If You've Been to Cuba, Please Educate Me

[vegs1]

How would that happen if a guest didn't report a theft or make some kind of complaint? How would one go about giving these things as a gift? And I confess to being uneducated; I'm quite shocked to hear that public commerce is being conducted in Cuba in USD.

Some hotels search employees bags going in and going out. I am not saying they still do but many did when we were there a few years back. Happened a lot in South Africa as well. There was never an issue if we met with the hotel manager first. We spoke to the hotel manager, said we were giving things and then asked to meet the employee at the end of their shift as they were leaving. Most people probably just give it to the employees. I have just heard some not good stories.

Cuban money is not good anywhere else except Cuba. USD and other currencies like Canada’s, the euro have higher buying power. This article explains it further. It’s a rough life for the average person.

https://www.reuters.com/article/cuba-economy-dollar-idINKBN27T1VR

 

[mommasita]

Some hotels search employees bags going in and going out. I am not saying they still do but many did when we were there a few years back. Happened a lot in South Africa as well. There was never an issue if we met with the hotel manager first. We spoke to the hotel manager, said we were giving things and then asked to meet the employee at the end of their shift as they were leaving. Most people probably just give it to the employees. I have just heard some not good stories.

Cuban money is not good anywhere else except Cuba. USD and other currencies like Canada’s, the euro have higher buying power. This article explains it further. It’s a rough life for the average person.

https://www.reuters.com/article/cuba-economy-dollar-idINKBN27T1VR

Yes, I found many search their bags. These employees are the nicest humans, it Saddens me. My room lady wanted all my clothes, suncdresses, shoes, each day she was asking. I brought a ton of pantyhose, they have a hard time getting it, and you see it in their shows. They love getting this. In the end what I gave from my personal property, I had to go sign out the front gate. The other things like pantyhose, hygiene products, that was ok.

I have not been to that resort, but my girlfriend is a FA for Sunwing, and highly recommends it. Says crew stays there often.

We have only been once, actually with her, ha ha, we brought ketchup, mustard peanut butter (even passed it on at the end). I enjoyed Cuba very much, breathtaking oceans. You do feel very safe. The people are so kind!
it’s hard to comment now, travelling isn’t easy anywhere, but we need to travel, at least we did, our mental health needed it.

 

[samsteele]

At least when I visited, leaving gifts of multivitamins, children's tylenol, children's chewable multivitamins (Flintstones), childrens' educational colouring books, personal toiletries like Dove bar soap and women's hygiene products, pantyhose, etc was common and appreciated by housekeeping and other staff like bartenders. I suspect it was sold on the black market or bartered rather than for personal use. My fav bartender was a university-educated architect. Made much more money bartending. His wife had a doctorate in archaeology. She earned more money housekeeping and inviting tourists to her small home for a traditional Cuban lunch. Highly educated society. Not always enough professional positions and govt pay to support them. And employees would report one another to both hotel management and to the authorities over many personal issues and rivalries including if some were receiving more gifts from guests than others. Part of the system. You have the freedom to decide if you wish to participate. A US$ cash tip may be more in your comfort zone. Like other posters, I always left behind as an extra tip any Cuban currency I received in change as useless to even try to convert outside the country.

As for airports, the (then) small Veradero airport had armed guards with automatic rifles standing prominently in most public areas. All uniformed in khaki green. Again, you can decide if that makes you feel more secure. I wasn't used to seeing that 20 years ago. Now, depending on the country visited, it has become more visible with airports being targeted for terrorist acts.

As also mentioned, the food at most all-inclusives was not on par with most all-inclusives in eg Jamaica or DR. No beef, no steak and no seafood like lobster or shrimp. Pork, a small amount of fish, eggs, pasta and french fries the norm. It was always tasty, but not Caribbean all-inclusive or cruise ship level by any stretch. Forget any food allergies or sensitivities being considered. Cuba was subject to trade embargo and meals at my resort were mostly cafeteria style. Once in a while I could book a special separate restaurant dinner for an add on premium for some type of ocean fish. This was never a foodie trip. Think I purchased an Air Transat package including airfare and single supplement for less than $1K Cdn for a week. That was peak January through February. Friends chanced the hurricane season and went in August and Sept for much less. At least then, it was a bargain winter escape for Canadians and we knew that meant keeping our expectations in check.

 

[azrivest]

To add to other gifts the Cubans like to receive: baby/kids clothes. When my son was 18 months, we left all his clothes when we left to our waitress. She was so happy to be able to pass it on to a family member with a baby boy.

 

[ronandannette]

Other questions:
1. Are there stores where one can buy toiletries and sundries or do I have to pack everything-but-the-kitchen-sink?
2. I saw a vague reference to the internet being censored. Will I be able to log in to my work, for example, or the DIS boards?
3. Are there usually any English-language tv channels available at the resorts? ( I don't speak Spanish.)

TIA

 

[mommasita]

Other questions:
1. Are there stores where one can buy toiletries and sundries or do I have to pack everything-but-the-kitchen-sink?
2. I saw a vague reference to the internet being censored. Will I be able to log in to my work, for example, or the DIS boards?
3. Are there usually any English-language tv channels available at the resorts? ( I don't speak Spanish.)

TIA

Times might/probably changed since I went, but here is the way it went for me

1) Packed the kitchen sink, and everything underneath it
2) I was able to buy cards for the internet, but the connection was not the best, I got frustrated, so was not on much
3) We only caught a few channels, no English, but I believe they had subtitles

I hope you have a great trip. Enjoy the ☀

 

[MamaLema]

Other questions:
1. Are there stores where one can buy toiletries and sundries or do I have to pack everything-but-the-kitchen-sink?
2. I saw a vague reference to the internet being censored. Will I be able to log in to my work, for example, or the DIS boards?
3. Are there usually any English-language tv channels available at the resorts? ( I don't speak Spanish.)

TIA

1. I suggest bringing everything you need. Supplies are sometimes limited in the stores.
2. I had no problem with internet when I went.
3.Can’t help with this one as we never watched TV for the whole week we were there

 

[ronandannette]

1. I suggest bringing everything you need. Supplies are sometimes limited in the stores.
2. I had no problem with internet when I went.
3.Can’t help with this one as we never watched TV for the whole week we were there

Thanks.

I had a sneaking feeling there was no WalMart in Veradero. I'll plan accordingly. As for the TV, we rarely watch on holidays either but this is going to be a glorious solo trip (going with some lady friends but I have my own suite) and I plan to do a lot of vegging. .

 

[hdrolfe]

Thanks.

I had a sneaking feeling there was no WalMart in Veradero. I'll plan accordingly. As for the TV, we rarely watch on holidays either but this is going to be a glorious solo trip (going with some lady friends but I have my own suite) and I plan to do a lot of vegging. .

I'd suggest if you subscribe to any streaming services, downloading something you've been wanting to watch at least then you aren't relying on the TV or internet, though hopefully you have a tablet or something you plan to take and not just a phone screen.

 

[ronandannette]

I'd suggest if you subscribe to any streaming services, downloading something you've been wanting to watch at least then you aren't relying on the TV or internet, though hopefully you have a tablet or something you plan to take and not just a phone screen.

Yes, I'll be taking my iPad and a laptop but dang, they both have very little internal storage and the laptop doesn't have a disk drive. It's really no biggie = I'll survive. Lots of books and lots of naps.

 

[samsteele]

Other questions:
1. Are there stores where one can buy toiletries and sundries or do I have to pack everything-but-the-kitchen-sink?
2. I saw a vague reference to the internet being censored. Will I be able to log in to my work, for example, or the DIS boards?
3. Are there usually any English-language tv channels available at the resorts? ( I don't speak Spanish.)

TIA

1. Pack everything you need esp sunblock, basic first aid and all tummy upset meds
2. Don't know about internet as my trips were many years ago
3. Remember watching BBC International? and that may have been the only English-language channel other than international car racing and sports. What's on satellite would be very, very resort chain specific. Many resorts owned by Spanish resort chains so likely a handful of British channels.

 

[samsteele]

I'll be taking my iPad and a laptop but dang, they both have very little internal storage and the laptop doesn't have a disk drive.

Know there are memory flash drives on amazon that are either apple compatible or IBM compatible. I've picked up some from sandisk and ravpower. I use them to download and store pics but possibly could use for media. Although apple shows are proprietary and tough one to crack. But agree with you to just enjoy the sunshine and beach. A week will flash by fast.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I have been to Varadero once at a 4.5 star resort. And that was it for me LOL

90% of food isn't good. I never starved, but I lived off of fries, ham and cheese sandwiches, pastas, breads. Typically, breakfast was one of the better meals of the day, so fill up. Bring peanut butter, ketchup, etc as the other posters have mentioned.

The beaches are the best!

 

[ronandannette]

I have been to Varadero once at a 4.5 star resort. And that was it for me LOL

90% of food isn't good. I never starved, but I lived off of fries, ham and cheese sandwiches, pastas, breads. Typically, breakfast was one of the better meals of the day, so fill up. Bring peanut butter, ketchup, etc as the other posters have mentioned.

The beaches are the best!

Thanks. Although I may be disappointed, I think my expectations of the food are low enough to be realistic. I know it won't be a foodie vacation. Not a ton of activities either, compared to other Caribbean tourist destinations but I'm expecting that too.

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

I have been to Cuba 3 times and I agree with the advice you have gotten here. One thing I did not see mentioned is bring a lot of mosquito/bug repellent. The stronger the better. We have only been in the summer....June/July to Varadero and Cayo Coco and the mosquitoes were brutal especially in the evenings. If you can and are willing a day trip to Havana is a must. It is about 3 hours from Varadero and you are driven through the countryside. It really hits home how poor these people are when you see how/where they live. Havana will transport you back to the 1950's. Have a great trip.

 

[ronandannette]

Thanks to everyone who gave me input. I can confirm it was mostly all very accurate but yet not enough, KWIM? There’s really no way to comprehend the conditions here without experiencing them. While I don’t regret it, I must say I feel like we should be sending humanitarian aid to this country, not coming here for resort vacations. Conditions of all kinds have deteriorated greatly for everyone since Diaz-Canal took the presidency in 2019, or so I am told by many residents.

Just had my Covid test for re-entry to Canada and all is well for heading home! Thank you Jesus! No real reason to expect anything else as I now have 4 shots on-board and there has been very little Covid in Cuba in general. The health precautions are quite stringent and the risk of contracting it here is next-to-nil. I’m surprised though at what a mind game it plays to have to take the test, knowing I’d be stuck here in lock-down for 10 days if the result was positive.

 

[pigletto]

Thanks to everyone who gave me input. I can confirm it was mostly all very accurate but yet not enough, KWIM? There’s really no way to comprehend the conditions here without experiencing them. While I don’t regret it, I must say I feel like we should be sending humanitarian aid to this country, not coming here for resort vacations. Conditions of all kinds have deteriorated greatly for everyone since Diaz-Canal took the presidency in 2019, or so I am told by many residents.

Just had my Covid test for re-entry to Canada and all is well for heading home! Thank you Jesus! No real reason to expect anything else as I now have 4 shots on-board and there has been very little Covid in Cuba in general. The health precautions are quite stringent and the risk of contracting it here is next-to-nil. I’m surprised though at what a mind game it plays to have to take the test, knowing I’d be stuck here in lock-down for 10 days if the result was positive.

I had happened to watch a YouTube piece on the protests and political unrest over the terrible treatment of the Cuban people and their inconceivable poverty the day after you left. It was showing people having to bring in medicines and there is a citizen led underground distribution of medicines because hospitals and pharmacies are empty. They also aren’t getting any access to the internet or media outside their country. I came here to tell you because I saw your thread and you had already left .

You got good advice but like you said the conditions for the people have deteriorated rapidly. I had friends who used to go all the time and they have very recently decided they just can’t do it anymore for the reasons you stated.

 

[ronandannette]

I had happened to watch a YouTube piece on the protests and political unrest over the terrible treatment of the Cuban people and their inconceivable poverty the day after you left. It was showing people having to bring in medicines and there is a citizen led underground distribution of medicines because hospitals and pharmacies are empty. They also aren’t getting any access to the internet or media outside their country. I came here to tell you because I saw your thread and you had already left .

You got good advice but like you said the conditions for the people have deteriorated rapidly. I had friends who used to go all the time and they have very recently decided they just can’t do it anymore for the reasons you stated.

Ironic too because this countries largest industry is pharmaceutical production, all of which is exported for profit. I brought tons of OTC stuff with me and I’m leaving it all.

And the stories I could tell about the food situation but really, most wouldn’t believe me anyway. We haven’t been hungry exactly (and neither are the people starving, so they say) but the scarcity and complete government control over supply is genuinely mind-blowing. One simple example is they told me this morning there will be no pancakes today for Shrove Tuesday because the resort has no wheat flour or milk to make them and absolutely no way to get any. Other than baby formula apparently, there has been no milk available in this province of Metanzas for four days now. All dairy production is controlled by the government and it is often arbitrarily withheld from the domestic market.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I've been to Cuba many times...all different places. I highly, highly recommend doing a ton of research before going. You have to know and understand what Cuba is like or else you will be disappointed/unhappy with your holiday. You go to Cuba for the beach and basically nothing else. The food is not good but it's not that hard to find something you like (sort of) and then just stick with that. Bring your own snacks...chips, nuts, granola bars etc....you won't get that there. If you treat the staff well they will in turn treat you like royalty. Yes, there are a few items that they would truly like to be gifted but in general they don't want all the stuff that people bring for them....they prefer cash to buy the things they actually need. They are incredibly polite and gracious so they will take anything you give them and thank you repeatedly for it....even when they don't want/need it. I've actually asked the staff and have been told that by a few different people. Right at this moment I don't know if they now want USD but in the past the answer was a hard no. CAD is totally fine though and can be exchanged everywhere. There has always been an upfront fee of at least 10% for changing USD and that is before the exchange.

I don't think anyone mentioned the WiFi situation. It is not always available everywhere on resorts. You have to pay for it (by the hour) and often it's only available in designated areas like the lobby. You can also have situations where there is no WiFi for days at a time....when it goes down, it goes down. Some of the new resorts have better service and a few even offer it for free now. Also be aware that a lot of things on the web are blocked in Cuba.

Credit cards....you can not use any card that is even remotely affiliated with an American bank and some places only accept Visa.