I forgot to mention, try to take new nice crisp bills with you. If the bill you're paying with isn't crisp and has some rips or is old looking, some people may not accept it or will try to argue with you to see if you have a newer one. We had that happen with a taxi driver. He didn't want to accept it and kept asking us for a bill that wasn't wrinkly or slightly ripped. We told him sorry we don't have another one. The reason is because the banks in Cuba wont accept them!
The reason is the U.S. from time to time flood the country with bogus counterfeit money to destabilize the economy so they are extra vigilant when it comes to foreign currency .
Just to add , you can tip in Canadian coin of one or two dollars , workers in the hotel have change these coins , you bring your Canadian bill in good condition and great for everyone .
I've been going to Cuba since 2010 on business. You forgot to mention one small (but pretty important for us ladies!) thing.......bring some small tissue packs with you when you are not in your hotel as you are likely to encounter a bathroom with no toilet paper ;-)
My wife works for Lancôme Paris, we brought all kinds of goodies and were treated like Royalty. Many diners in the homes of Cuban families. What wonderful people. Cheers 🍻 Eh 🇨🇦😎
This was an informative video for people that want to have a five star experience. If you really want to experience Cuba rent a moped while you are in Varadero and take a 45 minute drive to Matanzas. There you will have a true experience of what it's like to be immersed in Cuban culture. Yes, going to the Tropicana and doing all of these high-end experiences are wonderful however, you can do this in any other country. Stay in a casa particular or an Airbnb and help support the local Cubans. Staying in the larger hotels that are all owned by a government that does nothing but suppress their people. Over tip, learn Spanish and enjoy the inner cites. Varadero is not Cuba
Thank you so much! 😊😊 Yes for sure there is definitely 2 very different way to experience Cuba. Cuba is the biggest Island in the Caribbean and there are lots of beautiful cultural cities and lots of beaches. The Cuban people are amazing so you can’t go wrong and it’s very safe!
Exactly! You can go to Cuba million times, but staying in hotel in Varadero, it will feel like any country in the world. You'll never experience it that way
You can’t take a rented Moped from Varadero to Matanzas, due to no insurance coverage once you leave Varadero ‼️… they tell you that when you rent them !
Hi I just spent 2 months there. Take usd cash they love it. Exchange some of it for pesos from a private person who you can trust. The private exchange is way better. Use either currency depending where you are and what you are paying for.
I've been to Cuba 20 times and heading back April 22 and also looking to go next week on a last minute deal. I'm Canadian (eastcoast Halifax Nova Scotia) and you hit the nail on the head with the money. I bring about $150 in $1.00 bills for tipping. I'm a former bartender of 20 years and I def tip and I have a many good friends living in Cuba. Great video hun.
We went last summer they accepted Canadian coins then we gave them fresh clean crisp bills on our last day and they exchanged the coins. A much better solution for both I believe!!
I have been to Cuba and love the country, but I especially love the Cuban people. I am, however, sad about their present living conditions. But, I encourage people to go to Cuba because this directly helps the Cuban people.
how are we helping the Cuban people? everything goes into the pockets of the leaders! yes we can help with necessities but that will not put food in their tummies! even the money given to them is not helping cause the stores are empty. yes, the goverment has to do something to get tourists back! i want to go back but, at the price we pay, and what we get, lets go somewhere else. when things are better ( if ever) i will be the first one to go back
@Alan Dickerson I agree. that tourists help Cubans (I took 14 suitcases and about 200 kg of various things and a lot of money to Cuba) but I will not starve because the Cuban government is a THIEF!
Going to Cuba as a tourist does not help the Cuban people you are just feeding the regime. If you want to help Cubans then go with an actual humanitarian mindset to help the people not as a tourists at all you can eat buffets buying Castro and Che propaganda at hotel lobbies while Cubans starve, flee on rafts and are thrown in jail for peacefully protesting
I’ve been to Varadero Cuba 25 times since 2005. Stayed at resorts. Got to know resort staff very well. Go to their place for an overnight stay. Dinners. Excursions. And yes I go out of city to country side and get REAL Cuban experiences.
@@narayanhill9832 You can't go wrong with any Melia hotel they'e great. Melia Las Americas is great, Royalton Hicacos, Melia International & the Paradisus Los Cayos in Cayo Santa Maria is beautiful and its one of the newest hotels there.
Been to Cuba too many times to count. Best resort for me is the Dhawa in Cayo Santa Maria. Last 4 times has been to this resort and the next visit to Cuba will once again be to the Dhawa. The staff is absolutely the best. I have traveled and worked in over 30 countries in all continents and the Dhawa is my favorite and being based in Ontario Canada, its a short flight when compared to flights to Africa or Asia or South America.
Good video, advice is accurate and reflects my experiences as I recently returned from Cuba in late Dec 2022. Stayed in Varadero with several day trips and an overnight trip in the hills just outside of the city of Trinidad. Love Cuba and the people, feel sorry for them as they are so poor. Embargo and the leaders clinging to power keep Cubans at a subsistence level.
Thank you for bringing up the issue of safety, that is the most important question I need answered! Usually in a poor country there are high crime statistics!
Great video, thank you! I'm going with my wife in March and this really helped to prepare us. We didn't know that our Euros and USD would be useful so that's a good tip.
Been to Cuba many times in the 90s , it’s been 20 years , looks like there many modern updates and resorts. Best cigars I’ve ever smoked. Find a casa particular that sells cigars. Buy a couple before buying the box. They use to be $25 or $30 a box. Chances are they came from the factory or pay $350.00 at the factory. Traveling seemed much more adventurous before the cell phone and internet but I can’t wait to revisit
Interesting. I'm going to Cuba with friends this summer and am comparing videos showing the real Cuba with videos showing the VIP tourist experience version. The currency tips are most useful: thank you.
Hard times for Cuban people! Anything they can use is better than money as their stores are Poorly stocked. Aspirin,Tylenol, toothpaste, toothbrushes, nail polish, eye shadow, Dove soap. They love toothpaste, soap. If you pay in American dollars, they can stash it, And one day, be able to leave Cuba!
We travelled in Dec 2022 - we struggled to find a Cadeca in Havana, even in our hotel it was closed and the bank seemed very intimidating. But we were immediately ‘offered’ it through the concierge on the side. Our Casa Particulares owner also sorted it for us. However - outside of Varadero, we found that when things were priced in CUP that if you wanted to pay in € or $ then they exchanged it at the higher black market rate, and vice versa so you were penalised for it almost. It was always better to pay in the currency it was advertised, which varied in Havana and in Trinidad as to whether it was national currency or foreign (‘strong’ we kept being told!) Also as brits we took € as advised through our travel agent - this was a mistake, $ or CAD would have been much better to have a stack of $1 to tip with! Also everything is advertised in $ if it wasn’t in CUP, but the exchange wasnt altered for € so we were paying marginally more.
I take unblemished Canadian $5 , but no coins like our $1 and $2 ….to offset the high cost of my $5 , I also took about $50 US in ones $1 ! I usually have CDN $5 but there are times when I felt that $2 US was sufficient ! Both approaches worked very well for me ! Word of advice ….make sure the bills are pristine or the Cuban banks will not honour them, which leaves the help with a problem 🇨🇦🇨🇺‼️
2:40 They take coins gladly. It is no problem for them to exchange it with tourists for paper money. The hotel store doesn't deal with money, only credit cards. If you don't have a card, you can buy it in CADECA.
Just watched your Cuba video and am a new subscriber. A wonderful, informative review. Have long wanted to make this journey and you showed a very beautiful side.
If you deal with any government agency you will have to tip in CUC or USD or Euros otherwise the service or door will open only a mañana ,, meaning tomorrow.
Hi very helpful- i just got back from a 9 day visit to Havana. Aug 22-31 2024. Stayed at the Iberostar Parque Central. I flew in and out of Varadero airport. The VIP lounge cost 50 $ Cad. There was no lady ushering me around and the free wifi is now 30 minutes.
What really sucks is that being Cuban, people think Cuba is a nice place for vacation (and it is!) but it hurts to see how broken down the country really is.
@@iashbddf I can't agree that Cuba is socialist because it gives no selling rights. You can have small businesses with a hard to acquire license and you can't grow that business. To me, Cuba is the only country that successfully created communism because everyone is poor and no one has to work for money.
There are plenty of places in the Caribbean where you can spend a better vacation. Maybe a little more expensive but you don't have to ask for basic items. There is no pepper in Cuba and the salt is in a dirty jar and wet. Let the Cuban government treat tourists normally and we will come! Personally, I am fed up with the stupid propaganda on TV Cuban, where everything is there, but why are the shelves in the shops empty and there is nothing to eat?
The last time I was in Cuba was in 2008 and they still had the convertible and national pesos. The point is that nobody was interested in dollars as they came with a 10% tax atop the exchange rate. Besides, the shops all took convertible pesos and were well stocked. The national peso was 23-1 to the convertible, so anyone who had a stack of nationals could exchange them freely for convertibles. The system was clunky, but it worked and there was no black market in foreign currency. Today, it all seems very different, and I would love to know what went wrong.
Amazing and helpful video. Thank you. Can you use hotspot from your iPhone and give internet to other iPhones? Local people told me that you can’t and this is so strange ..
@@DinkoPopov thank you so much! 😊 unfortunately I never tried that. Last few trips I stayed on wifi only and on airplane mode. A few other times we bought the Cuban SIM cards that gave us data calling and texting but never did the hotspot.
Great vid. Been there ten times myself, but there are so many have been 50 times or more. Lower your expectations and you will not be disappointed. If you can visit outside the tourist area, you will see the real Cuba, and appreciate maybe the disconcern, when you have a complaint at your hotel. You are in "Disneyland", where most of your hotel employees go back to the basics every evening. Make friends, enjoy the holiday, but don't get emotionally involved. There is fresh meat every two weeks. Sorry to be blunt but I have seen so many catastophies, with a vacation romance.
Wife and I went in January of this year to Cayo Coco and yes even if your bill is slightly creased, the person you gave it to will have a hard time getting face value for it. Point is sometimes it's better to just bring items such as ... Memory cards. Phone cables and for the person's 1.5 bus ride home... A back up power supply. Since most phones they have are cheap but very expensive for them Chinese crap that won't hold a charge. I found that these items are worth more to them then the few bucks ya given them.
Went there last week, you can't use your debit card, and the internet kinda suck, but the people are great, very safe, very lively, super cheap, bring some euro, it's easier to used and get by, have fun get to know the local
Yes! Glad you had a great time. I find the internet varies based on the hotel. At the Melia Las Americas near the end of our trip they added more routers and upgraded some of the them so in the lobby restaurant the internet was sooo much better then when we got there.
Just got back from Caio Santa Maria May 17 and going back at the end if July !! We stayed at new hotel and we like it even if it was very confusion not too organized but we get it stuff needs more training !! Money wise we used American money and we stayed at the tesortno trips no taxi no excursion so we were fine ! And its thru please dont tip Canadian Coins we had guys going around on the beach asking if anyone had change so please dont tip coins !!!
Yes absolutely! The best one I would say hands down for families in Varadero is Melia Internacional Varadero and then the other one is Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa. Hope that helps. Enjoy your trip! 😃 🏝️
Thank you and it’s my pleasure glad you enjoyed it! 😊 I’ve never stayed there but just saw the pictures on Google and it looks incredible! I think I will have to stay there on a future trip.
I am traveling to Varadero soon and I have some questions. Your videos have been very helpful, but I wonder if I can ask you a few additional questions.
I have several questions, some I don't want public because of U.S. restrictions. What about drinking water in Varadero? coffee? ice? is all bottled water safe? You mentioned a favorite person for transportation between Havana and Varadero, maybe I missed it but can I get the contact information. I found conflicting information on purchasing with the Dollar. Is it possible, common, is currency exchange easy? I'll stop for now..... Thank you for your videos, I am watching them over and over...@@asyamuzlera
@@kentjolly3497 yes all bottled water is safe. I brushed we teeth with the tap water and both me and my husband were fine. No one I know has ever had issues but I still wouldn’t drink the tap water. At the resorts when you ask for water they always use bottle water to serve you. Never had issues with coffee but I’m guessing they use bottled water for the coffee but I have no idea. In terms of transport I don’t have a person I use. We always just take a taxi or the double decker hop on hop off bus is a good option. It’s pretty easy to exchange money. They prefer if you give them fresh new bills. If they have rips or look old some people won’t accept it. You can also take out cash directly from your bank at the currency exchange place at your hotel. Each hotel has one. But anywhere in Cuba you can pay with USD, CAD or Euro or British Pounds. Tipping is better in international currency. The Cubans prefer that. They don’t like being tipped in their own currency. Hope that helps! Have a great trip!
I hate to bother you more, but... I will... Is it safe to drink coffee and other drinks or soups based with water. First trip to Cuba, I have worries. I have never had problems in other countries. but Cuba worries me,@@asyamuzlera
@@kentjolly3497 no worries! Yes it’s very safe I’ve never had issues and I’ve never known or heard anyone having issue with that. Of course each person could be different and some more sensitive so I can’t say 100% of all people will be ok all the time but I would say it’s pretty safe. Cuba is definitely much more safe than Mexico when it comes to food and water safety.
I love your videos on Cuba. It would be great if you can do a video on hotels, foods and cuban coffee...😃. I'm looking forward to your next video. I would love to visit Cuba in the near future.🇬🇾
Thank you very much! Great suggestions yes I think I will do more of a deep dive on each of those topics. I have some other travel videos coming this year so stay tuned 😁👍
You’re welcome! You can take a taxi or from the hotel you’re staying at they have buses that take folks on a tour so you can speak to the rep and ask about just paying to go there and come back on the bus without the tour. It’s cheaper then the tour and cheaper then a taxi. We did this from varadero to Havana and back the same day.
When were you at Royalton Hicacos Varadero last? We are regulars and sadly have seen the economic crisis has really impacted their shortages and access to goods and. Athelstan this affects the resorts as well. So from trip advisor, I see Royalton Cayo Santa Maria is rated very high. We are trying to decide between our usual in Varadero or CSM. The mosquitos are also something to be aware of, as May-August they are the worst near the islands of Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Guillermo.
We were at Royalton Hicacos in August of 2019. We went once to CSM and the bugs were brutal especially mosquitos so I will not go there and risk it again 😂 Varadero has a lot less bugs and the Royalton Hicacos and Melia Las Americas are my fave hotels.
Hello, Question for you How does Cubacel work? We just show up to the kiosk in Varadero airport & buy SIM Cards? Or do we have to pre order? Please let me know Thank you
The resort i was in they didnt mind coins! and they would swap with people at the end of the night, so every evening I would swap a 20 bill American for 20 Canadian coins and just have them on me threwout the next day, PLUS the coins are water proof so you can tip at the swim up bars :D
I have used lunnies and tunnies for last two years with no issues for tipping or small purchases . Once they accumulate enough coins you give then a ten or twenty dollar bill , and that they can keep or take it to their bank . Mind you most of the money I bring money is for tips so if they don't take it this time around it's their lose.
@@angeliclight-h8h yes there is plenty of bottled water never a shortage of that but don’t know if it’s spring water. The hotels I recommend are the Kempinski in Havana & Royalton Hicacos and Melia Las Americas in Varadero
"air conditioning? mmm, I always catch a cold when there is AC, it happens to me in the hotel in Varadero. I love Cuba, but I wish I could control the AC temp myself.
Yes that’s the issue with AC but in the Melia we were able to control it no problem. We kept it pretty cold because it helps keeps bugs out of the room if it’s cold
Great video, thank you! What are some specific items, medicines, food, clothing, etc. you think Cubans would appreciate the most from a Canadian tourist? We read about "luxury" items to them like spices, milk powder, candy, etc.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. 😊 I would say any clothing would be great of course not like super old or ripped, in terms of food no one ever mentioned any specifics. I would say for ladies, skin coloured stockings is a big one they really need. In terms of medicine, it's a tough one i'm not too sure but I would guess pain killers like Tylenol Advil Aspirin are good.
Also I was told by Cuban friends that external battery chargers and electronics in general are great because even if someone has the money it’s hard to come by.
@@M5Cs-r4x yes it’s good. It’s hurricane season technically but it may rain but not a lot. November December and January are not good because you may get caught in non stop rain and cold. I went in December one year and it rained the whole 10 days and it was cold. But September you will have better weather
You’re welcome! 😊 So unfortunately I don’t have any recommendations. When we booked tours they were small tours with our airline rep at the hotel. But I would just Google best tour company in Cuba and see what they offer.
@@VincentBullion yes, we always bring enough cash we think we will need for the trip. Some places do accept credit cards but it’s always better to enough more then enough cash then not enough and then your cards don’t work. All hotels have a safe so I wouldn’t recommend carrying all the cash on you. Keep in the safe and take what you need for the day when you’re out.
I was told it would be nice to bring products for people, such as Tylenol, toiletries, toys for kids, etc. Is that still true? What’s the etiquette/protocol for gifting them to people? Can you do it in a resort like tipping?
Yes this is still true because even if people have money to buy, there are shortages all the time and some things the people can’t get in Cuba. The people would really appreciate this. Make friends with the workers and tell them that “hey I have a few gifts for you how do you want me to give it to you?” I’ve had them to come to the hotel room and other times I just gave it to them outside. For the maid you can leave a note beside the items and if you see her let her know you have a gift for her if she has time to get it now or later. 😊
Great video! Thank you very much for all the tips! I am wondering if my Cuban Convertible pesos are completely worthless at this time now that they are only using the Cuban pesos! Could anyone give me a hint please? !
@@anthonymedina4969 yes unfortunately depending on how much data you purchase but from what I remember I think like 8gbs is the most you can purchase then you have to top up. Its best to use the wifi at the Airbnb (hopefully the Airbnb has decent wifi) and if its too slow it drops out if you really need then use your data. Unfortunately the internet is not good in Cuba. I’ve tried to work also while in Cuba using the hotel wifi and it was good in certain areas but sometimes can cut out on you then you gotta try to login again. Hope that helps!
@@SMR294 you will Iove it but it’s hard to say which is cheapest. You’ll have to search online. If you’re in Canada Trip Central is a good otherwise try Trip Advisor as well. I like Melia Las Americas it’s an adult only hotel and the price is very reasonable.
Some resorts do them either during the day by the pools or sometimes at night. I don’t remember the Melia Las Americas doing it but during the day it was rare for us to be at the pool. I remember the Royalton Hicacos did those lessons sometimes at night at the disco and by the pool
Some corrections. There seemed to be a contradiction during the presentation in that at one point it was mentioned that the CUP can't be used for any purchases in Cuba yet in another spot it was said that the currency can be used. The latter is correct as of Oct of 2022. Restaurants and local markets still take the CUP. Also not mentioned is the fact that there is a new credit card now used in stores stocked with normal consumer goods known as the MLC. However, this card does not accept USD; only other foreign currencies. Anyone knowing and trusting a street money exchange person will surely benefit by exchanging currency with that person since the black market rate was steadily rising when I was there in Oct, and now seems to be much higher than the 112 CUP to the USD. The rate was around 200 when I left. The USD is still in demand due to airline tickets being purchased in that currency.
@@asyamuzlera Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately it is illegal for Americans, which is what I am, to stay there. There are many hotels in Cuba that Americans are prohibited from staying at. Bad for us!
Are there great family friendly resorts? Pre-pandemic i would go to Sol Cayo Largo or Hotel Playa Blanca, and i went once to Sol Cayo Santa Maria too. I understand those resorts are not what they use to be
Yes definitely! There is a new hotel that’s family friendly and I hear great things about it, the Melia International in Varadero. The new Continental Cabaret is located on the hotel property as well.
*I visited Cuba just 2 weeks ago and I had a wonderful time. You hear all these things about Cuba...you should do this, or you shouldn't do this. If you want to know what Cuba is like, then...go! Yes, there are very poor parts but there are also well-to-do parts. You will see old structures being refurbished; they are rebuilding Cuba. Yes, some neighborhoods have lines for the mercados and rations and some don't. The U.S dollar is very well received and much preferred, you will even see some places with prices in U.S. dollars. The CUC...convertible is no longer used or in circulation, it was decommissioned for 8 months now. Yes, they prefer nice crisp foreign currency because when they deposit it the banks, the banks will not accept if in worn condition. Also, go on free walking tours that are offered every day, you will learn an in-depth history of Cuba. (When you first arrive in Cuba, customs will take a picture of you, ask the address of place of stay and will enter in your phone a stay of entry form...I told them my phone didn't work, so they wrote down my info instead. Also, I have my pink tourist card as a souvenir as Cuban customs didn't even care for it but still get one in case.) JUSTGOTOCUBA.*
Nothing recognizable. We travelled over the Christmas holidays: no eggs, no potatoes, no mix for drinks, no juice etc. It was a disaster. Canadian tourists were arriving with extra baggage loaded with vacuumed packed meat, food and sodas.
I forgot to mention, try to take new nice crisp bills with you. If the bill you're paying with isn't crisp and has some rips or is old looking, some people may not accept it or will try to argue with you to see if you have a newer one. We had that happen with a taxi driver. He didn't want to accept it and kept asking us for a bill that wasn't wrinkly or slightly ripped. We told him sorry we don't have another one. The reason is because the banks in Cuba wont accept them!
Würde mich freuen wenn wir uns näher kennenlernen könnten 👍🇩🇪
The reason is the U.S. from time to time flood the country with bogus counterfeit money to destabilize the economy so they are extra vigilant when it comes to foreign currency .
I stay at all inclusive only! Less of a headache! Taxi from the hotel only!
Just to add , you can tip in Canadian coin of one or two dollars , workers in the hotel have change these coins , you bring your Canadian bill in good condition and great for everyone .
They do accept Canadian coins... I just came back. But they will ask you to buy back their coins so bring bigger bills as well
I've been going to Cuba since 2010 on business. You forgot to mention one small (but pretty important for us ladies!) thing.......bring some small tissue packs with you when you are not in your hotel as you are likely to encounter a bathroom with no toilet paper ;-)
My wife works for Lancôme Paris, we brought all kinds of goodies and were treated like Royalty. Many diners in the homes of Cuban families. What wonderful people. Cheers 🍻 Eh 🇨🇦😎
Now … they really like cash
Great solid information without any extra drama or crazy side talk to cloud the essentials! Thank you!
Thank you very much! 😊😊
This was an informative video for people that want to have a five star experience. If you really want to experience Cuba rent a moped while you are in Varadero and take a 45 minute drive to Matanzas. There you will have a true experience of what it's like to be immersed in Cuban culture. Yes, going to the Tropicana and doing all of these high-end experiences are wonderful however, you can do this in any other country. Stay in a casa particular or an Airbnb and help support the local Cubans. Staying in the larger hotels that are all owned by a government that does nothing but suppress their people. Over tip, learn Spanish and enjoy the inner cites. Varadero is not Cuba
Thank you so much! 😊😊 Yes for sure there is definitely 2 very different way to experience Cuba. Cuba is the biggest Island in the Caribbean and there are lots of beautiful cultural cities and lots of beaches. The Cuban people are amazing so you can’t go wrong and it’s very safe!
I rented car...was there for 3 weeks in 2010 and done 3.500 km...and 2018....love it. Dont go to Varadero...if you want hotels go to Bahamas...
Exactly! You can go to Cuba million times, but staying in hotel in Varadero, it will feel like any country in the world. You'll never experience it that way
You can’t take a rented Moped from Varadero to Matanzas, due to no insurance coverage once you leave Varadero ‼️… they tell you that when you rent them !
@@Dutchy-1168 well that's what I did and I lived to tell about it
Hi I just spent 2 months there. Take usd cash they love it. Exchange some of it for pesos from a private person who you can trust. The private exchange is way better. Use either currency depending where you are and what you are paying for.
I've been to Cuba 20 times and heading back April 22 and also looking to go next week on a last minute deal. I'm Canadian (eastcoast Halifax Nova Scotia) and you hit the nail on the head with the money. I bring about $150 in $1.00 bills for tipping. I'm a former bartender of 20 years and I def tip and I have a many good friends living in Cuba. Great video hun.
Thank you so much! 😃 That’s great. Yes Cuba is a great place with great people
great tip steve, any resort recomendations for a single straight canadian male 36 years old? cheers!
How do you get a Visa?
I want to go to Cuba. in your experience what is better? to buy the tickets and hotel independently or get a resort with everything included?
@@andycilla Ive allways went to an all inclusive resort. This way you know what you allready spent
cuban cigars can be had at the factory in havana ,we did the tour
We went last summer they accepted Canadian coins then we gave them fresh clean crisp bills on our last day and they exchanged the coins. A much better solution for both I believe!!
Very informative video! Someday in the near future I will go and visit! Thanks again!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it! Yes you will enjoy it.
I have been to Cuba and love the country, but I especially love the Cuban people. I am, however, sad about their present living conditions. But, I encourage people to go to Cuba because this directly helps the Cuban people.
Yes me too 😊
how are we helping the Cuban people? everything goes into the pockets of the leaders!
yes we can help with necessities but that will not put food in their tummies! even the
money given to them is not helping cause the stores are empty.
yes, the goverment has to do something to get tourists back! i want to go back but,
at the price we pay, and what we get, lets go somewhere else. when things are better
( if ever) i will be the first one to go back
@Alan Dickerson I agree. that tourists help Cubans (I took 14 suitcases and about 200 kg of various things and a lot of money to Cuba) but I will not starve because the Cuban government is a THIEF!
Going to Cuba as a tourist does not help the Cuban people you are just feeding the regime. If you want to help Cubans then go with an actual humanitarian mindset to help the people not as a tourists at all you can eat buffets buying Castro and Che propaganda at hotel lobbies while Cubans starve, flee on rafts and are thrown in jail for peacefully protesting
Thank you. It was very informative.
Thank you so much! 😊 and it’s my pleasure glad you enjoyed it!
I have always brought US bills.. I have been traveling to Cuba since 1990. Love it there. 🙂
Amazing! Yes I love it as well 😊
They will take loonies and toonies and they take them to other people to turn it back to Canadian bills. Don't waste money exchanging
I’ve been to Varadero Cuba 25 times since 2005. Stayed at resorts. Got to know resort staff very well. Go to their place for an overnight stay. Dinners. Excursions. And yes I go out of city to country side and get REAL Cuban experiences.
Beautiful! Yes a lot of people do this as well. We definitely have. The Cuban people are very welcoming and hospitable.
Any resorts that are all inclusive that you would recommend?
@@narayanhill9832 You can't go wrong with any Melia hotel they'e great. Melia Las Americas is great, Royalton Hicacos, Melia International & the Paradisus Los Cayos in Cayo Santa Maria is beautiful and its one of the newest hotels there.
@@Danilobajo I have followed Cuba problems / government Cuban problems for years! I know the suffering they have endure for past 45 years.
Do you ask them to stamp your passport?
Thanks Asya !
Great review, very helpful, going next month and will definitely use all of your tips!
Thank you, happy to hear it! Enjoy your trip to Cuba! 😃
Been to Cuba too many times to count. Best resort for me is the Dhawa in Cayo Santa Maria. Last 4 times has been to this resort and the next visit to Cuba will once again be to the Dhawa. The staff is absolutely the best. I have traveled and worked in over 30 countries in all continents and the Dhawa is my favorite and being based in Ontario Canada, its a short flight when compared to flights to Africa or Asia or South America.
Nice stuff. Good info. I'm a Cuban that handles foreign film crews and VIP Taylor made trips. Your info is very accurate.
Thank you very much!! 😊
Good video, advice is accurate and reflects my experiences as I recently returned from Cuba in late Dec 2022. Stayed in Varadero with several day trips and an overnight trip in the hills just outside of the city of Trinidad.
Love Cuba and the people, feel sorry for them as they are so poor. Embargo and the leaders clinging to power keep Cubans at a subsistence level.
Thank you! 😊
Just subscribed, very useful info.
Im travelling on may 😊😊
Thank you and welcome! 😊 Have a great trip 🍺 🏝️
Thnx for your information.
Can you say anything about saftyness in Cuba?
Yes Cuba is very very safe! The people won't do anything to harm tourists. You can go out at night alone no issues.
Thank you for bringing up the issue of safety, that is the most important question I need answered! Usually in a poor country there are high crime statistics!
Great video, thank you! I'm going with my wife in March and this really helped to prepare us. We didn't know that our Euros and USD would be useful so that's a good tip.
Thank you! And My pleasure glad I can help! 😊
Dupont Mansion....go there for a wonderful experience. Visited Cuba 6 times. Veradero 3 x just love it. Thanks, Asya, good tips. Hi to my friend Pablo
Thank you so much 😊. Yes the DuPont Mansion was the highlight of the trip by far! 😁 I will for sure.
Been to Cuba many times in the 90s , it’s been 20 years , looks like there many modern updates and resorts. Best cigars I’ve ever smoked. Find a casa particular that sells cigars. Buy a couple before buying the box. They use to be $25 or $30 a box. Chances are they came from the factory or pay $350.00 at the factory. Traveling seemed much more adventurous before the cell phone and internet but I can’t wait to revisit
This was ao informative, great video!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Interesting. I'm going to Cuba with friends this summer and am comparing videos showing the real Cuba with videos showing the VIP tourist experience version. The currency tips are most useful: thank you.
you're welcome! glad you liked it 😊
Hard times for Cuban people! Anything they can use is better than money as their stores are
Poorly stocked.
Aspirin,Tylenol, toothpaste, toothbrushes, nail polish, eye shadow, Dove soap.
They love toothpaste, soap. If you pay in American dollars, they can stash it,
And one day, be able to leave Cuba!
Great video. I'm staying 2 weeks at the Seville hotel in Havana. I'm love the Mob
Hotels. 😂
We travelled in Dec 2022 - we struggled to find a Cadeca in Havana, even in our hotel it was closed and the bank seemed very intimidating. But we were immediately ‘offered’ it through the concierge on the side. Our Casa Particulares owner also sorted it for us.
However - outside of Varadero, we found that when things were priced in CUP that if you wanted to pay in € or $ then they exchanged it at the higher black market rate, and vice versa so you were penalised for it almost. It was always better to pay in the currency it was advertised, which varied in Havana and in Trinidad as to whether it was national currency or foreign (‘strong’ we kept being told!)
Also as brits we took € as advised through our travel agent - this was a mistake, $ or CAD would have been much better to have a stack of $1 to tip with! Also everything is advertised in $ if it wasn’t in CUP, but the exchange wasnt altered for € so we were paying marginally more.
Good tip thx for sharing. We used mostly CAD & some USD. I think you mean CUP right? Because the CUC has been discontinued.
@@asyamuzlera yes that is what I meant, sorry! 🤦🏻♀️ the money situation was what frazzled us the most!
@@emmacolourista7748 Yes i dont blame you it did with us many times as well 😅
I take unblemished Canadian $5 , but no coins like our $1 and $2 ….to offset the high cost of my $5 , I also took about $50 US in ones $1 !
I usually have CDN $5 but there are times when I felt that $2 US was sufficient ! Both approaches worked very well for me !
Word of advice ….make sure the bills are pristine or the Cuban banks will not honour them, which leaves the help with a problem 🇨🇦🇨🇺‼️
@@asyamuzlera I found the mention of CUC confusing too ‼️‼️
Good up to date advice. Thanks.
Thank you 😊 and you’re very welcome!
2:40 They take coins gladly. It is no problem for them to exchange it with tourists for paper money. The hotel store doesn't deal with money, only credit cards. If you don't have a card, you can buy it in CADECA.
Coins are hassle
@@sean367 Are Cubans so picky? They must be better off than I imagined...
Just watched your Cuba video and am a new subscriber. A wonderful, informative review. Have long wanted to make this journey and you showed a very beautiful side.
Thank you! Glad to have you 😊 and Cuba is beautiful especially the people
Thanks for the infos! You are a truly natural beauty !!! ❤
thanks! have been to Cuba before and love Cubans. the currency advice was great!
Thank you 😊. Yes we love the Cuban people. It’s a big reason why we go there often.
Thx for sharing your Cuba tips, much appreciated going to Havanna via Veradero this week
You’re welcome! Glad it’s helpful. Enjoy your trip 😀
If you deal with any government agency you will have to tip in CUC or USD or Euros otherwise the service or door will open only a mañana ,, meaning tomorrow.
Amazing Tips!! ❤ Thank you.
Thank you!! I’m glad you enjoyed! 😊
Muchos gracias my friend. Going on a day trip to Havana at the end of September and I'm going for a week in late January.
4 days in Viñales and 2 in Havana.
Beautiful, enjoy!!
Going to Cuba next week 👌
Always wanted to visit Cuba. Hope to go one day.
Go when there is not a Mafia running the country. Pray for cubans to be free
Hi very helpful- i just got back from a 9 day visit to Havana. Aug 22-31 2024. Stayed at the Iberostar Parque Central.
I flew in and out of Varadero airport. The VIP lounge cost 50 $ Cad. There was no lady ushering me around and the free wifi is now 30 minutes.
@@NDiaz-et6hc thank you! Ok good to know thank you for sharing
It took me a second to get the “I sharted on my vlog” part 😢l thank you. I want to go to “Cua” next year
great video~
Thank you so much 😊
really love you asyamuzlera
What really sucks is that being Cuban, people think Cuba is a nice place for vacation (and it is!) but it hurts to see how broken down the country really is.
The U.S.A. will be the same if Adolph Trump wins in 2024. Only two types of people, Very rich 2% and the very poor 98%.
USA did it.
Certainly can't see it in this video.
@@iashbddf I can't agree that Cuba is socialist because it gives no selling rights. You can have small businesses with a hard to acquire license and you can't grow that business. To me, Cuba is the only country that successfully created communism because everyone is poor and no one has to work for money.
There are plenty of places in the Caribbean where you can spend a better vacation. Maybe a little more expensive but you don't have to ask for basic items. There is no pepper in Cuba and the salt is in a dirty jar and wet. Let the Cuban government treat tourists normally and we will come! Personally, I am fed up with the stupid propaganda on TV Cuban, where everything is there, but why are the shelves in the shops empty and there is nothing to eat?
The last time I was in Cuba was in 2008 and they still had the convertible and national pesos. The point is that nobody was interested in dollars as they came with a 10% tax atop the exchange rate. Besides, the shops all took convertible pesos and were well stocked. The national peso was 23-1 to the convertible, so anyone who had a stack of nationals could exchange them freely for convertibles. The system was clunky, but it worked and there was no black market in foreign currency. Today, it all seems very different, and I would love to know what went wrong.
Thank you, great job!
Amazing and helpful video. Thank you. Can you use hotspot from your iPhone and give internet to other iPhones? Local people told me that you can’t and this is so strange ..
@@DinkoPopov thank you so much! 😊 unfortunately I never tried that. Last few trips I stayed on wifi only and on airplane mode. A few other times we bought the Cuban SIM cards that gave us data calling and texting but never did the hotspot.
@ Thank you
Great vid. Been there ten times myself, but there are so many have been 50 times or more. Lower your expectations and you will not be disappointed. If you can visit outside the tourist area, you will see the real Cuba, and appreciate maybe the disconcern, when you have a complaint at your hotel. You are in "Disneyland", where most of your hotel employees go back to the basics every evening. Make friends, enjoy the holiday, but don't get emotionally involved. There is fresh meat every two weeks. Sorry to be blunt but I have seen so many catastophies, with a vacation romance.
Thank you! yes this is true
Wife and I went in January of this year to Cayo Coco and yes even if your bill is slightly creased, the person you gave it to will have a hard time getting face value for it. Point is sometimes it's better to just bring items such as ... Memory cards. Phone cables and for the person's 1.5 bus ride home... A back up power supply. Since most phones they have are cheap but very expensive for them Chinese crap that won't hold a charge. I found that these items are worth more to them then the few bucks ya given them.
Yes definitely because sometimes even if they have money from tips, they can’t get certain items there.
Great video, thank you
Went there last week, you can't use your debit card, and the internet kinda suck, but the people are great, very safe, very lively, super cheap, bring some euro, it's easier to used and get by, have fun get to know the local
Yes! Glad you had a great time. I find the internet varies based on the hotel. At the Melia Las Americas near the end of our trip they added more routers and upgraded some of the them so in the lobby restaurant the internet was sooo much better then when we got there.
Good video, thank you, valuable. Going to Cuba March.
Thank you very much! Enjoy your trip 😃
We bought the best cigars in Vinales . Tobacco farmer rolled us about 5 of them in the barn. Better than anything you can buy in a store.
That's amazing! Vinales is on my list to visit for sure!
Asya thanks for the cuban tourist info. But remember to say cuba has a lack of food, medicine and fuel with many blackouts no power
Thank you for your help about Cuba I had to know that. I did subscribe. Gracias
You’re very welcome and thank you! Glad to have you! 😊❤️ De nada! 👍
Excellent! Thank you.❤
Just got back from Caio Santa Maria May 17 and going back at the end if July !! We stayed at new hotel and we like it even if it was very confusion not too organized but we get it stuff needs more training !! Money wise we used American money and we stayed at the tesortno trips no taxi no excursion so we were fine ! And its thru please dont tip Canadian Coins we had guys going around on the beach asking if anyone had change so please dont tip coins !!!
Any suggestion about the best 3 all incllusive resorts for families with kids? Thanks
Yes absolutely! The best one I would say hands down for families in Varadero is Melia Internacional Varadero and then the other one is Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa. Hope that helps. Enjoy your trip! 😃 🏝️
@@asyamuzlera thank you dear😊
hi.thank you for very informative content.its very helpful.i just wanted to ask, what can you say about the royalton habana?😊thank you
Thank you and it’s my pleasure glad you enjoyed it! 😊 I’ve never stayed there but just saw the pictures on Google and it looks incredible! I think I will have to stay there on a future trip.
OMG how beautiful you are ...
Very informative video by the way ...
Thank you
Thank you very much!
They take Canadian dollars at resorts on Cayo Santa Maria. They will need to trade the coins for bills though
THANK YOU BEAUTIFUL. VIVA. CUBA 1❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I am traveling to Varadero soon and I have some questions. Your videos have been very helpful, but I wonder if I can ask you a few additional questions.
Wonderful! Thank you 😊 yes for sure.
I have several questions, some I don't want public because of U.S. restrictions. What about drinking water in Varadero? coffee? ice? is all bottled water safe? You mentioned a favorite person for transportation between Havana and Varadero, maybe I missed it but can I get the contact information. I found conflicting information on purchasing with the Dollar. Is it possible, common, is currency exchange easy? I'll stop for now..... Thank you for your videos, I am watching them over and over...@@asyamuzlera
@@kentjolly3497 yes all bottled water is safe. I brushed we teeth with the tap water and both me and my husband were fine. No one I know has ever had issues but I still wouldn’t drink the tap water. At the resorts when you ask for water they always use bottle water to serve you. Never had issues with coffee but I’m guessing they use bottled water for the coffee but I have no idea.
In terms of transport I don’t have a person I use. We always just take a taxi or the double decker hop on hop off bus is a good option.
It’s pretty easy to exchange money. They prefer if you give them fresh new bills. If they have rips or look old some people won’t accept it. You can also take out cash directly from your bank at the currency exchange place at your hotel. Each hotel has one. But anywhere in Cuba you can pay with USD, CAD or Euro or British Pounds. Tipping is better in international currency. The Cubans prefer that. They don’t like being tipped in their own currency.
Hope that helps! Have a great trip!
I hate to bother you more, but... I will... Is it safe to drink coffee and other drinks or soups based with water. First trip to Cuba, I have worries. I have never had problems in other countries. but Cuba worries me,@@asyamuzlera
@@kentjolly3497 no worries! Yes it’s very safe I’ve never had issues and I’ve never known or heard anyone having issue with that. Of course each person could be different and some more sensitive so I can’t say 100% of all people will be ok all the time but I would say it’s pretty safe. Cuba is definitely much more safe than Mexico when it comes to food and water safety.
I love your videos on Cuba. It would be great if you can do a video on hotels, foods and cuban coffee...😃. I'm looking forward to your next video. I would love to visit Cuba in the near future.🇬🇾
Thank you very much! Great suggestions yes I think I will do more of a deep dive on each of those topics. I have some other travel videos coming this year so stay tuned 😁👍
Were you in Cayó Coco at memories Flamenco in August 2024?
Hey..thanks for the information. Do you know how to go Veradora from Havana ( to and fro)?
You’re welcome! You can take a taxi or from the hotel you’re staying at they have buses that take folks on a tour so you can speak to the rep and ask about just paying to go there and come back on the bus without the tour. It’s cheaper then the tour and cheaper then a taxi. We did this from varadero to Havana and back the same day.
@@asyamuzlera Perfect ! I will be in Cuba for 5 days..thinking to spend 3 days in Veradora and 2 days in Havana. Are these days are enough ?
When were you at Royalton Hicacos Varadero last? We are regulars and sadly have seen the economic crisis has really impacted their shortages and access to goods and. Athelstan this affects the resorts as well. So from trip advisor, I see Royalton Cayo Santa Maria is rated very high. We are trying to decide between our usual in Varadero or CSM. The mosquitos are also something to be aware of, as May-August they are the worst near the islands of Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Guillermo.
We were at Royalton Hicacos in August of 2019. We went once to CSM and the bugs were brutal especially mosquitos so I will not go there and risk it again 😂 Varadero has a lot less bugs and the Royalton Hicacos and Melia Las Americas are my fave hotels.
Hello,
Question for you
How does Cubacel work? We just show up to the kiosk in Varadero airport & buy SIM Cards?
Or do we have to pre order?
Please let me know
Thank you
Great information 😊
Thank you! 😊
The resort i was in they didnt mind coins! and they would swap with people at the end of the night, so every evening I would swap a 20 bill American for 20 Canadian coins and just have them on me threwout the next day, PLUS the coins are water proof so you can tip at the swim up bars :D
I have used lunnies and tunnies for last two years with no issues for tipping or small purchases . Once they accumulate enough coins you give then a ten or twenty dollar bill , and that they can keep or take it to their bank . Mind you most of the money I bring money is for tips so if they don't take it this time around it's their lose.
please name the best hotels to stay where you can eat great food also what about spring water isit always available
@@angeliclight-h8h yes there is plenty of bottled water never a shortage of that but don’t know if it’s spring water. The hotels I recommend are the Kempinski in Havana & Royalton Hicacos and Melia Las Americas in Varadero
Do you know about the sargasse situation mars 2023 for Holguin ?
Thank you so much for the tips!!!
Who does your video editing?
My pleasure! 😊 I do. I film all videos I’m not in, and my husband films the clips of me all on my iPhone 13 Pro Max. And I edit on FinalCut Pro.
Hi I’m going to Cuba soon. Was wondering if they allow us to fly drones there for recording
That’s a great question but unfortunately I don’t know I don’t use a drone yet.
❤hello .very nice enjoy travel❤👍🌐🎯🚴🏻♂️🙏🏾🇵🇭🇵🇭
"air conditioning? mmm, I always catch a cold when there is AC, it happens to me in the hotel in Varadero. I love Cuba, but I wish I could control the AC temp myself.
Yes that’s the issue with AC but in the Melia we were able to control it no problem. We kept it pretty cold because it helps keeps bugs out of the room if it’s cold
Great video, thank you! What are some specific items, medicines, food, clothing, etc. you think Cubans would appreciate the most from a Canadian tourist? We read about "luxury" items to them like spices, milk powder, candy, etc.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. 😊 I would say any clothing would be great of course not like super old or ripped, in terms of food no one ever mentioned any specifics. I would say for ladies, skin coloured stockings is a big one they really need. In terms of medicine, it's a tough one i'm not too sure but I would guess pain killers like Tylenol Advil Aspirin are good.
Also I was told by Cuban friends that external battery chargers and electronics in general are great because even if someone has the money it’s hard to come by.
@@asyamuzlera thank you so much! we hope to bring as much as possible to help the Cuban folks during our short trip :)
@@asyamuzlera stockings, didn't think of that! thank you :)
@@phyllis2866 that’s so kind of you they will really appreciate it! Have a great time 😊😊
Is early september good to visit cuba please ?
@@M5Cs-r4x yes it’s good. It’s hurricane season technically but it may rain but not a lot. November December and January are not good because you may get caught in non stop rain and cold. I went in December one year and it rained the whole 10 days and it was cold. But September you will have better weather
Very nice video ! Merry Christmas ! New subs 👍👍👍
Thank you very much! Merry Christmas to you as well 😊
Awesome Video.. Thank you
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Thanks for updated the lated info on Cub! Can you recommend tour company in Cuba? We want to go around the country.
You’re welcome! 😊 So unfortunately I don’t have any recommendations. When we booked tours they were small tours with our airline rep at the hotel. But I would just Google best tour company in Cuba and see what they offer.
What about if you only bring cash do u keep it with you at all times ? Or hotel safe cause u need to bring enough for ur holiday. Thanks
@@VincentBullion yes, we always bring enough cash we think we will need for the trip. Some places do accept credit cards but it’s always better to enough more then enough cash then not enough and then your cards don’t work. All hotels have a safe so I wouldn’t recommend carrying all the cash on you. Keep in the safe and take what you need for the day when you’re out.
I was told it would be nice to bring products for people, such as Tylenol, toiletries, toys for kids, etc. Is that still true? What’s the etiquette/protocol for gifting them to people? Can you do it in a resort like tipping?
Yes this is still true because even if people have money to buy, there are shortages all the time and some things the people can’t get in Cuba. The people would really appreciate this. Make friends with the workers and tell them that “hey I have a few gifts for you how do you want me to give it to you?” I’ve had them to come to the hotel room and other times I just gave it to them outside. For the maid you can leave a note beside the items and if you see her let her know you have a gift for her if she has time to get it now or later. 😊
Great video! Thank you very much for all the tips! I am wondering if my Cuban Convertible pesos are completely worthless at this time now that they are only using the Cuban pesos! Could anyone give me a hint please? !
Non absorbant toilet paper now !!!!
Hi Asya, Regarding the SIM card. I plan to stay in a Airbnb. I'll be working. Does this exhaust the data quickly? What do you recommend?
@@anthonymedina4969 yes unfortunately depending on how much data you purchase but from what I remember I think like 8gbs is the most you can purchase then you have to top up. Its best to use the wifi at the Airbnb (hopefully the Airbnb has decent wifi) and if its too slow it drops out if you really need then use your data. Unfortunately the internet is not good in Cuba. I’ve tried to work also while in Cuba using the hotel wifi and it was good in certain areas but sometimes can cut out on you then you gotta try to login again. Hope that helps!
Thank you for your advice. It will be my boyfriend and my first time to Varadero Cuba. We ate staying at Grand Memories.
My pleasure! 😊 That's great, I hope you have a great time. I really love Varadero. Enjoy!
Thank u
Hi Asya,
I would like to visit Cuba next week. May I know a good hotel but cheapest..
@@SMR294 you will Iove it but it’s hard to say which is cheapest. You’ll have to search online. If you’re in Canada Trip Central is a good otherwise try Trip Advisor as well. I like Melia Las Americas it’s an adult only hotel and the price is very reasonable.
I need to take a break from Jamaica 🇯🇲 and go check out Cuba 🇨🇺 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Hey Iam from Cuba....and I don't care that country anymore.....I love USA I have been for 30 years greetings from Florida.
I'm from Cuba and got luck on having medical bills and being on bread lines on grocery stores.
I don’t blame you I really love Florida as well! 😊
Very kool
Thank you 😊
Great Job!
Thank you so much! 😊
@@asyamuzlera It is always a pleasure seeing people visiting Cuba.
are salsa and bachata lessons available on the resort properties?
Some resorts do them either during the day by the pools or sometimes at night. I don’t remember the Melia Las Americas doing it but during the day it was rare for us to be at the pool. I remember the Royalton Hicacos did those lessons sometimes at night at the disco and by the pool
Love Cuba been to Cayo Guillermo 5/6 times up until 2019.
So the cuc has gone now?
Yes, no more CUC only CUP for the local currency. Cayó Guillermo looks beautiful but I haven’t been yet.
Some corrections.
There seemed to be a contradiction during the presentation in that at one point it was mentioned
that the CUP can't be used for any purchases in Cuba yet in another spot it was said that the currency can be used. The latter is correct as of Oct of 2022. Restaurants and local markets still
take the CUP. Also not mentioned is the fact that there is a new credit card now used in stores stocked with normal consumer goods known as the MLC. However, this card does not accept USD; only other foreign currencies.
Anyone knowing and trusting a street money exchange person will surely benefit by exchanging currency with that person since the black market rate was steadily rising when I was there in Oct, and now seems to be much higher than the 112 CUP to the USD. The rate was around 200 when I left. The USD is still in demand due to airline tickets being purchased in that currency.
What Kempinski Hotel did you stay at in Havana? I notice on another site there are 2, Gran Hotel Bristol & Gran Hotel Manzana.
The one in Havana is called Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana - www.kempinski.com/en/gran-hotel-kempinski-la-habana
@@asyamuzlera Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately it is illegal for Americans, which is what I am, to stay there. There are many hotels in Cuba that Americans are prohibited from staying at. Bad for us!
@@LocalboyChetYoung that’s really unfortunate to hear. Hopefully it will change. Next time I go I will definitely inquire about this.
Thank you for the video
The dress in the picture is gorgeous
Where did you buy it? Brand?
Thanks
You’re welcome glad you enjoyed it! 😊 thank you! I got the dress at White House Black Market. They have beautiful dresses.
@@asyamuzlera thank you for the reply
Are there great family friendly resorts? Pre-pandemic i would go to Sol Cayo Largo or Hotel Playa Blanca, and i went once to Sol Cayo Santa Maria too. I understand those resorts are not what they use to be
Yes definitely! There is a new hotel that’s family friendly and I hear great things about it, the Melia International in Varadero. The new Continental Cabaret is located on the hotel property as well.
*I visited Cuba just 2 weeks ago and I had a wonderful time. You hear all these things about Cuba...you should do this, or you shouldn't do this. If you want to know what Cuba is like, then...go! Yes, there are very poor parts but there are also well-to-do parts. You will see old structures being refurbished; they are rebuilding Cuba. Yes, some neighborhoods have lines for the mercados and rations and some don't. The U.S dollar is very well received and much preferred, you will even see some places with prices in U.S. dollars. The CUC...convertible is no longer used or in circulation, it was decommissioned for 8 months now. Yes, they prefer nice crisp foreign currency because when they deposit it the banks, the banks will not accept if in worn condition. Also, go on free walking tours that are offered every day, you will learn an in-depth history of Cuba. (When you first arrive in Cuba, customs will take a picture of you, ask the address of place of stay and will enter in your phone a stay of entry form...I told them my phone didn't work, so they wrote down my info instead. Also, I have my pink tourist card as a souvenir as Cuban customs didn't even care for it but still get one in case.) JUSTGOTOCUBA.*
Can you get the pink visa at the Fort Lauderdale airport? I didn’t have time to order it online.
Do they still have food in Cuba?
Nothing recognizable. We travelled over the Christmas holidays: no eggs, no potatoes, no mix for drinks, no juice etc. It was a disaster. Canadian tourists were arriving with extra baggage loaded with vacuumed packed meat, food and sodas.
very informative.
Thank you! 😊