Taggass XX

[Son of shmendric]

ppphhhffffffftt

[taggass]

wow
page 2 already.

well on our way to another new computer.
running ubuntu no doubt.
 

[shmendric]

pppppphhhhhhhppppppptttttt

[shmendric]

u6767878i78uikljlkkl;kyjkthrfgerterwrtryjyuklio;op'

[Son of shmendric]

ppppppffffhhhhhhtttt

[shmendric]

tejans blow jkfjdfgsdfgsdfygsdfuhgsdfyusdfyhswdfg

[Son of shmendric]

who care that?

[Son of shmendric]

hey now

[taggass]

all your base are belong to us

[shmendric]

some one sent us up the bomb

[SoonerM]

Shmendric the Magician: Dude, she's a horse.

Lir: I love whom I love.

Shmendric the Magician: When I turn her back into a Unicorn she will have a huge horse's ass.

Lir: I love whom I love.

Shmendric the Magician: Lir! Bestiality is illegal and immoral! Listen to you inner voice!

Lir: I love whom I love.

Shmendric the Magician: What the fuck?!!
Shmendric the Magician: Lir, tell me which of the following images seem correct to you. Ready? Go.
Shmendric the Magician: Image 1: Correct or incorrect?

Lir: Correct.

Shmendric the Magician:Good! Try again.
Shmendric the Magician: Image 2: Correct or incorrect?

Lir: Correct.

Shmendric the Magician:Good Job! Only one more.
Shmendric the Magician: Image 3: Correct or incorrect?

Lir: Correct.

Shmendric the Magician:NO! THAT IS INCORRECT! Bad Lir, Bad!

[taggass]

what you say?

[Son of shmendric]

make your time

[taggass]

ha ha ha

[taggass]

FLARPLE

where are you man?

did your handle get hijacked? Like JS's?

[taggass]

...there's always son of flarple, flarple's sack, judge flarple, flarple's hole, etc.

[Son of shmendric]

flarples angry polyp, flarples taint etc etc

[taggass]

flarple's wrinkled penny.

[Son of shmendric]

flarples irritated bowels

[taggass]

flarple's immitated balls

hahaha

[Son of shmendric]

flarples lonely member

[taggass]

I bought my white belt for 100.00

[mjrod]

If this thread causes the server to crash again, I'll kill you.

[shmendric]

did fartpole die?

[taggass]

I bought my white belt for 100.00

and my wheelies for 70.00

yippe kio kiyay (mf'er)

[taggass]

If this thread causes the server to crash again, I'll kill you.

try another OS.

[Super PurpleCat]

TagOS.

Hee hee.

[shmendric]

I love high rise hotels
I got a few chances to get off an elevator at the exact time I emitted an egg-burrito and beer induced fart while exiting-
sending a foul oder up for unsuspecting people a few hundred feet up.

I also like hanging around the lobby to hear the "someone shit their pants" comments by the smellers.

[taggass]

you really are a shmendric

[Logan]

Cuba
From Wikitravel
North America : Caribbean : Cuba
Jump to: navigation, search
Contents

    * Provinces
    * Cities
    * Other destinations
    *

• Understand

          o News
          o Television
    *

• Get in

          o Visa and legal issues
          o By plane
          o By boat
    *

• Get around

          o By bus
          o By taxi
          o By car
          o Hitchhiking and the "Amarillo"
          o By train
          o By plane
          o By bike
    * Talk
    *

• Buy

          o

• Money

                + Exchanging currency
                + Traveler's Checks
                + ATMs and Credit cards
                + Banks
          o Merchandise
    * Eat
    * Drink
    * Sleep
    * Learn
    * Work
    *

• Stay safe

          o Scams
          o Religious advisory
    *

• Stay healthy

          o Police, Fire and Medical contact numbers
    * Respect
    * Contact
    *

• Communicate

          o Phone

Location
noframe
Flag
Image:cu-flag.png
Quick Facts
Capital    Havana
Government    Communist state
Currency    Cuban peso (CUP), Cuban convertible peso (CUC)
Area    110,860 km2
Population    11,382,820 (July 2006 est.)
Language    Spanish
Religion    Nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to Castro assuming power; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Muslims, and Santería are also represented
Electricity    110V/60Hz or 220V/60Hz (North American, European, or Italian plug)
Calling Code    +53
Internet TLD    .cu
Time Zone    UTC -5

    For other places with the same name, see Cuba (disambiguation).

Cuba [1] is the largest Caribbean island, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. It lies 145 km (90 miles) south of Key West, Florida, between the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, to the west of Haiti, and northwest of Jamaica.
[edit] Provinces
Map of Cuba
Map of Cuba

    * Western Cuba – Pinar del Rio, Havana and Isla de la Juventud

    * Central Cuba – Matanzas, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus and Ciego de Avila

    * Eastern Cuba – Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba, Granma and Guantanamo

[edit] Cities

    * Havana – cosmopolitan capital with a swinging nightlife

    * Baracoa – Cuba's first capital, a quaint beach-side town

    * Pinar del Rio – center of the cigar industry

    * Santa Clara – home of the Che Guevara mausoleum

    * Santiago de Cuba – coastal city rich in Caribbean influence

    * Trinidad – World Heritage Site with charming, colonial-era buildings

[edit] Other destinations

    * Baracoa – a quaint beach town in the far east of the country

    * Cayo Largo – a small island with nudist facilities

    * Holguin – province of approximately 1,000,000, situated in central eastern Cuba about one hour's drive from numerous resorts on the north shore. Large airport receiving flights from Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

    * Jardines del Rey – beach resorts including Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo

    * Maria la Gorda – a tiny village with some snorkeling and diving options

    * Varadero – a major beach resort, east of Havana

    * Viñales – rolling hills and mountain scenery

[edit] Understand
Statue of Che Guevara above his mausoleum, Santa Clara.
Statue of Che Guevara above his mausoleum, Santa Clara.

Before the 1959 Revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination for United States citizens. Since the Revolution, Cuba has been embargoed by the United States, and travel between the two neighbors is restricted... albeit still possible, either legally or not.

After 1959, Cuban tourism was mostly for Cubans only, and the facilities were not renewed until the 1990s, when Cuba lost financial backing from the defunct Soviet Union and opened its doors to foreign tourism. Now, many Europeans, Canadians, and even U.S. visitors come to the island. In the typical tourist regions like Varadero and Holguin, a lot of modern 3-star to 5-star hotels are available, while in less popular tourist regions, visitors are still able to rent rooms in many Cuban homes (called casas particulares).

Due to several long-standing factors (e.g. bureaucratic ineffectiveness, the U.S. embargo, lack of resources, and the loss of Soviet subsidies), much of the country's infrastructure is in need of repair. In major tourist destinations, there will generally be few problems with either power or water, although such outages may occur. Outages have been common in Cuba, except in tourist facilities that have a generator. 2006 was designated the Year of the Energetic Revolution in Cuba, and many small generators have been installed in an attempt to avoid blackouts. Many tourist accommodations offer 220V as well as 110V power sources.
[edit] News

    * Granma has a daily edition and an international version.

    * Juventud Rebelde, [2].

    * Cuba Vision, [3] is the national television station.

    * Radio Reloj, [4] broadcasts news 24 hours and states the time every minute on the minute — dos cuarenta y dos minutos...

    * Radio Rebelde, [5], another news radio station.

Most of the radio stations are available live online.
[edit] Television

If you're staying at a hotel or casa particular, it's likely there will be a television, and watching Cuban television is a good place to observe Cuba's unique mix of vibrant culture, sports and controversial politics.

The Cuban telenovelas are one of the state's key instruments for addressing sexual taboos and educating young people about AIDS, for example. The locally produced cartoons are the most interesting and uniquely Cuban. They range from abstract and artsy to informative to entertaining.

The most famous of the genre is the children's program Elpidio Valdés, which chronicles the adventures of a band of rebels in the 19th century revolt against the Spanish. The mix of cartoon slapstick humor and images of violent revolution (dashing revolutionaries stealing rifles, blowing up Spanish forts, and sticking pistols into the mouths of goofy Spanish generals) in a program geared at children is simultaneously delightful and disturbing.

[Logan]

Get in

For information specific to U.S. citizens see Americans in Cuba
[edit] Visa and legal issues

A tourist visa card (visada tarjeta del turista) is necessary for travellers from most nations. This visa, which is really little more than a piece of paper on which you list your vital statistics, costs between 15-25 CUC (or 15-25 Euro), depending on where purchased. It is usually valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at any immigration office in Cuba - beyond this you would need a pretty good reason. Canadians are the exception, getting 90 days on arrival and can apply for a 90 day extension. Your passport needs to be valid at least six months past the end of your planned return.

Regular tourists who renew their 30 day visa are eligible to depart the country (to any destination) and return immediately enjoying a further 60 days (30 days plus a 30 day extension). You are only allowed two consecutive stays in this manner.

Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda (28 days), Barbados (28 days), Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, CIS (except Ukraine and Uzbekistan), Dominica, Grenada (60 days), Liechtenstein (90 days), Macedonia, Malaysia (90 days), Mongolia, Montenegro (90 days), Namibia, Singapore, Slovakia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia (90 days), Turkmenistan who can stay 30 days without visa.

It is important to note that there is also a departure tax of CUC 25, to be paid in cash when departing Cuba. This tax is not well publicised but it is essential to remember it. You will run into significant difficulties if you do not have enough cash to pay this tax when leaving the country. An ATM is available at the airport but these facilities are not as reliable in Cuba as in other places.

On arrival you must already have a legal housing booking (hotel or casa particular) for at least three days. If you've written in the name of a good hotel on the tourist card, the officials should rarely ask for proof.

Cuban customs can be strict, though they sometimes go easy on tourists.
[edit] By plane
Jose Marti International Airport
Jose Marti International Airport

Jose Martí International Airport outside Havana is the main gateway and is served by major airlines from points in Canada, Mexico, and Europe. There are also regional flights from other Caribbean islands. Cuba's national carrier is Cubana de Aviacion, connecting the island to a handful of destinations in Mexico, South and Central America, Canada and Europe.

An official taxi to Havana center costs 15-25 CUC but you can find cheaper (illegal) ones. The cost is roughly 1 CUC per kilometer.

There are also regular holiday charter flights to resorts such as Varadero, and these can sometimes be less expensive than those going to Havana.

The airports are all fully-air-conditioned and quite modern, compared to other destinations in the Caribbean, offer good medical care in case of problems, and are usually relatively hassle free.
[edit] By boat

There are no regular ferries or boats to Cuba from foreign ports, although some cruise liners do visit. Yachters are expected to anchor at the public marinas. Most ports are closed and tourists are not permitted to walk around them. Private vessels may enter at Marina Hemingway in Havana or Marina Acua in Varadero. Entry requires a US passport, but there are no visa requirements. Expect to hand out several $10 dollar bills to facilitate your entry.
[edit] Get around
[edit] By bus

Probably the nicest way to get around Cuba is on the Víazul buses. These are well-staffed and luxurious air-conditioned buses with toilets, big comfy seats, and lots of leg room. Refreshments are provided. Víazul buses are mostly used by foreigners and rich locals. You'll need to book your ticket a day before departure to secure your seat; you may not get a ticket if you just show up right before departure. Bring something warm to put on; the air conditioning is normally set on the highest level.

Alternatively there are the regular Astro buses used by most of the locals, which also serves smaller and non-touristed cities in addition to the usual suspects. Foreigners are charged higher prices, and it's only slightly cheaper than Víazul. Pre-booking is mandatory and you'll likely need to employ your Spanish skills. Note that these buses are overcrowded, often miss their schedule, and tend to break down.

It is also possible to cover some distances on special tourist minibuses, vans carrying 4-5 people. The cost is a few dollars more but highly recommended if you are not planning to sleep the whole distance - plus you can ask the driver to stop along the way!
[edit] By taxi

Official taxis are pretty expensive for long distances. Between Havana and Viñales, for example, will run about CUC 90-100, although this can work out cheaper than traveling by bus or train if you split the fare between several people. If you're up for a little adventure and don't mind the smell of gasoline you can find some enterprising locals willing to (illegally) play "taxi" with their old car for a little less money.

Taxis are the most convenient way to get around within the big cities. There are several types of taxis, including the official government taxis, the private and potentially unlicensed "yank tanks", and the small three-wheeled coco-taxis. They're fairly abundant and not hard to find - they tend to group in front of large hotels, but it will usually be cheaper to find one elsewhere.
[edit] By car

Yank Tanks
Classic car maintenance on the streets of Havana.

You will find an unusually large number of old U.S.-made cars on the street. Popularly known as "Yank Tanks," these are pre-revolution imports from the 1950s that have been nursed along for half a century, because the Soviet-made cars available during the Cold War were too scarcely allocated for most Cubans to buy (and other cars remain too expensive today).

In Cuba, all vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road.

Car rental starts from CUC 65 per day (including insurance) plus the cost of a full tank of gasoline. The refundable deposits start around CUC 200. Rental cars are for the most part fairly new, imported European or Asian models. Any traffic tickets received are noted on a rental car sheet and are deducted from your rental deposit.

Generally traffic is medium, especially away from Havana. Outside of towns and cities traffic is usually very light, with no cars for miles. Be warned - you also share the highways with cyclists (sometimes going the wrong way, and at night usually without lights) and horse-drawn vehicles. Also note that the Autopista (the main highway running down the center of the country) is crossed at occasional intervals by railway tracks - take care to slow down before going over to avoid damage to the tires or suspension. Many of these have a stop sign ("PARE" in Spanish) which you should carefully heed - or risk a fine of CUC 30, even if no train is coming.

Expect to encounter checkpoints when traveling in the interior of the country. $10 and an American passport will get you through in most cases. It is often useful to travel with a national of a country that has an embassy in Cuba. This will give you recourse to an embassy should unexpected difficulties arise (for instance having a GPS unit can be considered spying). If traveling with a Cuban national expect to pay additional "taxes" to get them through the checkpoint. Gasoline costs CUC 0.85/Regular, CUC 0.95/Special and 1.10/Super per litre. Tourist rental cars are not supposed to use regular.
[edit] Hitchhiking and the "Amarillo"

The Cuban government's system for facilitating hitchhiking is by far the most economical way for foreigners to travel in Cuba, though a flexible schedule and good Spanish are a must. Known as "El Amarillo" ("the yellow guy") for the yellowy-beige uniforms of its administrators, the system consists of points along main routes where certain vehicles are required to stop and pick up hitchhikers. Amarillo points ("el punto amarillo") along major highways are often full service rest stops for hitchhikers, with water, peso-priced food, and a 24 hour indoor waiting area.

To use the system within cities, just keep your eyes peeled for a man or woman in a yellow / beige uniform standing along the road near a line of people. Tell the official where you need to go, and wait. To travel long distances, you need to get to the "punto amarillo" on the edge of the city in the direction you're going. Ask a local for help on the best way to do that. Then as you pass through cities, ask what bus or taxi to take to get to the "punto amarillo" on the outgoing road at the opposite extreme of the city. This can be tricky, and it's often worth it to take a local taxi. If you can find a Cuban to accompany you on your journey, their help will be invaluable.

In daytime hours, when the amarillo is present, you pay a nominal amount of money (approx. 20 pesos from one city to the next) to the official when you find a ride. The money all goes to the government; drivers don't get any. As a result, it's much easier to travel long distances at night, when the amarillo has gone home and drivers can make some money picking up hitchhikers.

Of course, it's always possible to hitchhike just by sticking out your thumb to passing cars, but be prepared to give the driver 20-50 pesos for a long ride.

Most of the rides you get will be in the back of large trucks, open to the weather. This is an exciting and beautiful way to travel the Cuban countryside. Though an accident would obviously be very dangerous for passengers, school kids, older adults, and parents with small children using this system every day. Make sure to bring protection against sun and rain and, if traveling at night, wind and cold.

Hitchhiking is the only system where you can travel for Cuban prices without paying a tourist premium. Given that transportation is one of a tourist's biggest expenses in Cuba, this can make your money go much farther. Tell folks you're a student (not a tourist) to avoid funny looks and price gouging.
[edit] By train

The main train line in the country runs between Havana and Santiago de Cuba, with major stops at Santa Clara and Camaguey, and reaching other provincial capitals occasionally. Trains are often cancelled and breakdowns are common. Schedules are purely theoretical. The express Tren Frances between Havana and Santiago de Cuba is more reliable and comfortable than other services. There are no sleepers on overnight routes.
[edit] By plane

The fastest and most comfortable way to cover larger distances is on either of the Cuban airlines, Cubana de Aviación or Aero Caribbean.

[edit] By bike

Calm roads and beautiful scenery make Cuba an ideal country for biking. You will have to bring your own bike as bikes suitable for trekking are not readily available in Cuba. Roads in most places in Cuba are reasonable, but it may still be a good idea to bring a mountain bike. Mountain bikes are stronger and allow for better driving off-road. Make sure to bring all spare parts you might need along the way, since they will not be available in Cuba. As casas pariculares are available even in relatively small towns it is easy to plan an itinerary. Food for on the road can often be obtained locally for cheap Cuban Pesos, but make sure if you travel through more remote areas to carry enough food (and water!). Bikers are often met with enthusiasm and interest; when taking a break you will often be approached by curious locals. It is possible to take bikes on a tourbus, like "Viazul", to cover larger distances. You have to arrange a personal agreement with the driver however, who will expect a little bonus in return. It is also possible to take bikes on trains and even to hitch with bikes (wave some convertible pesos to approaching drivers to catch their attention).
[edit] Talk

The official language of Cuba is Spanish, although the version here is quite different from that spoken in Spain or Mexico. Cubans tend to swallow the last syllable in a word and generally swallow the 's' sound. Many would argue that it's quite a beautiful dialect.
[edit] Buy
[edit] Money

For information specific to U.S. citizens see Americans in Cuba

There are two currencies circulating in Cuba, Cuban Pesos (CUP) and Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). Prior to November 2004 US dollars were in wide circulation on par with the CUC, but the government discontinued that and they are no longer used.

CUC is the currency most tourists will use in Cuba. It is how you will pay for hotels, official taxis, entry into museums, meals at restaurants, cigars, rum, etc. Conversion into CUC can be done at exchange houses (casa de cambio, or cadeca). These are located in many hotels and in other places throughout the cities. CUC are valued at 24 times the value of CUP. Tourists are permitted to import or export a maxiumum of CUP 100 or CUC 200 at any one time.

CUP are also known as local Pesos and Moneda Nacional (National money). As of May 2006, 1 CUC = 24 CUP. There is a limited range of goods that can be bought for local pesos, and these are transactions carried out in agricultural markets or from street vendors. Fruits, vegetables, fresh juices and snacks from street vendors are among the things CUP can buy. Because the products that can be purchased with CUP are limited, it is not a good idea to change more than CUC 5-10 into CUP at a time, as the CUP will last for a good while.
[edit] Exchanging currency

Exchanging currency in Cuba can be complicated.

Keep in mind that most of your transactions will take place using CUC. Banco Central de Cuba publishes official exchange rates on its website, or alternatively try XE.com

When changing into CUP, be aware that some exchanges, like those in hotels will not change foreign currencies directly into CUP; instead, they will change your currency into CUC and then change your CUC into CUP. You will lose money on each of the exchanges. There are places on the streets of Havana that will change your foreign currency directly into CUP, but finding one may be difficult as they are not always conveniently located.

European and Canadian currency can be exchanged for CUC, the best rates being at the airport when you first arrive (brave the long lines; the resort exchange rates are much worse). Some other currencies may not be exchangable for CUC. As of January 2007, US dollars are not being accepted for exchange in official outlets. Since many US citizens take flights through Canada to get to Cuba, Canadian currency may be the easiest option for American travellers.
[edit] Traveler's Checks

Traveler's checks drawn on American banks are not technically valid in Cuba, though many have had success cashing U.S. traveler's checks at major tourist hotels. American Express checks are difficult to cash due to the likelihood that they were purchased with U.S. dollars. For example, Swiss traveler's checks will be accepted, as long as they are in Swiss francs, even if the checks are made "in licence" of an American bank, as long as the real producer of them is non-American. Visa Traveller's cheques are accepted, though the same caveats about being drawn on an American bank apply. It's better to bring cash to Cuba; resorts accept Euros, Canadian dollars, British pounds, Swiss francs and Hong Kong yuan currencies without any fees. If backpacking or leaving the resort areas, exchange your currency to CUCs, as foreign currency is not accepted by many locals. For U.S. dollars, they will charge a penalty of 10%, so it's better to change to Euros, Canadian dollars or Swiss francs before travelling there.
[edit] ATMs and Credit cards

ATMs are rare in Cuba, with only a handful found in Havana. Most are linked with either the Mastercard/Cirrus or Visa/Plus interbank systems. U.S.-issued cards will not be accepted. Unlike some national systems, only primary accounts (typically checking) are recognized. Even if you find an ATM and meet the above criteria it still may not have sufficient cash for a large withdrawal - if refused, try again and ask for a smaller amount.

Visa & Mastercard credit cards (of non-US origin) can be used, including cash advances, but places which accept Visa as payment are limited. Credit cards are charged in US dollars plus 11.24% (the 8% exchange difference plus a 3% fee).

[Logan]

Banks

Banks often close at 3pm, and earlier on the last day of the month. Cadecas (exchange bureaus) may be open longer, especially in hotels. When going to a bank allow enough time as service is usually slow and many people may already be waiting. Foreigners may get preferred treatment in exchange for a small tip.

You must bring your passport in case you want to exchange traveler's checks or make a credit card advance, although cash can be changed without a passport. Exchange rates do vary from place to place, and some hotels do give significantly worse exchange rates than the banks.
[edit] Merchandise

As in any third world country, most of the merchandise available is designed for tourists to take back home. The biggest Cuban exports for tourists are rum, cigars, and coffee, all of which are available at government-owned stores (including the duty free store at the airport) or on the streets. For genuine merchandise, you should pay the official price at the legal stores.

Another thing Cubans do well is music such as salsa, son, and Afro-Cubano. You can purchase CDs or tapes anywhere, but paying the average cost of US$20 to assures you of quality and supports the artists.

If you are planning to take big quantities (several boxes or more) of cigars with you, be sure you have purchased them officially from an approved shop that gives you proper purchase documentation. Foreign nationals are allowed to export up to 24 cigars (generally 25 to a box) without special permits or receipts, but the export of 25 or more requires official receipts. If you buy cigars cheap on streets and you don't have official purchase invoice then your cigars may/will be confiscated. Also, be advised that any purchase of Cuban cigars outside government-approved stores (even in resorts) has the potential to be fake, and that the "cigar factory worker who steals from the factory" does not exist in any appreciable quantities. If you find a "deal" from a street vendor, it's incredibly likely you are getting fakes, some of which may not even be made of tobacco. Always ensure, no matter where you buy, that the Cuban government origin warranty stamp is properly affixed to the cigar box. Americans are no longer allowed to bring Cuban cigars back into the U.S., regardless of their value, if they have an OFAC license, or even if they were given as a gift. It is also illegal for Americans to smoke or buy Cuban cigars anywhere in the world.

Officially you'll need permission to export paintings that are larger than 70cm/side. When you buy artwork from approved shop then they'll give you also the required document, that consists of one paper and one stamp that will be glued on back of your painting. Serial numbers on the stamp and paper must match. Cost of the document is about CUC 2-3. In reality, it is possible that no one will be interested in your paintings.
[edit] Eat

Being that all restaurants are owned by the government and run by underpaid employees, the food in Cuba is notoriously bland. If you are expecting the fiery pepperpot spiciness found on some of the other Carribean islands, consider that the national dish in Cuba is rice and beans (moros y christianos). A popular saying goes that the best Cuban food can be found in the U.S. Within Cuba, the best food will generally be found in your casa particular or in paladares (locally owned restaurants in private homes).

Black beans are a main staple in Cuban households. Cubans eat mainly pork and chicken. Beef and lobster are illegal to sell outside of state owned hotels and restaurants, however special lobster lunch/supper offers are plentiful for the tourists. You may see turtle on menus in Paladares, but be aware that they are endangered and eating them is illegal. The jail sentence for a Cuban killing even a cow is very strict.

Paladares are plentiful, even in the smaller towns. Seating is often limited, so you may need to arrive when they open, usually around 5 or 6pm. If you are staying in a casa particular ask your host for recommendations, as the quality of the food can vary substantially between paladares. Only eat in ones that have a printed menu with prices, otherwise you are very likely to pay two to three times as much as you should. That said, several have taken to printing two different menus, one with local prices and one with foreigner prices. Eating in paladares is perfectly legal, but be aware that if you are taken there by a Cuban, you may be charged extra in order to cover commission of the person who brought you. A supper will cost around 7 or 8 CUC per person.

It is difficult to find any restaurants serving breakfast in Cuba outside of resorts; most casas particulares will serve their guests a large breakfast for around 4 CUC per person if requested.

A tasty serving of rice, vegetables, plantains, and pork or beef (called a cajita ["little box" in English]) is an attractive and affordable option, and are generally sold for around US$1 out of people's homes.

You can also find small street vendors selling a variety of foods, typically sandwiches and pizzas for between 2 and 12 CUP. The quality varies from vendor to vendor so when you find a good one take note. Many of these stores are run from people's living rooms, and buying from them is a good way to help provide some extra income to a Cuban family. While these meals are satisfying and cheap, be warned that long lines are common and the vendors are rarely in any rush to see everyone fed quickly.
[edit] Drink

Cuban national cocktails include the Cuba Libre (rum and cola) and the Mojito (rum, lime, sugar, mint leaves, club soda and ice).

If you request a rum in a small country restaurant do not be surprised if it is only available by the bottle. Havana Club is the national brand and the most popular. Expect to pay $4 for three year old white rum or $8 for seven year old dark rum.

Cristal is a light beer and is available in "dollar" stores where Cubans with CUCs and visitors may shop. Cubans prefer the Bucanero Fuerte, which at 5.5% alcohol is a strong (hence the "fuerte") darker beer. Both Cristal and Bucanero are brewed by a joint venture with Labatts of Canada, whose beer is the only Cuban beer sold in CUC. A stronger version, Bucanero Max is also available - primarily available in Havana. There are also smaller brews, not available everywhere, such as Hatuey and Corona del Mar. These are sold in CUP.
[edit] Sleep

If you want to experience something of the real life of Cubans, the best places to stay are casas particulares (private houses licensed to offer lodging services to foreigners). They are cheaper than hotels (average CUC 20/room) and the food (breakfast CUC 3-4, dinner CUC 7-10) is almost always better than you would get in a hotel. Casas particulares are plentiful even in small towns; they are somewhat more expensive in Havana than elsewhere.

If travelling by bus, you will be accosted by jineteros (hustlers) trying to lead you to a casa, where they will get a commission and you will be charged the extra. For the best rates, arrange your accomodation in advance, either by asking your host to recommend someone or by using a casa particular association. Some will let you book accomodation over the internet before your trip, and will go out of their way to arrange accomodation for you while you are there.
[edit] Learn

The University of Havana offers both long and short-term Spanish courses.

Cuban museums are plentiful, frequently open, and usually charge only one or two CUC for admission. You may get a guided tour from one of the staff members; even if you do not speak Spanish, this can be useful. They will generally make you check your bags, and charge a small fee for the privilege of taking pictures inside.
[edit] Work

The average official salary for Cubans is about US$15 per month. Non-Cubans can only obtain a business/work visa or a work permit through a Cuban business or a foreign business registered in Cuba. Business visas are generally for up to three months. Work permits are renewable annually.
[edit] Stay safe

Cuba is generally a very safe country; strict and prominent policing, combined with neighborhood watch style-programs keep the streets safe from violent crime. Nonetheless, a certain degree of common-sense and caution is advisable, especially in major cities. Visitors are advised to avoid coming to the attention of the Cuban police and security services. Drug laws can be draconian and their implementation unpredictable. The same may be said about the laws concerning prostitution. The importation, possession or production of pornography is strictly prohibited. Tourists are therefore advised not to involve themselves in the following three areas: politics, drugs, or pornography/prostitution. It should be noted however that Cuba is not totalitarian by any means, and usually mild comments concerning the regime will not lead to arrest or other penalties. In fact, many employees and locals will often openly agree with the criticisms, especially away from the major cities.
[edit] Scams

A few small-scale scams exist:

    * Real-looking discount cigars of dubious authenticity being offered by street touts.

    * "Friendly" locals inviting tourists to bars for a drink (normally a Mojito) or to a restaurant; the tourist will be charged two to three times the normal price, and the spoils split between the establishment and the "friend".

    * Short-changing in bars or taxis or giving national pesos (CUP) in change for convertible pesos (CUC).

In Havana it is important to always be careful when using money. When taking a taxi, ask someone familiar with the system what the approximate fare should be, as many drivers will try to set an artifically high fare before departing. If in doubt, insist that they use the meter. You can almost be sure that any predetermined fare from the airport is at least 5-10 CUC higher than it should be - insist on the meter.

Shop assistants have been known not to give change and go on serving the next customer, assuming the tourist will not be able to speak enough Spanish to question the matter. In addition, some ambiguity exists between whether or not published prices are in CUC or CUP, and many vendors will take CUC when CUP is due and pocket the difference without telling you of your mistake. If in doubt, observe what the other customers are doing before making your purchase.

Jineteros are a problem in more hidden areas of larger cities, and will try to sell tourists anything from restaurants to cigars to drugs. Note that this type of soliciation is illegal in Cuba and most will leave you alone if you ignore them or politely say no for fear of police attention. If you do find yourself in a situation with a more relentless jinetero, tell them that you have been in the country for several weeks, that you are a student at the university or that you are from a third-world country (which you could pass as a citizen of) and they will probably leave you alone. Many rely on tourists with who are unfamiliar with the system and comparatively rich, so ideally you should try to make an impression otherwise.
[edit] Religious advisory

Although Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses groups have had conflicts with the Cuban government, this is unlikely to affect travellers.
[edit] Stay healthy

Cuba is considered very healthy except for the water; even many Cubans boil their water. That said, some travellers drink untreated water without ill effect. The best solution is bottled water and lots of it, especially for visitors who are not used to the 30+°C/85+°F temperatures. Bottled water (agua embotellada) is easily found and costs between .65 and 2 CUC for a 1.5L bottle, depending on the shop.

Cuban milk and eggs are usually unpasteurised, and can make visitors sick. Additionally, tourists should be wary of vegetables washed in tap water. Despite the warnings, most Cuban food is safe to eat and you do not need to be paranoid.

The island is tropical and so the host to a number of diseases. Some recommend an aggressive program of inoculations when planning a trip to Cuba, but most travellers come with little or none. Hepatitis B and Tetanus shots are recommended by most travel clinics.

HIV/AIDS infection is less than 0.1%, however as always, you should excercise care and make sure you or your partner wears a condom should you become sexually active while in Cuba.

Finding medication is often very difficult. It is highly recommended to stock up on off-the-shelf medication before heading to Cuba, as pharmacies lack many medications that westerners might expect to find. Do not attempt to import psychoactive drugs into Cuba. Havana also features a clinic (and emergency room) for foreigners, which offers extremely prompt service.
[edit] Police, Fire and Medical contact numbers

The emergency number in Cuba is: 26811.
[edit] Respect

Cubans are generally friendly and helpful people. Keep in mind that they make about US$15 a month; if they can help you, they probably will, but they may expect you to return the favor. If you are invited into a Cuban's home for supper, take the invitation. You may be asked to chip in for the food, but you will really be treated like a guest of honor. It is a great way to get a feel for the culture. Of course, ordinary Cubans are not permitted to host this type of event, but it goes on as a matter of course.

One way to help local Cubans is by staying in casas particulares and eating in paladares. While free enterprise is usually banned, several years ago the government began selling expensive licenses to individuals wishing to open up rooms for rent in their houses, or set up a few tables on their porch and cook out of their kitchens. Not only are the licenses very expensive but the fees must be paid monthly regardless of income, leaving those less fortunate the possibility of actually losing money. Not only is it more interesting to stay with locals and eat in their homes, you're actually directly benefiting them in one of the only ways possible.

Avoid pushing Cubans into a discussion of political issues, as this could have serious repercussions on you and the person you are talking to. However you'll find many Cubans are comfortable speaking frankly with foreigners about politics.
[edit] Contact
[edit] Communicate

Cuba is, by design, one of the most expensive countries to communicate in. Incoming phonecalls to Cuba cost about 1 Euro / minute, even through services like Skype. Outgoing calls from Cuba are similarly expensive. Having internet at your house is illegal, though pirate connections (usually through a modem set up at a school or workplace) can be obtained for about 30 CUC per month. In many cities the only way for tourists to access the internet is through the government's communications centers. Look for large, modern buildings bearing the name "ETECSA", which stands for Empresa de TElecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A. The computers are new and the connection fast, but it costs 6 CUC / hour.

GSM cell phones will work in Cuba, though the system isn't secure. Some tourists have been billed for large quantities of outgoing and incoming calls they never made or received.

[edit] Phone

The country code for Cuba is 53.

This is a usable article. It has information about the country and for getting in, as well as links to several destinations. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/Cuba"

Category: Usable articles

[Logan]

Americans in Cuba
From Wikitravel
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Contents

    *

• Get in

          o With a license
          o

• Without a license

                + Via Canada
                + Via Mexico
          o By boat
    * Buy
    * Stay safe
    * Get out

This article is a travel topic.

This article offers information of use to U.S. citizens planning to travel to Cuba, describing the legality of various approaches. It does not advocate illegal actions, and it is the traveller's responsiblity to know the laws and the repercussions of breaking them.
[edit] Get in

Although the government of Cuba permits U.S. citizens to visit, the U.S. itself restricts its citizens from travelling there, except with a license issued by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. The specific restriction is against spending money in Cuba, however U.S. authorities consider any visit of more than one day to be prima facie proof that one has spent money there. Furthermore, OFAC also holds that U.S. citizens also may not receive goods or services for free from any Cuban national, eliminating any attempts to circumvent the regulation based on that premise. It's a Catch-22, and that's intentional.
[edit] With a license

Licenses allowing persons from the U.S. to spend money in Cuba are granted to certain classes of people for particular purposes.

A general license does not require paperwork and may apply to the following:

    * Professional journalists on assignment in Cuba
    * Full-time professionals conducting academic research or attending professional conferences
    * Persons on official government business

A specific license requires paperwork and State Department approval on case-by-case basis. You may be approved for a specific license if you fall into a certain class of persons. Note that a specific license may be granted to an institution (i.e. university, church) under whose auspices an individual may then travel without applying separately to the State department, or a specific license may be applied for and granted to an individual. Some of the classes of persons who may be granted a specific license are:

    * Persons visiting immediate family in Cuba
    * Full-time graduate students conducting academic research to be counted toward a graduate degree
    * Undergraduate or graduate students participating in a study abroad program of at least 10 weeks in length
    * Professors/teachers employed at a US institution travelling to Cuba to teach
    * Persons engaging in religious activities
    * Freelance journalists
    * Persons engaging in humanitarian projects
    * Persona engaging in non-profit cultural exhibitions

You cannot travel to Cuba for purposes of tourism. However, even U.S. citizens whose primary interest is tourism can get authorization to travel under the auspices of a program whose activities are sufficiently religious, educational, cultural, or otherwise exempt to qualify for a license. It is even possible for an individual with a credible background in, say, freelance journalism or academics, to craft a "mission" for their visit which successfully gets them a permit. Further details and forms are available from the U.S. Dept. of State [1].
[edit] Without a license

Many U.S. citizens instead travel without a license, doing so by way of other countries (many of which have routine flights to and from Cuba) to escape detection. Cuban travel agents now recommend against using Canada or the Bahamas as a gateway, since U.S. pre-clearance customs agents in Toronto, Montreal, and Nassau are said to actively look for U.S. citizens getting off planes from Cuba.
[edit] Via Canada

A common practice for U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba via Canada is a three-leg flight: an international flight to Canada, a domestic flight to another Canadian city, then an international flight to Cuba. The first two legs would be flown on a single return-trip ticket, with the third leg purchased as a separate ticket in Canada. For example, the first ticket might be for Miama-Toronto-Montreal (and back) and the second ticket for Montreal-Havana (and back). The domestic flight in the middle serves to avoid detection by by U.S. agents watching transfers within a single international terminal.
[edit] Via Mexico

Mexico is considered a safer route and probably the most popular, although not entirely without risk; two Mexican entry stamps in your passport without an intervening stamp from another country (Cuba doesn't stamp U.S. passports) could potentially raise suspicions. When re-entering Mexico from Cuba, you might nicely ask the immigration officer not to stamp you passport (nice = $10-20 neatly folded in the info page of your passport).

Cancun is one of the easier gateways, with a couple different airlines offering daily flights to Havana. Although it may be slightly worrysome to show up not knowing what to expect, if you arrive earlier in the day it's usually possible to walk up to one of the airline counters and buy an onward ticket for same day travel, as flights on this route are rarely full. Try Cubana. Mexicana also has flights to Cuba, but since Mexicana also operates in the U.S., they may be required to show their flight manifests to the U.S. authorities. Obviously don't attempt to pre-book online with a U.S. credit card.

U.S. citizens also travel via countries without U.S. customs stations (Guatemala, Venezuela, Panama, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Haiti, etc.) to reduce the likelihood of being caught. A substantial number simply take their chances, hoping they will not be questioned. U.S. citizens are advised by Cuban travel agents not to bring back anything identifiably Cuban (including tickets and receipts) before re-entering the country.
[edit] By boat

There are no regular ferries or boats to Cuba from foreign ports, although some cruise liners do visit. Yachters are expected to anchor at the public marinas. Also, most ports are closed and tourists are not permitted to walk around them. Private vessels may enter at Marina Hemingway in Havana or Marina Acua in Varadero. Entry requires a U.S. passport, but there are no visa requirements. Expect to hand out several $10 bills to facilitate your entry. Your passport will not be stamped by Cuban authorities unless you request it. Anticipate that your boat will be photographed by American officials from the American Interests Section. You will likely be intercepted upon your return to America and fined $5000, although this is just a formality. You will not be expected to actually pay this fine nor have there been any repercussions or attempts to collect. The only attempt to prosecute was the case of Peter Goldsmith v. United States. This case was dismissed with prejudice in late 2004 in the Miami District Court.
[edit] Buy

Because of the embargo, financially Cuba is one of the most difficult countries for Americans to visit - credit cards and ATM cards issued by American banks will not work anywhere in Cuba, and you'll have a hard time getting rid of travelers checks from American banks as well. The easiest (though slightly worrying) option then is to carry enough cash for your entire trip, and then some. If you are carrying large amount of cash, it may be a good idea to bring along a money belt. If you are staying in a hotel with a safe, it may be a good idea to keep your money in it.

If you are wary about carrying a large sum of cash, there are alternatives. It is possible to put money on a transcard [2] and then use that in Cuba.

Another alternative is to obtain a Canadian credt-card-style debit card (several are available) which is issued by a Canadian bank and is not restricted in Cuba.
[edit] Stay safe

There is no U.S. Embassy or consulate in Cuba. The United States is represented by the United States Interests Section[3], which is technically part of the Swiss Embassy in Havana, though physically separate. It is located in the Vedado district, along the Malecon. They can assist you if you lose your passport or have similar troubles.
[edit] Get out

You are allowed to bring informational materials (books, CDs, records, etc.) and certain types of artwork into the United States, but importing other types of Cuban goods is not allowed.

Whether or not a traveller has a license to visit, it is illegal to bring into the U.S. any Cuban cigars; cigars without labels may be presumed to be Cuban, and confiscated. Violating this is likely to compound unlicensed travelers' woes, making them easier targets for prosecution. Also, if unlicensed, bringing back anything that can be identified as Cuban may cause problems, especially if US authorities decide to search your luggage.

U.S. citizens caught travelling to Cuba without a license will not be denied re-entry, but may be subject to fines of several thousand dollars and/or criminal prosecution. Perjury can be added to the charges if you falsely report your travels (e.g. omitting Cuba) upon re-entry, which leads some travelers to give an honest declaration along with an attempt to justify their visit under the general license if they come under scrutiny. Others simply omit Cuba and take their chances. Exercising your Fifth-Amendment right to silence may also come in handy when filling out forms or answering questions whose answers might incriminate you. Many violators successfully avoid fines by contesting the notices, with the government backing down rather than putting the effort into prosecution and testing their restrictions in court. (The constitutionality of OFAC's "presumption of guilt" regarding spending money in Cuba has not been tested in the courts thus far.) Currently, the National Lawyers Guild and the Center for Constitutional Rights provide legal representation for U.S. citizens accused of violating these restrictions.

This is a usable article. It touches on all the major areas of the topic. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!
Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/Americans_in_Cuba"

Category: Usable articles

[Logan]

jaffpot
Posted: 08 Jul 2007
5:18am
   
Beach Resorts    
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Hi All,

We are looking to go to Cuba in December and plan to travel to Havana and were looking for a great beach spot. We were thinking of Varadero for a few days as it is pretty close to Havana. Has anyone been there? What are your thougths? Do you have any other recommendations. We aare looking to just chill for a few days and wanted a beach resort that still had a feel of Cuba.

Thanks

davfitz
Posted: 08 Jul 2007
7:10am
   
1.    
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If you want both a beach experience and the experience of Havana, check out the possibilities of Playas del Este. The resorts are on the western end, closer to the city. The better beaches, with Casa particular lodging, are on the eastern end, farther away from the city.

-------------------------
"Never give a Cuban the opportunity to disappoint you"

CheersTerry
Posted: 08 Jul 2007
7:33am
   
2.    
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The best forum on the Internet for all-inclusive resorts is Debbie's.

It's very conservative and highly moderated, but has excellent up-to-date info.

Cheers,
Terry


-------------------------
Too much is never quite enough...

smilecu
Posted: 08 Jul 2007
12:32pm
   
3.    
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Cuba's beaches in December are great for a chill. Bring warm clothes and a wetsuit.
Only a few tourists go to the beach in December and no cubans.

ttjpdo
Posted: 08 Jul 2007
1:17pm
   
4.    
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Varadero It is a two-hour trip by Viazul bus or car from Havana. It is Cuba's most-visited beach resort, consisting of a narrow peninsula (not more than 1 km wide). On the ocean side of the peninsula are resorts side by each for about 20 km. On the opposite (land) side of the peninsula is the Bay of Cardenes, where the marinas are located. In between is the town of Varadero. Most of the residents are involved in tourism. Thus what you find there is more resort culture than Cuban culture.

Playas del Este (Beaches of the East) mentioned above is only about 15 minutes by taxi from city centre. As the Playas del Este are where Habana residents do most of their beaching, this area, although heavily touristed, has at least as many Cubans as foreigners, and probably more. Most of the hotels are located in Santa Maria, which is the beach community nearest Havana.

ttjpdo
Posted: 08 Jul 2007
1:21pm
   
5.    
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Varadero It is a two-hour trip by Viazul bus or car from Havana. It is Cuba's most-visited beach resort, consisting of a narrow peninsula (not more than 1 km wide). On the ocean side of the peninsula are resorts side by each for about 20 km. On the opposite (land) side of the peninsula is the Bay of Cardenes, where the marinas are located. In between is the town of Varadero. Most of the residents are involved in tourism. Thus what you find there is more resort culture than Cuban culture.

Playas del Este (Beaches of the East) mentioned above is only about 15 minutes by taxi from city centre. As the Playas del Este are where Habana residents do most of their beaching, this area, although heavily touristed, has at least as many Cubans as foreigners, and probably more. Most of the hotels are located in Santa Maria, which is the beach community nearest Havana.

Lurker101
Posted: 08 Jul 2007
1:38pm
   
6.    
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jaffpot, when people write in to say that they want the feel of Cuba, it is impossible to know exactly what they mean. Perhaps for some people, the fact that you are drinking mojitos with salsa in the background and waiters talking Spanish is the 'feel' of Cuba.

To me, Varadero has the feel of Cuba, sort of, because Cubans live there and Cubans are not the same as Dominicanos or Mexicans. So, the hotel in Cuba has more of the feel of Cuba than the hotel in Cancun.

However, some people prefer the town of Cancun to the touristy playa of Cancun, and those people should understand that the beach of Varadero is more like the beach of Cancun, and more like any Sandals, anywhere, for instance, than like any other town in Cuba.

Varadero is part of Cuba, sort of. It has a Cuban history and you can almost imagine, as you look north, that close to a million Cubans are thinking about the beaches at Varadero, from a distance of not much more than 100 miles, or a few to 50 years.

As Candido Fabrey sings, (paraphrase) don't let the tide carry you away!

Since you will have already been to Havana, there is nothing wrong with a visit to Varadero. #1, 2, and 4 have provided useful information.

#3, Maybe. It is true that many Cubans feel that the beaches in December are 'too cold'.

I myself am accustomed to the beaches of Maine, and the glacial lakes of Vermont so I would not agree. And many millions of tourists go swimming at the beaches of Florida in December, which, you will note, is a little further to the north of Varadero.

ttjpdo
Posted: 08 Jul 2007
2:10pm
   
7.    
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I agree totally with Lurker's comments regarding the "feel" one gets of Cuba in Varadero.

Also agree with his comment about the temperature of the Cuban sea, which I can tell you, is a good deal warmer than that of Canada, or for that matter, California--any time of year.

jaffpot
Posted: 09 Jul 2007
2:29am
   
8.    
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Thanks for all your replies. You have given me some food for thought as we may not go there if the weather is not very warm and water pretty cold. We are heading to the Oaxaca Coast and Yucatan in Mexico as well so may be worthwhile skipping Varadero
Reply to this topic

[Logan]

[taggass]

wow this guy Logan is going to crash your board single handed.
And I thought Shmendric's drabble was bad.
This guy makes Shmendric look like a rocket scientist.

 

[shmendric]

when on the road and at a hotel on the last day there, I enjoy leaving an iceberg growler in the toilet to wow Maria when she cleans up

[Logan]

http://www.gods4suckers.net/

[taggass]

http://www.gods4suckers.net/

hey why didn't you copy and paste that whole web site like you did the Cuba thing?
You like Cuba more than God or what?

[Son of shmendric]

I heard he likes scrotum better then cuba or god

[Logan]

You like Cuba more than God or what?

now that is too easy.

[Logan]

i should cut and paste this whole book.

one page at a time.

think we could handle that here?

[shmendric]

yrfugfhbfgf

[Son of shmendric]

oogala oogala

[Super PurpleCat]

bleet bleet

[shmendric]

kidney beans and hard-boiled eggs add to the aroma of salad farts

[Son of shmendric]

my bum is warm from poofing

[taggass]

is that prison slang?

[taggass]

98

[taggass]

99