Advice from recent travelers to Cuba?
#1
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Advice from recent travelers to Cuba?
Hi all -
We are planning a Spring visit to Havana and environs, and given all the flux in geopolitics, are hoping for tips from very recent travelers. We have our casa particular & local tours, but are seeking:
~ recommendations about small gifts and tipping
~ great restaurants in Havana
~ any safety issues (other than usual cautious smart travel)
~ anything else you think we should know
With thanks in advance!
We are planning a Spring visit to Havana and environs, and given all the flux in geopolitics, are hoping for tips from very recent travelers. We have our casa particular & local tours, but are seeking:
~ recommendations about small gifts and tipping
~ great restaurants in Havana
~ any safety issues (other than usual cautious smart travel)
~ anything else you think we should know
With thanks in advance!
#2
Join Date: Sep 2023
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Everyone lioves a gift but nobody appreciates cheapness. Keep that in mind.
Sooooo many restaurants in Havana! What part of town y’all staying at?
Havana is very safe unless you make blunders with your attitude and actions. Be cool and don’t talk to strangers, especially the ones that you can not understand what they’re saying!
Only drink bottled water and don’t go heavy on the hard stuff.. Enjoy!
This is C. Waters live from Havana.
Sooooo many restaurants in Havana! What part of town y’all staying at?
Havana is very safe unless you make blunders with your attitude and actions. Be cool and don’t talk to strangers, especially the ones that you can not understand what they’re saying!
Only drink bottled water and don’t go heavy on the hard stuff.. Enjoy!
This is C. Waters live from Havana.
#3
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Everyone lioves a gift but nobody appreciates cheapness. Keep that in mind.
Sooooo many restaurants in Havana! What part of town y’all staying at?
Havana is very safe unless you make blunders with your attitude and actions. Be cool and don’t talk to strangers, especially the ones that you can not understand what they’re saying!
Only drink bottled water and don’t go heavy on the hard stuff.. Enjoy!
This is C. Waters live from Havana.
Sooooo many restaurants in Havana! What part of town y’all staying at?
Havana is very safe unless you make blunders with your attitude and actions. Be cool and don’t talk to strangers, especially the ones that you can not understand what they’re saying!
Only drink bottled water and don’t go heavy on the hard stuff.. Enjoy!
This is C. Waters live from Havana.
Any thoughts on types of gifts, things needed?
#6
Join Date: Sep 2023
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Currently in Vedado.
Restaurant Arpa I recommend. Across the street is Cafe Madrigal for a cool cocktail.
Both on 17 near avenue Paseo.
Stay away from El Balcon Bruno y Pilar on calle 21.
This is C. Waters live from Havana.
Restaurant Arpa I recommend. Across the street is Cafe Madrigal for a cool cocktail.
Both on 17 near avenue Paseo.
Stay away from El Balcon Bruno y Pilar on calle 21.
This is C. Waters live from Havana.
#8
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At the risk of sounding like an echo... who are you bringing gifts for?
Bring loads of cash. USD/EUR.
Restaurants may put a 10% service charge on. I wouldn't tip in addition to this, but I'm not North American. I would probably avoid the mandatory 10%ers if I could....
Usual safety precautions.
Bring loads of cash. USD/EUR.
Restaurants may put a 10% service charge on. I wouldn't tip in addition to this, but I'm not North American. I would probably avoid the mandatory 10%ers if I could....
Usual safety precautions.
#12
Join Date: Oct 2023
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Tip like you would anywhere else. Tip good but don’t tip if you feel you’re being taken advantage of with 10 percentage extra charges or padded bills. In that case put up a fuss.
If you keep in the central areas Havana can seem quite safe. Don’t on purpose dress like you are made of money.
Old Havana is absolutely loaded with restaurants but it is up to you to determine if it will be a tourist trap experience. Compare menu prices.
If you keep in the central areas Havana can seem quite safe. Don’t on purpose dress like you are made of money.
Old Havana is absolutely loaded with restaurants but it is up to you to determine if it will be a tourist trap experience. Compare menu prices.