taltman711

Hi all.

 

I know in years past, I have seen an advertisement from a local travel agency for a Cuba (Havana & Verdara) trip around March.  Has anyone taken that trip?  I would love to hear some feedback.

 

Thank you in advance!

KBIOhio

Things have changed in the last 18 months. If possible, pay for the hotel upgrade. We did and we were glad. I am not sure what the "base" hotel is like, but the upgrade was adequate at best. Cuba is poor. We enjoyed the trip, and were happy we went before the embargo is lifted. We think there will be a giant whooshing sound when the US invades Cuba with hotels and casinos. Read this for money tips in Cuba. Some of the info in the earlier posts is now outdated. The last post was our experience with money management. We went this past March.

http://www.chapala.c...c=42824&hl=cuba

Tim

Yes, it is here and the packages available are:

5 mbps        200 pesos/month

8 mbps        301 pesos/month

10 mbps      402 pesos/month

15 mbps      503 pesos/month

There is a set up fee as well, but I don't recall what it is. I believe it was 300 pesos, but I just don't remember. A wireless modem/router is an additional monthly fee. A simple modem only is provided free of charge.

As far as reliability, it can slow down late at night when there are many users sucking bandwidth, and it is too new to know about infrastructure longevity issues.

Tim

We were there 3 weeks ago.

1.Cuban banks DO convert Mexican pesos. Ask at your hotel where the nearest bank that does exchanges is located.The banks are open unti 2 pm on Sundays, so if you go on a Sunday, you will not be able to convert except at airport unless you get to the banks early.

2. Most hotels WILL convert US dollars, but with a 10% surcharge+ exchange fee. They started converting US dollars in 2012. Hotels in Havana WILL NOT convert Mexican pesos. Some hotels in Varadero WILL convert Mexican pesos at the hotel, but only if it contains a "branch" bank.

3. Non USA credit cards and non USA ATM cards ARE accepted.

This was our experience only, so no guarantees with your particular hotel(s).

By the way, euros are the preferred currency. 

Tim

There is another option. As of very recently, you can get Directv and, I believe, Dishnetwork via the internet. It is a new technology, but I have seen it--the Directv variety-- and it works. You need a 5 meg. internet conection minimum for HD, and 10 meg. would be ideal. It is identical to the satellite programming. No worries about rain fade. It takes a bit more "hands on" ability to use, but as the tecnology matures, it may make satellite installations passé. Also, it is less expensive to install than the satellite version. If you want the best picture possible, stick to satellite. But, if you want an easy solution with a very good picture, you may want to investigate this new technology. For the techies, it uses sling-box tech.

Tim

You need to report it lost/stolen and get it replaced. It will only take 1-2 weeks and it will be in hand. Go online and fill out the forms. Get new pictures taken. Go the consulate in Guad.( no appt. needed for lost or stolen passports) turn in the papers and pay the fee for the passport and pay the fee for home delivery by Estafeta(? spelling). It will only take one visit, but be prepared to spend a few hours waiting. Usually, the end of the day is not as busy. Look at the website for the Amer. consulate in Guad. for the hours. Also, parking is a little better in the afternoon. One final tip, reporting a passport as "lost" is much easier than reporting it "stolen". A simple explanation is all that is needed. If the absolute truth is necessary for you, then you must get a police report as per the report you need to file at the consulate. Do what you think is best.

Tim