someguy 67067 Report post Posted October 5, 2015 Hi, I am going on my first holiday in a long time. We are going to Cuba. Specificly cayo santa maria. Would like advice on what to see? Where to exchange money. Local scams. Food. how much to tip? Does Koodo cell phones work there. Do I need a power adapters? Any information or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meaghan McLeod 179664 Report post Posted October 5, 2015 I don't know about Cuba, but when I went to Cancun, I brought small denominations of USD. This prevents that if I wanted to buy something, I didn't get back Mexican money. So, lots of $1.00 bills. The banks were kinda ticked off at me as I cleaned out every bank I went to, it was a lot easier. Have fun! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Malika Fantasy 144625 Report post Posted October 5, 2015 Don't tip them in Canadians, make the offer to change your money in CUC. If not they have to go exchange it at the bank and apparently since they are cubans, the bank will often ripped them off in the exchange rate. -Phone, dunno about kobo, but be sure to purchase a data package before you leave, if not's it's at least 8$/MB, and it added up quickly. -You can only exchange money in Cuba. Either at the airport, bank or some hotels will do it for you. Banks are always cheaper. You will need to have 25CUC per person when leaving to pay the leaving fee. Cuban food is pretty "meh", especially in all inclusive vacations package. If you venture out to some small local own restaurant it's a bit better, but you don't go to Cuba for the gastronomy that's for sure. 12 ish CUC can get you an appetizer, entre and a beer in a fair amount of local restaurants. -I normally tip 1$ per drink/service. If you are going to an all inclusive, bring your own cup, if not they give you teeny tiny little plastic cup. It's annoying to go back and forth from the beach to get some drinks. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted October 5, 2015 The leaving fee doesn't exist anymore...I went last August in Santa Maria. Change at the bank of the hotel,the reception charge a it more,they match the US rate so if does hurt with our poor canadian dollar. I usually leave 5 pesos for the maid per day,5 pesos for the gardener assign to my casa ,I tip him at the end of the stay and 1 pesos every second drink at the bar,good advice the cup, 2 or 3 at the meals if they are especially nice (or pretty),otherwise 1... I plan for about 20$ a day of tip and get wonderful service: this summer at the end of our meal the waitress gave us 3 times a whole bottle of wine ''for the room '' lol Have fun,just be careful:I got bitten by a jellyfish and had a huge reaction ,look where you are swimming... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PistolPete 61421 Report post Posted October 5, 2015 Go to Canadian Tire and buy the Bubba Thermos they come in 20oz 30oz and there is one I believe at 54 oz, :) keeps drinks cold. When I always travel south I bring my 30 oz Bubba it's great for sitting out on the beach and pounding back the odd drink. ;) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DivideBY0 330 Report post Posted October 6, 2015 I don't think Canadian cell phones work there. last time i was there I couldn't use my phone. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sasha Stone 521 Report post Posted October 16, 2015 I thought I exchanged my money before leaving to Cuba but now I'm not sure, I do recall thinking the CUC was a rip off and didn't understand why they forced tourist to use it instead of regular pesos. I loved Cuba though, it's like stepping into another World with the old cars and beautiful buildings. I stayed in Varadero which has incredible beaches, they get pretty windy and high waves depending on where you're located. Everyone suggested seeing Havana, we didn't make it but had a lot of fun in the clubs and walking around the City. I don't know if Koodoo works in Cuba but if you really need a cell you could always pick up a Cuban sim card or ask your phone company about a travel package there. Tipping is totally a personal choice, bring as many small bills in whatever currency you have. I liked to tip in $1 American bills, it was easy to keep track of, shopping in the markets with small bills is better because sometimes you can get ripped off of your change. Taxi's also will scam you, barter before you actually get into them and agree to a price otherwise they will take off and you're at their mercy for a price. I always asked around what other people were paying to get an idea, the farthest taxi never cost us more than 10 dollars though. The food at our resort was truly terrible, food poisoning level bad but the food in restaurants was awesome. We had some very fresh seafood and although everything is kind of bland it was very fresh and we would feed the stray cats who came up while we ate. They spray this bug killer cloud on the streets, watch out for that because they don't seem to care if people are nearby when they spray it. Make sure you get a mojito, they're the absolute best in Cuba! They have an interesting way of living, because it's a Communist Country the Gov't assigns their jobs or they get to choose from a list created by the Gov't to start a business. Sometimes they have to share a job I was told, if you do have time/energy/desire to they do really appreciate small gifts. Things that aren't easy or cheap to buy there like certain shampoos/conditioners, toothbrushes/paste, kids toys, clothes etc. We handed out some small gift bags and people were really grateful, they do follow you until you're totally empty but we didn't find it scary. Have fun! It's a beautiful place to visit :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
someguy 67067 Report post Posted November 26, 2015 Forgot that I started this thread. After a week in Cuba. I can say that they have some of the best beaches I've ever seen. The people are friendly and the hotels very clean. All inclusive packages are the way to go. Unlimited booze. However bring a bigger cup with you as the drinks are served in little cups. Bring some hot sauce also, as the food is pretty bland. They try there best, but they are limited in meats, vegetables and spices. Bring hot sauce. Very inexpensive holiday to be had. Would recommend going to Cuba for the sun and sand. Not the food and there really isn't that much to do at the hotels other then eat, drink, swim and tan. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Studio 110 by Sophia 150333 Report post Posted November 26, 2015 I know Cuba inside and out. Been going since 2001. Pm ne if you like. I am also leaving soon, Dec 6! I know sone anazing private resturants, bars, tropicanna shows. Places in Havanna that are a must see. Shoot me a pm and will send you a list of great places. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rollhay 1215 Report post Posted November 26, 2015 Ah Cuba! People either love it or hate it.I spent 6mos there in 03 travelling by sailboat . Fascinating , frustrating, flipping wonderful. You really ought to take up Sophia's offer as things change all the time. Went back later on a bike tour and stayed in a variety of all inc. resorts.It may be an egalitarian socialist society but YOU get what you pay for. Bien viage! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Studio 110 by Sophia 150333 Report post Posted November 26, 2015 Ah Cuba! People either love it or hate it.I spent 6mos there in 03 travelling by sailboat .Fascinating , frustrating, flipping wonderful. You really ought to take up Sophia's offer as things change all the time. Went back later on a bike tour and stayed in a variety of all inc. resorts.It may be an egalitarian socialist society but YOU get what you pay for. Bien viage! So true! My oh my what a change from 2001 till now! They had a hard time in learning how to have tourisim as their main economy. They only really began this 1995 . They have come a long way. But your adventure or lack of will greatly impact your views of this colourful country. Surely if you only stick to resorts and the buffett style eating you will probably be dissapointed. Get out there to the private in home reaturants and now you got some real good eats! Befriend your staff, bring gifts of razors and lotions and toys and you will be treated as royality. Also, there is not much differnece in the 5 star to the 3.5 stars. Only difference is the anount of entertainment and staff per persons. Other than that not much difference. Gotta be willing to see the good and not just pick on what is not perfect for your liking. Thats what adventures to other cultures are about! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reactor65 130 Report post Posted November 26, 2015 Hard as it may be to believe, simple, over the counter medicines are hard to find in Cuba. I find the hotel maids really appreciate Children's tylenol, brand name toothpaste, and the like, as "tips". If they can't use it themselves they can barter it with other Cubans 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rollhay 1215 Report post Posted November 27, 2015 Gotta be willing to see the good and not just pick on what is not perfect for your liking. Thats what adventures to other cultures are about! Absolutely spot on. Keep that in mind and you will have a great time in Cuba. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grass_Hopper 18263 Report post Posted November 27, 2015 You couldn't choose a better place for vacations, Cayo Santa Maria is awesome! But in Cuba, sex tourism is prohibited, so you have to proceed with great caution. At Pueblo La Estrella (next to Memories), you have a sport club next to a SPA. Most of guys there can give you indications on how to get an escort. Be very careful and stay safe! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
