Travel Tips To European Countries page 9
I have 6 weeks travel starting in Bancock...any tips of where to travel to?
Cheap flight from LAX to Tokyo in June?
Im going to cuba with a few buddies this spring break to celebrate the end of highschool. We all worked up our own money, and have tickets/hotels all booked and ready. I was wondering if anyone who had been there could give me any advice to come in hany while we're down in Varadero? thanks a lot.
Hi I just came back from Cayo Coco and just to tell you to exchange your money at the hotel not at the airport when you get in. Its a beautiful place and i'm sure you guys will have a blast. Varadero is the only location where you can golf if that interests you. Cubans want Canadian money or Euros definitely not any American money. Exchange it for CUC's which is the money that they use. Approx: I CUC = $1 cdn dollar. Keep 25 CUC's apart when you arrive and put it aside because it is the departure tax and you will need the second part of your entrance visa that is handed out on the flt. when you leave. So keep that separate maybe with your passport. When you are served or if you are at a buffet type of eating always leave $1 CUC ( which is like $1) on the table. Just $1 CuC /table not per person. The people are not paid a lot in Cuba. For example a doctor is paid approx. $350 a yr the same as a manager of a hotel. But they are provided with their accommodations so they save that way. Just remember it is a Communist country. So they have a different way of life than we are used to. If you have room in your luggage try and take some children's books or small toys or some inexpensive jewelery from the dollar store to give to the maid's . They really appreciate any little gesture like that. Be sure and go to the spa for a few hours. Men go there and you will really be pampered and love it. It is only about $50 for three hours and they pick you up and bring you back to the hotel.. Well worth the experience. Have fun, the people are really kind so please be polite to them and they will do all kinds of extra things for you.
Since you are going to Varadero, havana is a "don't miss." Check the info below for excursions and sites with other information. Don't take U. S., you pay a penalty to change it. Take your Canadian money. You will exchange it for Convertible Pesos (CUC) either at the airport, your resort or a bank. Check the link for the approximate rate. They have no value outside Cuba so use them all up or save a few for your next visit when you change into Pesos get a lot of 1 Peso coins, they are most welcome by resort staff, the servers, the beach guys, towel guys or gals etc. It's also nice to give a few Pesos to the client services people and reception. It's also nice to give the gardener with the great smile you see every day who keeps the resort looking so great and also the lady you might see constantly swabbing the lobby or the public washrooms. Don't of course forget your housekeeper. below is a helpful link about gifts plus another good link. Here is the excursion price list from Sunwing Vacation as of Jan 2009, you may find it of help. Havana one day 67 CUC Havana History & Rhythm 99 CUC Havana special 135 CUC Catamaran 99 CUC Dolphin Swim 89 CUC Boat Adventure 45 CUC Jeep Safari 71 CUC Tropicana Varadero 49 CUC Matanzas Yumuri 45 CUC Trinidad 75 CUC and Cubans welcome us with open arms, chances are you go once you will return. Go and enjoy.
Where are you travelling from ? Where are you staying ? If you only need to exchange small amounts, the rates probably won't be much different between airport and other banks or cadecas. Some hotels give very poor rates though - so it may be worth checking. Remember the CUC 25 exit tax. Have a great time.
Give fidel a kiss in my name Be assured that your money will help the evil brudders to stay in command
Tips ? Don't help the dictatorship with your money
| What is the independent travel which I plan and I realise? - Independent travel for me it: independence, a freedom in choosing and decision-making. It is responsibility which lies on me and only on me. Is a way to experience the country, to size up it without relying on luster of tourist magazines, being in private with way of life: people, meal, binge, dances, the nature... |
