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01-04-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Travelling to Cuba
Will be travelling to Cuba this winter. I was told to take small gifts for the hotel staff and children in the towns we will be visiting. Other than the usual candy and school supplies does anyone have any other suggestions of items to take. I guess if anyone is aware of goods that may be in short supply or not available in this country.
I would really like to take useful items with me to hand out. I plan on taking dollar store items to use when I am there and leave behind on departure for the hotel staff.
Any other travel tips for Cuba would also be helpful. Trips outside the resort that were worthwhile, that sort of thing.
Thanks and I can't wait to get out of this deepfreeze.
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01-04-2008
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Member
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Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 604
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
I think I have heard that the the women appreciate nylons. that it's a luxury for them.
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01-04-2008
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Member (< 100 posts)
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 22
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Bring some small clothing items like dollar store sunglasses, ball caps, t-shirts. I had a guy in Havana offer me all of his money for the hat off my head. I ended up just giving it to him. Some people are very poor and giving them a small present when you're on tour will light up their day. The kids LOVE candy.
Make sure if you're off the resort to not drink the water or eat things that are washed in water like salad. Buy bottled water. Getting sick can ruin your trip.
The best side trip we took in Cuba was the one to Havana. It's like stepping back in time...Have a great trip!!!
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01-04-2008
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Member (< 100 posts)
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Cuba Rocks!!!
I think you'll enjoy the trip. I liked it so much I went twice. People are very friendly. and yes do take the side trip to Havana. (architecture is awesome).
Another trip to take would be the River Canamar if your close to it (it's a whole day trip but well worth the time and money).
As for stuff to take: tooth brushes, tooth paste, coloring books, shampoo, gum, nice soaps and things of that nature as well as hats and t shirts.
HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!! :thu mbsup:
Last edited by stompintomconnor; 01-04-2008 at 08:47 PM..
Reason: ps.... don't forget the security gaurds at the resort.
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01-07-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
The River Canamar trip is that far or available from Varadero? I will be travelling with two teenagers would that be interesting for them?
Has anyone taken the trip to swim with the dolphins. I have had conflicting reports. Some say that it is very sad and others say worth the time and money.
What about shopping? Any great bargains to be had? What sorts of things to look for. We do not smoke cigars or drink rum.
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01-07-2008
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Long-Time Member (500+ posts)
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 973
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
I know that small medical items like bandaids and polysporin etc are really needed.....nothing that would be considered a "drug" but things that can improve your condition
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01-08-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 316
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Cuba
I just got back from Havana (we went from December 28th-Jan 3). I've been to Cuba five other times, but this was my first time to that part of the country. It's fantastic!
The ladies love pantyhose/nylons down there...We also bought hair dye with us, very popular. Also, my mom buys all her clothes for Cuba at Value Village, wears them down there, and leaves them. It's especially appreciated, as my mom is plus-sized (as am I) and larger clothes are harder to find down there. Candy is hugely popular. For the men, ball caps. Also they love any kind of sports equipment. One guy we met down there had brought a bunch of ball gloves with him- he was the hit of the hotel!
s
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01-09-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
I hear the city is very safe to visit. The pictures on the internet look amazing. Did you convert your money here or at the hotel or banks in Havana. Can you get by with English and a few Spanish words. We will be staying in a resort in Varadera and travelling to Havana for a day trip. Can you shop in Havana? What sorts of things are the best buys?
Thanks
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01-09-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 316
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Havana...
I felt very safe travelling in Havana...We were approached a few times for money or things, but we just ignored them and kept walking. I don't know any spanish and had no trouble. There is a great market right as you arrive in old Havana, lots of tourist trinkets there for you to buy. Near the Capitol Building there are stores as well, but they were closed when we went by, so I can't tell you much about them. I exchanged my money at an exchange place close to our hotel, but you can change it at the airport or at the hotel, and there are banks too.
s
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01-09-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Thanks for the info.
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01-11-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Another quick question. Can you use your Canadian debit card at the hotel or bank to obtain funds to exchange to pesos or should I carry cash. Do not have credit cards.
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01-11-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 316
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Good Question...
I'm not sure about the debit card, I wouldn't chance it...I don't have a credit card either, I just took cash. I did see an ATM once in Havana, but I didn't try it out! Where will you be staying?
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01-11-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Staying at Club Amigo resort in Varadero. We will only travel to Havana for a day trip. What other places are worth a day trip. I have been reading about Trinadad on the internet. Have you every gone there? I have been told to carry tissues and hand sanitizer off the resort as washroom facilities if available are not up to our standards.
Thanks
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01-11-2008
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Member (< 100 posts)
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 93
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
If you don't want to carry cash You can get a prepaid travel mastercard from BMO( bank of montreal) It takes about 5 days to get it in the mail, and you go into the branch and load it up.
http://www4.bmo.com/personal/0,2273,...950807,00.html
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01-12-2008
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Member (< 100 posts)
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Debit cards
No, debit cards are no good there, however you can use credit cards as long as you have your travel visa with you for id.
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01-12-2008
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Member (< 100 posts)
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
get home money
Don't forget to put your get out of cuba money away so you can get back on the plane. I know when I was there it was 20 bucks you had to pay at the airport and it had to be cash. Not sure if the price is the same now but check it out when you land or through your travel agent.
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01-16-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Does anyone know if you can get tea at the restaurants in Cuba or should I pack a few tea bags. We are staying at an all inclusive hotel and I would assume they are available, but would hate to go for a week tealess.
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01-17-2008
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Long-Time Member (500+ posts)
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,132
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Quote:
Originally Posted by stompintomconnor
As for stuff to take: tooth brushes, tooth paste, coloring books, shampoo, gum, nice soaps and things of that nature as well as hats and t shirts.
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Just remember, size and quantity counts when you are taking liquids, gels and food when going through the security at the airports.
Best of luck and Enjoy!
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01-20-2008
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Member (< 100 posts)
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 65
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
I have actually been to the Caribbean twice on missions trips. If you wanted to do something different, you can give out Bibles. I had so many store clerks asking us for Bibles. I told them the next time i go that i will bring some to pass out. Another thing instead of buying something would be to devote some time to them. Ask if they need anything fixed in their yards or at schools. We went into elementary schools passing out school supplies and Bibles and the principle there had been waiting a couple years for the school sign to be put up. We couldnt do it because we didnt have the tools and they didnt either, but they wouldve appreciated it so much. Try something different, they will appreciate it!
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02-08-2008
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Member (100 to 500 posts)
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
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Topic: Travelling to Cuba
Leaving for Cuba on Monday!!!! Any last minute advice.
Thanks guys you have been very helpful.
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