2002/07 Anonymous' Havana 101
ClubHombre.com: -TripReports-: Trip Report Archive: Caribbean: Cuba: 2002/07 Anonymous' Havana 101
Hi fellas. I'm a veteran of the Havana scene having made over 20 trips there since 1997. On my last trip I met up with your boy DonGringo, showed him the ropes, and helped him procure some of the lovelies he's posted in his report. DonGringo asked me to come over here and help educate you guys about how it works in Havana. I'm doing this just to help out. I'm not here to brag or to get in any pissing contests with anyone. I like to keep it positive as much as possible.

Just so you know, I'm in my early 30?s,speak nearly fluent Spanish including enough Cuban slang to get myself out of trouble, and travel to Cuba legally under the OFAC General License. I've posted some pics down below to give you an idea of the average chicas available down there. You'll notice that I've masked the identities of the chicas in the photos. I do this because prostitution is illegal in Cuba, carrying a sentence of 3-5 years in reformatory (labor) camp. The internet is spreading rapidly down there and I don?t want to do anything that might result in anyone getting in trouble. My personal policy is to mask the identities of all non-pro's and semi-Pro's. Hardcore scammers I'll post unmasked to warn guys away.

LET'S START WITH THE BASICS: as I said above, Prostitution is illegal in Cuba. There are no whorehouses or brothels. However, available chicas are everywhere, walking in the streets, going to the Discos, in the bars, everywhere. The Police on the streets constantly actively try to bust chicas mostly so they can shake them down for money. Chicas hate and fear the police in Cuba. Tourists, on the other hand, have very little to fear from the police (unlike say, Mexico) so long as they avoid Drugs, Violence, Underage girls (18 is legal) and ANY ANTI-CASTRO POLITICAL ACTIVITY.

CASA PARTICULAR: Legally no Cubans are allowed into Tourists' hotel rooms. So if you want to fuck, you must rent a CASA PARTICULAR, basically a Cuban B&B. There are thousands of them in Havana ranging between a $10 a nite shitholes to $2000 a nite stately mansions. A good quality place these days is usually about $35 a nite including breakfast. Some Casas do have restrictions on bringing in Chicas so it's best to be very direct and up-front with the Casa owner before renting, and never pay for more than one night in advance until you are sure you are going to be comfy and hassle-free there. Licensed Casa owners are legally responsible for your safety and the security of your belongings. I don't like the Casa Particular websites as they have a large commission built-in for the website operator and often are not as advertised. To me, the best way to find a Casa is to hop into a taxi, tell the cabbie EXACTLY what you want (ex: $35 per nite, private bath with good hot water, private entrance NO PROBLEM WITH CHICAS, ETC...) and let him take you around until you find one you like. Usually it's no problem even showing up in the middle of the night. On your tourist card you do have to fill out a line about where you are staying. Just put down one of the major hotels. Hotel Nacional, Havana Libre, of Melia Cohiba will all work and Cuban Customs doesn't check any more.

OKAY, SO YOU'VE MADE IT TO HAVANA: You've got a nice fuck pad, now what? Well the great thing about Cuba is that just about any girl is gettable. Like anywhere else in the world, it all comes down to you and your skills. Here is where we start to separate the men from the boys. Since we are not talking about whorehouses or even Blue Marlin type set-ups, you basically have to pick chicas up. Only the most aggressive hardcores will come to you. Personally, I tell newbies to avoid them as they are generally the scammers. If you are shy, don't like approaching women, don't communicate well, etc... Cuba ain't for you. Do yourself and the rest of us a favor tick to TJ , Bangkok, CR and A-Dam.

If you've got some game, however, the sky is the limit in Cuba. Check out DonGringo's post. He speaks shitty Spanish, had never been there before and he did great. He did get a little help along the way from me and a Cuban buddy of his, but you can get help too.

CUBANAS: One of the great things about Cuban girls in general is they love to fuck. Plus they need money. That?s where you come in. I call a PRO any chica who survives solely by fucking tourists. Typically in Cuba a Pro does 2-3 guys per week. Contrast this against the hardcore pro?s anywhere else in the world who do 2-3 guys daily and you can see why even the Pro's in Cuba are more innocent and normal. Almost all the chicas in DonGringo?s post are Pro's. A Semi-Pro is a chica who works or goes to school M-F and only fucks an occasional tourist to make ends meet. Non-Pro?s are chicas who hardly ever fuck tourists. Personally I prefer the Semi-Pro's. they've got experience enough not to be too nervous and timid while still being good girls. The problem with non-pro?s is getting rid of them. Even if you've only know her for an hour, after you've fucked a non-Pro, she thinks you?re a couple.

PRICES: Chicas range from $10 for a quickie with a skank to $150+ for a night with a gorgeous model-type. Right now the going rate is about $40 usually for a couple of pops . BBBJ is pretty standard. When I first started going in 1997 you could literally get practically any chica for a Coke and a smile. Since then, Cuba has been inundated with sex tourists from all around the world but especially Spain, Italy and Canada. The Italians are by far the worst. On the one hand they offer chicas too much money (usually $100 when $40 would do) and on the other hand they often lie to and rip off the chicas. I hate these guys.

Now for you guys accustomed to paying $50+ for 20 minute sessions with hardcores in Adelita's $40 should sound cheap. It is. Now don't fuck it up by agreeing to pay more and driving the price up. Whatever a chica asks, offer her half, then negotiate from there. Many chicas will ask you to make the first offer. Tell her exactly what you want and then offer $40 or less. $25 for a chica off the street. Be funny and keep a smile on your face. Remember that these chicas DO NOT consider themselves prostitutes, so go easy. If she passes, go find another one. Be aggressive but polite. Charm helps. Spanish helps a lot. If the chica thinks she's going to be treated well and have fun, she's more likely to go for it. Especially the higher class chicas.

ABOUT PAYING: Sometimes chicas don't mention price directly and don?t ask for money. This isn't because she loves you. It's because she's ashamed to ask. Give her some money. She needs it. The Cuban national wage is $10-$15 per month paid in Cuban Pesos. No one can survive on that. Plus all necessities from food to soap to tampons must be purchased at dollar only stores. One of my longtime girlfriends is a 27 year old model gorgeous attorney who works on international deals for the State. Anywhere else she?d be pulling down $200K. She makes $12 month. She, her parents, and her Grandmother who was wealthy before the revolution, live in a fucking 2 bedroom hovel. They survive on $200 per month sent by relatives in Miami. She's never asked me for a dime. I always give her at least $20 for every night she spends with me, plus gifts. Treat the good ones well, fellas, and they'll treat you well in return.

WHERE ARE THE CHICAS: Everywhere. Public transport is a major pain in the ass in Havana and it's quite normal to hitchhike. I get 90% of my chicas by picking them up in my rent-a-car. There are certain areas where Pro chicas predominate: Habana Vieja, Parque Centrale, El Prado, Malecon, La Rampa, and Ave Quinta. Any guidebook will tell you where those are. There are also certain transit streets where you can find non-Pro's and Semi-Pro's: Carlos III, Infanta, San Lazaro, Calle 31, Calle 25, Calle 19. If you want this kind of action you just got to get out there and look for it. This is where the Spanish and the game skills really comes in. I talk with her and if I like her I invite for a drink. If she says yes, I say there are beers and Cuba Libres at my place. If she says yes, I'm balls deep within the hour everytime!

CLUBS AND DISCOS: The 2 top of the line world class discos with the world class chicas are La Macumba and El Turquino which is located on top of the Habana Libre hotel. Chicas there usually ask for $100+. On my last trip I went to both places and found few of the top beauties available. Most were already hooked-up with Italians who were paying top-dollar. There are many B-Level clubs where very hot chicas are often found in the $40-$60 range: Casa de la Musica, Cafe Cantante Mi Habana, Habana Cafe, La Red, Las Vegas, Sheherazade, Amenecer, Johnny's Rio Club, Rosalea de Castro, Plaza Karaoke. Any cabbie can take you to any of these.

Some important Cuban terms:

Jinatera (pronounced HEENATERA): derived form the Spanish word for Jockey, this was originally used to mean female hustler but now really means hooker. It?s best not to call a girl a Jinatera to her face unless you want to piss her off.

Jinetero: This is the male street hustler. These guys are everywhere in Havana selling counterfeit cigars, casa particulars, girls, whatever. They always identify themselves by striking up a conversation beginning with the phrase: "My fren?" They are not your friend. Avoid them.

Chulo (CHOOLO) : From Spanish meaning male cutie, it?s Cuban slang referring to the guy who pimps out his girlfriend so he can live off her earnings. Most Chicas don?t have Chulos, but I ALWAYS AVOID the ones who do.

Paladar: these are small privately run restaurants often found in people?s homes. Paladars are often cheaper and better than state restaurants.

Maquanica (MAKANEEKA): Scam, plot, or plan. If you hear a Jinetero use this word in regard to you, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.

Pinga: Dick.

Bollo (BOYO): Pussy.

Preservativos: Condoms. Also Condones.

Anyway boys, that should be enough to get you started. Here are the pics: The Blonde is a wannabe model who a buddy of mine did and swore she got so turned on giving head that she had orgasms. The short one with the D-cups was my girlfriend for a while until I got sick of her. The one in the pink is a friend of mine. Another buddy of mine did her and nearly fell in love with her.

Photos:
Tri Pool
Y Pool
MLY Sunset

The duo in the towels I picked up off the street and had so much fun with I kept them around for a couple days. They didn't really do much lezzie. Lezzie's a little more rare in Cuba. Go to Rio for that.

Photos:
Esp 1 Hands
Esp 2 Hands
Esp 2 Jacket
Towel Dancing

Finally here's an example of a hardcore from La Rampa. She charged my buddy $50 for one pop. I got her back for $20.

Photos:
Yoko

By Dongringo on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 08:24 pm

Welcome to our board! I learned a shitload just looking at your post. I'll be branching out to try some of your suggestions when I return to Havana next month.
Hey, knowing what you do of me, would you suggest I get outta Havana? If so, where?
DG

By Pachangero on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 09:41 pm

Welcome to Club Hombre.....your report is anything but what your moniker suggests.

A few ?s, what is the price of the rental car? where (or which company) should we rent from?

and, are these cars the famous classic 50s large american cars?

also, where do we park them? is street parking safe?

regards,

Pachangero

By Anonymous on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 09:45 pm

Sorry about the pics fellas. Hombre's got them and will fix everything up asap. DG you might try Cienfuegos, Holguin, and Santiago de Cuba. You can drive to CFGOS from HAV in about 4 hours. I've had some great times there and some shitty ones too. I recommend flying to Santiago from HAV. There are also direct flights from various places including Canada. You drive to Holguin from SDC. Chicas from the provinces are called Guajiras and are much cheaper. You can get some real gems especially in Holguin where I've had some foxy natural blondes.

I know lots of guys hate HAV and swear by these smaller towns. Not me. I get bored in the small towns, and for me I can get the best quality and quality bollo in HAV. Knowing the game you play, I don't think you'd like these small towns much. But if you want to kick back and take it slower you might have fun for a couple days.

By Anonymous on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 09:57 pm

Pach:

There are several state-run rental agencies with outlets all over HAV and at the airport. You can also rent cars in advance via some Canadian travel agencies. I don't do that as I like to shop around for the best deal and best condition car. Cars range in price from about $40 daily for sub-compacts up to $200+ daily for Mercedes E-class. Full coverage insurance is built into the deal. You pay for your entire rental up-front plus a $200 deposit against damage and traffic fines, which you get back at the end if you're a good boy. Gas is about $3/ gallon and is widely available. There is an agency in HAV that rents '50's classics, but I wouldn't ever do that. I like a nice stereo and AC! Parking depends on the house where you're staying. If they don't have secired off-street parking there's usually a night watchman (Custodio in Spanish) who'll watch it all night for you for $1

By Athos on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 11:06 pm

Anonymous
Thanks for all this great info on Cuba.
If you see cops, do you just wait until they disappear to pick up chicas. What's the protocol for a hombre when in presence of cops?
Is it OK to skip car rental and travel by taxicabs only? Are they readily available?

By Godfather on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 07:56 am

Great information. Thanks for taking the time to post such in-depth information. I suspect that Cuba is on the short list of many of my fellow 'brothers'.

I used to know a few guys that went there from Cancun. I could easily do this but I'm a little concerned about the legal ramifications. I still might go down in the next month or so via Cancun.

Has anyone that has been down there got busted or known anyone that has gotten caught? Also, is there any chance that the airport will stamp your passport even if you ask them not to? Thanks in advance.

By Hombre on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 08:01 am

Just fixed the photos above.

By Abuelo on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 10:35 am

Our INS seems more intent on catching Americans going to Cuba than on preventing terrorists from entering the USA. Thanks to the big Cuban vote in Miami the administration has stepped up its anti-travel activities. There are some legal tours ("special interest groups") that go there but they are very expensive,

By Anonymous on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 11:29 am

Athos:

If cops are present you can try to signal the Chica to meet you around the corner or something. Believe me, the chicas know what to do. What you DON'T want to do is pull over right in front of a cop and tell a chica to hop in. You can go by taxi if you want I think that's what DonGringo did for a couple days. If you do that, sit up front with the driver and tell him you want to look around for chicas. Taxis are everywhere.

Godfather:

People do get busted. They don't throw you in jail, they send you a letter from the OFAC and suggest you pay a penalty. You return a letter requesting a hearing before you will pay anything and they put you at the end of a very long line. To date there haven't been ANY hearings for travelers. A few people have been heavily fined and gone to jail for engaging in actual business deals in Cuba. If you go via Cancun, many people re-enter the US showing only their brith certificate and driver's license, not their passport. Sometimes Cuban immigration stamps passports, sometimes they don't you can never tell.

By Senorpanocha on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 12:11 pm

Anonymous

Welcome to Club Douche Bag. I haven't laughed that hard at a handle since " Uncle Dirty" was around. I'm the resident asshole around here, there were plenty of applicants but I was the only one that qualified. Redongdo is an asshole in training, kinda like an intern asshole, but he is still to nice to be a full fledged butt-plug.

I really enjoyed your post and also DonGringo's trip report. You are right about the Italians, I've been to Italy many times and I can't stand the men. Some real low-lifes. Really good looking, lot of black hair and light blue eyes, a combo you don't see a lot of. Unfortunately they have no integrity. I don't consider them my people, I'm American first{and always} and anyways thank God my parents weren't French.

I will probably never get to Cuba, I'd do Brazil, Columbia and Argentina first.... that is if I can ever figure a way to get the fuck outta here{ married}. Still, your savvy comes through your writing, great info.

By Hombrecito1 on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 03:32 pm

Anonymous,

I was about to go to Cuba a few years back with a buddy through Toronto when I was on vacation in Canada. I backed out because I'd heard if the shit hit the fan there you could have a hard time. For example, what would happen if you got wrongly accused of a crime or pissed off a local and they ratted on you or something? I'm guessing the US State Dept wouldn't help you, but there have to have been gringos who have gotten in trouble before-how are situations like that handled there and what precautions can you take before going? Also, what if you were injured or sick? Is there a way to set up travel home in an emergency? I know a lot of the Cubans get $ from home, so there has to be a communication to some degree.

I know the odds are really small of something like this happening, but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

HC1

By Anonymous on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 05:32 pm

Hombrecito:

Cuba ain't Mexico. You'll only get thrown in jail for engaging in drugs, violence, under-age sex, or anti-Castro activity. Otherwise if you've caused some kind of problem they just put you on a plane out of there. A Cuban making false accusations against you will find himself cutting cane in the hot sun for many years. Medical care is very good and cheap or even free. They have telephones and the internet and every kind of communication device you can think of. Your odds of running into the difficulties you mentioned are much higher in Mexico than in Cuba. The Cubans welcome and go out of their way to help U.S. tourists. Don't be such a pussy;)

By Dongringo on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 06:24 pm

To add to what you just said, I understand the penalty for stealing from or robbing a tourist is quite severe. The Beard doesn't want his people fucking up his #1 industry. How many years will a cuban get for rolling a tourist? I felt completely safe in downtown Havana at all times, no matter where I was. You're never more than a block or two from a cop it seems.

Street signs and markings are "subtle" at best. Twice I found myself pulling off the Malecon and barrelling the wrong way down a one-way street. Both times, cops waved me over. I would roll my window down while shaking my head and saying "Pardon! Touristo Loco". Both cops just looked at me like I was a freak (one started laughing) while they held traffic up so I could turn around. Wait...is that why you told me to park and we'd take your car?

By Anonymous on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 11:07 pm

DG:

That's just one of the reasons I had you hop in my car. I think the results speak for themself.

The tourist is KING in Cuba. The masses of police on the streets in Havana are there for 2 purposes: To intimidate the populace and to protect tourists. Aside from Dollar remitances from relatives living in the US, Tourism is the #1 source of the Beard's hard currency.

I often remind overly aggressive Jineteros that if they don't respect me I will snap my fingers and they'll be cutting cane for 5 years. One night in front of the Hotel Parque Centrale I actually did it. I watched while drinking a beer at the bar of Prado and Neptuno as they pulled up the paddy wagon and hauled the asshole off. He had threatened to kick one of my Yumas' ass so I had to teach him some respect. (Yuma is Cuban slang for foreigner tourist sucker.) Nobody fucks with my Yumas!

BTW don't try that trick yourself, kids. It's only for us in the advanced class.

By Dongringo on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 07:43 am

You're killin' me
King is a good way to describe it. In the Philippines, I felt between a king and a god, actually. The unabashed love for Americans there was wild. Cuba, however, is full of so many contradictions. To me, Havana was:

The safest, cleanest city I've ever been to. I saw lots of people littering, but no litter in the streets. My guess is Castro pays some of his socialists $12/month to pick up trash.

Cleaner & quieter than, say, SanJose. The traffic & horns and litter and crowding in SJ are completely missing in Havana. Since there are so few cars, you can park anywhere you want...wild.

Temper your enjoyment of these benefits to us as tourists with the stark reality that Cubans live gripped by fear and mired in poverty. It's such a Twilight Zone. I wasn't ready for it, and found myself on the verge of tears a few times. Don't get me wrong - I've seen poverty all over the world. Poverty will always exist. That's not what got to me. It's the effect of socialism/communism/police state that got to me. I'd never seen that imposed on an otherwise "fiesta minded" Latin population.

Contradictions abound in Cuba. I haven't yet processed them - they just don't "fit" in my way of thinking. How have you come to terms with this?

By Explorer8939 on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 08:38 am

Questions about mongering in Cuba:

1) Where do you keep your cash while you stay at a casa particular? Or is there some other way to replenish the money supply? If you are a Canadian and want to tell me about using a credit card to get cash, don't bother, since we Americans can't do that.

2) How do you get a chica into the casa at 2 in the morning? Do you get back, wake up the owner, and have them let you 2 in? Or do you have a key, and then sneak through without waking anyone up? What about when the chica sleeps in and you both get to meet the family at 10 am?

By Anonymous on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 09:56 am

DG:

Cuba is the most complex place in the Western Hemisphere. You've only been once and barely scratched the surface. Wait until you meet a few Cuban millionaires. The only way I reconcile the contradictions and inequities is to take care of those who take care of me. I always make it a point to call before a trip and ask if anybody needs anything from the States. I also offer rides and whatever other help I can when I'm there. However, I NEVER give money to anyone who asks me for it, and treat all Jineteros with belligerent disdain.

8939:

1) I keep my cash hidden in a locked suitcase in the casa. As I said before, the casa owner is legally responsible for your safety and the security of your belongings. I've never heard of a case where a LICENSED casa owner ripped off his client. Unlicensed casas are a different story. I always bring PLENTY of cash. It's better going home with extra cash than coming up short when you're down there. There are various ways for cashless Americans to get $$$ down there via credit card advances. All cost a hefty surcharge. There is also Transcard a Canadian debit card which is widely accept throughout Cuba and which anyone can get. You can find them on the internet.

2) Depends on the Casa. Some casas are totally independent and you have your own key and entrance. Others have a night watchman to let you in. They vary. That's why you need to spend some time checking a few out to find one that best accomodates your style. But don't get embarassed about it. Sportfucking is the Cuban national pastime second only to Baseball. As long as you pay your bills, the casa owners don't care and usually very much approve. If a casa owner ever makes you feel uncomfortable about it, just move to another casa.

By Explorer8939 on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 01:00 pm

I was waiting for you to say that you generally can't bring chicas into LICENSED casas particulares.

By Dongringo on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 06:21 pm

I will say that I thought my Casa Particular was great. The hosts were very accomodating, they never busted my chops about anything, and they went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable.
At night, they always had an attendant in the living room who would watch my car and answer the door, often before I would even knock. I usually hit the guy with a buck every time I came around after hours, and the smile on his face was well worth more than that.
Having seen it, would you say my casa was typical for Havana?

By Anonymous on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 08:07 pm

DG:

Yours was better than average. They had Direct TV too didn't they? How much was that place per nite?

By Dongringo on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 08:12 pm

$30/night and $5 for a full breakfast
And they never hassled me or my guests
Think I should stay there again?

By Anonymous on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 10:02 pm

That's a good deal. Stay there at least for a day or so. The only problem I could see with yours was that San Lazaro is so busy. I would spend some time looking at others just for the hell of it. You might check out in Miramar or in Vedado. What about the Direct TV?

By Godfather on Friday, July 12, 2002 - 06:47 pm

Thanks again. I went to the site

http://www.cubatravelusa.com/FAQ.htm

and they make it sound like no one ever gets caught but you're right. People have gotten caught. That website makes it sound like it's a breeze. I might try to get a legitimate visa through one of the legal methods. I look forward to providing my "humanitarian aid".

Who knows though..i still might try going.

By Dongringo on Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 12:36 am

Godfather
Although I know precious little about this topic, it is my understanding that an estimated 1,000,000+ U.S. tourists visit Cuba without a visa each year. If 10,000 or 20,000 visitors are written these letters each year, that's 1 or 2%...can you live with those odds?

By following some of the suggestions on the Beginner's guides, one might reduce those odds even further...

Start your own charity to assist Cuban teens learn crosscultural relations? That might get you across the ocean legally? I'd donate to the cause.

By Anonymous on Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 09:14 am

I've got no problem with guys who don't want to go to Cuba for fear of the travel ban. 1) They are the one's who have to deal with any legal hassles no matter how slim the possibility of getting popped really is. 2) That leaves more for the rest of us;)

By Calientedelnort on Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 08:59 pm

I am a frequent traveler to Cuba since 95. Traveling every month and a half. I do speak spanish.

In the mid-90s we were like Kings but not anymore. Still this is a good place to have fun.

Overall I feel Anonymous' reports acurate and representative.

However in the last 12 months police officers have started asking money to tourists who wants to bring girls to their house. If this ever happen to you, note the badge number and tell the policeman you will report him. He will leave you alone. Any such behavior should be reported to your home owner, who in turn will report this situation to the local station. Already some policeman have been sent to the countryside.

As for money issues here are the options.

All travelers checks are accepted in Cuba including Amex. However if traveling illegaly avoid purchasing them in the US. Travelers checks are are availble at exchange counter in Montreal and Toronto airport. Purchase them in US$. In Cuba a 3-4% charge apply.

Transcard the debit card is an expensive option.
http://www.transcardinter.com/
Check the FAQ section for rate.

Best option is still to carry cash.

Note that in Case of emergency your US issued Gold and Platinum card can be used for a cash advance via a company named Asistur. Be careful if you do so because US government will be notified.

For those worried of getting into trouble in Cuba, here are the two most common issues.
1. Drugs - Stay away form it or you may end-up in jail
2. Car accidents - it is common for car accidents that travelers are restricted from leaving the country untill full responsability have been establised. This mean you could be stuck in Cuba for a few week to a few months. Several cases involving Canadians and Europeens have been reported.

For general issues on Cuba see travel advisory of Canada and UK they are fair to Cuba and up to date.
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/destinations/menu_e.htm
http://www.fco.gov.uk/

Please read this about OFAC. This confirm other information discuss on this board
******
Don't panic if Cuba trip is discovered
By David Whitney --
Published 2:15 a.m. PST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Sacramento Bee Web sites
http://www.sacbee.com/content/travel/story/2010394p-2231270c.html

WASHINGTON -- Despite federal laws designed to discourage U.S. citizens from traveling to Cuba, thousands of Americans do so every month and most encounter no problems upon their return.

But "most" may not include you, if you happen to be the one unlucky American on your tour who, upon your return into the United States, is discovered by a U.S. Customs agent to have been in Cuba.

While it is not a crime to go to Cuba, you can be fined for spending money there unless you have special permission or a "license" to travel there. Exempted from this law are journalists and persons attending professional meetings. Specific licenses can be obtained from the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control for Cuba for travel related to religious activities, humanitarian donations and educational projects.

However, tens of thousands of Americans travel to Cuba each year without licenses. Typically they fly into Cuba from Canada or Mexico, which maintain economic and diplomatic relations with the Cuban government. As long as your passport is not stamped upon entry or exit from Cuba -- and airport officials know this drill well -- your little secret probably won't be discovered.

Even if is, however, there is no reason to panic. You won't be hauled off to jail. Except for an inconvenient series of questions, you shouldn't be held up for long at the border. What might happen, however, is that some months later you will receive a letter from the Treasury Department notifying you of a fine, typically $7,500, for breaching the prohibition on spending money in Cuba.

The well-known secret your government won't tell you is that you can appeal a fine -- although there has never been a procedure set up for hearing these challenges. Barring some change to this policy, demanding a hearing is regarded as the practical equivalent to putting your case permanently on hold.
******

Some stat to follow up on Dongringo post.
From 200 000 to 250 000 US citizens traveled last year to Cuba. Half legally (125 000).
According to press report OFAC sent out 800 notice to illegal travelers. This mean they found out about less than 1% of the the illegal travelers.

Hasta la proxima

Caliente del Norte

By Dongringo on Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 10:37 pm

Hey thanks for the great information Caliente, and welcome to the ClubHombre cuba forum.

For what it is worth, my 1,000,000/year estimate came from a summer 2001 (June?) issue of Cigar Aficianado that featured Cuba on the cover (and I've been drooling over that issue ever since). With so many U.S. travellers keeping their trips to themselves, perhaps only Cuban authorities know the real numbers?

Great to have another experienced guy on board. My guess is that you and Anonymous will be quite popular as hombres plan their trips. And from the number of requests I've received for my guides information, there's a lot of folks planning to go.

By Explorer8939 on Sunday, July 14, 2002 - 11:26 am

So, you carry an entire trip's worth of cash on you during your visits to Cuba? Does that mean that you stash it in your bathing suit when you go to the beach?

By Anonymous on Sunday, July 14, 2002 - 01:01 pm

8939:

Yes, bring with you all the cash you are going to need. Make a budget, estimate your expenses for the trip and then bring more than enough as running out down there is an expensive pain in the ass. You keep on you only what you need for the moment and leave the rest locked-up in a locked suitcase in your casa. I have heard of people renting safe deposit boxes at the big hotels for their cash, but I don't know if this is actually possible, and is certainly not necessary.

Caliente:

Good article post. I have not heard of any cops actually shaking down tourists by soliciting bribes. Chicas yes, but not tourists. I have heard of tourists, especially Italians and Mexicans, who are into shady activities down there, especially under-age sex, offering cops bribes on their own. Both these nationalities come from societies where police bribery is normal.

If a cop does solicit a bribe, it is important to follow Caliente's instructions, get the cop's name and badge number, note the time and location and tell your casa owner. The best thing to do would be to go to the station in person either with your casa owner or another legit Cuban to accompany you. The Cuban police take the protection of tourists very seriously. Any cop who you complain about for shaking you down will be in very deep shit. Police extortion is considered counter-revolutionary as a reaction against the widespread police corruption during the Batista era of the 1950's.

Again, never attempt to bribe Cuban Police. It backfires in two ways: 1) Trains the Cops to shake down tourists; 2) Doesn't resolve your problem, only worsens it.

By d'Artagnan on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 - 01:20 am

Wow, this is some excellent info! Kudos to Anonymous and Gringo for adding a new target to my list!

You have experience anywhere else? I'd be interesting in hearing some comparsions if you have any.

By Anonymous on Wednesday, July 17, 2002 - 11:32 am

D'Art:

Kudos to you too my man for your excellent work on Rio. Rio and BA are definitely the next 2 spots on the top of my list. Hopefully in November.

I've done Bangkok, A-Dam, London, Paris, Milan, Zurich, and of course TJ and various here in So CA. In the lower price ranges, I've found all of these locations too Pro for me. There have been times where I've dropped some serious cash on top-of-the-line pussy here in LA or in Vegas and had outrageous all-nite great times. Unfortunately I can't afford to do that all the time. However for my time and money I love Havana.

In Havana I live in a great pad that's all my own, eat lobster every night if I want, enjoy great music and culture, and can fuck 3 different chicas a day for less than $150 per day all inclusive.

Honestly, the fact that I have Havana so wired is what keeps me from going to Rio and BA where I really want to go. But Havana is just too good and easy for me right now.

Now, I enjoy many advantages that the average newbie Hombre going to Havana will not. I speak great Spanish plus plenty of Cuban slang. I have a wide network of friends, including many very high-up in the system. I'm well-known at the best nightclubs and restaurants and have a cellphone packed with quick-dial pussy. (Even though in Cuba a chica's phone number is only good for about a week.) I will tell you that I don't recommend Havana for all Newbies.

Many Newbies get scammed, jerked around, and just generally have a shitty expensive time in Havana. DonGringo did just about the best I've ever seen a first-timer do because he was smart about it and he got good help. He was lucky in that regard because 99% of the time Cuban "Guides" are just setting you up to rip you off. But he got a good guy, plus had done enough research to have an idea of how the game was played, and was smart enough to call me =) he also had the right personality. As I think I said in my report, if you're shy, don't communicate well, easily embarassed, any of those, Havana ain't for you. But if you've got some game, the sky is the limit.

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