any other sim card where i can top up as needed . Thanks!

You can definitely go the etesca to buy a SIM card. I think I paid 30 usd plus charging. It was activated a couple of hours later, with only 3G. It was slow but sufficient for Grindr. Emails with attachment can be sent after milling a bit. Facebook about the same. 

[Youngbottom00]

24 minutes ago, endlessdream said:

You can definitely go the etesca to buy a SIM card. I think I paid 30 usd plus charging. It was activated a couple of hours later, with only 3G. It was slow but sufficient for Grindr. Emails with attachment can be sent after milling a bit. Facebook about the same. 

Thanks, i work through Facebook so it will a challenge but shouldn’t be a problem. Were there many escorts in grindr there? 

[endlessdream]

2 minutes ago, Youngbottom00 said:

Thanks, i work through Facebook so it will a challenge but shouldn’t be a problem. Were there many escorts in grindr there? 

Grindr is not functioning anymore, due to embargo rules. Romeo should be working. About escort, locals are all open to it, but very few are really doing it as a profession. Very often they don’t have fixed rate either. It all depends on the dynamic.