anybody been recently

 

any tips

 

currency - have to get it over there?

 

atms...credit cards

 

in fact, owt of interest?

They produce good cigars and boxers, but their music is shit.

I went 6 years ago on my honeymoon, so not that recent to be honest. I think that you can only actually get Cuban money over in Cuba, as it's such a soft currency (but I might be wrong) - I seem to remember that we just took USD, and changed up as and when we needed to, although a lot of places where keen to take the USD directly, and then give change in the local currency.

 

It's still mine and Mrs CWP's favourite island in that part of the world. There is next to bugger all crime (as they get properly punished if caught) so it's safe to walk around, the people are really quite pleasant and friendly (generally because they want $1 for helping you do something, like open a door or serving you a drink/meal)

 

I don't rember there being ATMs, but I am sure there must be some there. We generally walked into the banks to change our moeny over, there might a be a big queue, but when they see you are a tourist, they bring you to the front, and sort you out.

 

I spent most of my time in Guardlavaca (sp) and also spent a few days in Santiago de Cuba (both in the South) - we didn't go to the North towards Havanna, so it may be a little different up there.

 

As I say, it's a few years since I was there, but I only have happy memories of it, I thought it was a splendid place!

its too nice for you

its too nice for you

 

Yeh, but so is Blackpool.

It was quite a few years ago when I went, but seem to recall that there were 3 different currencies used. The US Dollar; an official currency pegged against the Dollar and the local Currency (Peso?) which was only available to foreigners on the black market. They do have a cracking coin with Che Guevara (sp?) on it which is well worth picking up - think it was 3 pesos.

 

I spent three days just wandering around Havana and would highly recommend it. It's a bit run down, but it sort of added to it's charm. The locals have got feck all but the whole place was very laid back - it was almost as if they were content in their poverty. The old american cadillacs where in abundance (run off some manner of grain fuel).

 

It is a pain trying to get something to eat. Tourists are only allowed to eat in state run restaurants and, whilst there are smaller fmaily run places, these are almost impossible to find unless you hablo.

 

If you are going on an all inclusive then I suspect it is no different from anywhere in the Carribean. There is still an embargo with the US and if you are transiting back through the US expect to be turned over by US customs on the way back looking for cigars and the like. You also can encouter problems going through US immigration if you are a regular visitor (although they used to allow tourists to have a piece of paper stamped and attatched to their passport at Cuban immigration to overcome this problem).

 

Get there before the Obamy opens up all trade again and the yanks ruin it would be my advice.

Yeh, but so is Blackpool.

 

And Breightmet

Went in 2007, I would agree with the posts on here, it is too good for you.

 

Currency wise the locals use pesos but tourists have their own currency, CUC$, change your money at the airport. I take it you will be going to the northwest coast, if you get the opportunity spend a night or two in Havana.

 

It's a friendly place and differant to anywhere else I have been, recommended. I'll pass on a guide book to you.

It was quite a few years ago when I went,

 

where were you supposed to be going?

any tips

Sweets and toiletries!

where were you supposed to be going?

 

Mexico!

 

I worked for an airline at the time. Got cheap flights