Ep. 17 Havana, Cuba - What People Don't Tell You 

When I first went to Cuba I could have needed some good advise like this up front. And I read everything I could about Cuba back then. No one even mentioned the lack of any toiletry or that the Cubans make the thinnest toilet paper in the world. Luckily I always have wet tissues and sanitizer with me when I travel. Also buying bottled water is not that easy. You do not have a shop every few hundred meters. We found one store that sold genuine bottled water. Do not even think about drinking the tap water - unless you have a good water filter with you - one of the things I will bring definitely next time as well as an umbrella! That's not disrespectful to the very kind people of Cuba, that's just their reality. Everything you lack as a tourist there - most of the people do have way less. The first hotel we stayed at - one of the better in Havana - had not one single light bulb in the room - none! They were not broken or something - they just were missing. When I notified the staff, half an hour later they brought two, one for the main light and one for the bathroom. It's still one of the best vacations I ever had. Just be prepared for the worst in terms of supply, transportation and communication (cell phone calls worked just fine, but no internet at all)

you guys are a beautiful coupe congrats beautiful African American people.

Just goes to show no matter what good someone tries to do, there will be others who find a reason to criticize...My wife and I just got back from Cuba and what this video states is what we saw!

I was born in Havana in '78 but am now a proud American citizen. I think your video is insightful and useful for any persons traveling there. Mind boggling how someone can be offended by this. If and when I go back to visit.... I know to bring some goodies along to maintain some hygienic balance. Cheers Mate !

The shear ignorance of some of the responses to this video is amazing! As a traveler, this is the information you want to know before you go. Stating the obvious is helpful especially when it's your first time in a country. It may not be flattering but it's the reality of what "they" experienced. The more you know when you travel to a different county the better you can prepare. Stop the foolishness. Staples in Tents... good review!

Hello I am Cuban American and everything you have mentioned is true, I've heard this from Cubans who go back from time to time to visit family. The one thing I have never heard anyone mention is Polution, but hey I left the country 47 years ago. Thanks for your video and for saying how things really are in Cuba. P.S. I subscribed and thanks again for your honesty and for giving people the heads up.

Thank you guys for your observations and comments. I am sure you had also a wonderful time. Your video is very respectful and informative, I don't understand why people are so sensitive and get offended. Every time I travel, I thank God for the simple reason of living in the USA. Thank you guys very much, and waiting for more videos. jb

This is funny I just came back and u guys ain't lying...toxic fumes lack of toilet paper..but a lovely place

I have never laughed so much! I'm Cuban and this is the honest truth as far as I've been told! LOL

I’m Cuban and I’m not offended, this is true. 💯

This has been helpful as I am traveling the end of this month to Cuba. Now I'm off to look at your other videos.

They’re just telling it like it is. This should be very helpful for people looking to visit Cuba one day. Be prepared!

Ok stop you have me in tears 😭 talking about no running water LOL and the wash clothes and fluffy towels, oh my god, that you know you have taken care of. Hilarious 😂

The title says it all! Thanks guys for keeping it real, the emphasis on no limit in duty free is clutch!

where did you convert your euros? In US or in Cuba? And if in Cuba, the airport?

I'm cuban but not offended haha you guys are so funny 😁🖒

No one appreciates honesty anymore... Thanks for sharing.

Great video. All my family is in Cuba; my brother makes sure to send money every other month and medicine because of the lack of it. Tourists have the access to the best medicine, residents don't thus why our family has to get it from us. I miss my family very much, and it's a shame that they cannot relocate and leave the country if they wanted to (which trust me they do but half the time they cant say that they do). I am visiting them this December, my grandma just passed away. I will try to visit every year from now on. Your video is very helpful on what to expect. Thank you for being honest and blunt. Thank you for being so informative.

This is what RU-vid is for and we ought to appreciate their honesty. Not everyone's perspective on something is going to be flattering. Please remember that Cuba is communist, so there are major "depressing" things to see. Think: North Korea with palm trees. Like the former USSR, you are going to see stuff that will make you really, really appreciate things at home! Everything capitalist stopped in 1960/61-- Hilton hotels, Woolworths, fashion, the flow of ideas and free-thinking folks in cafes, etc. (thank you American automobiles for demonstrating your sturdiness these many years later.) Re: bathrooms low on paper supplies-- that is why Cubans stock up on the state propaganda Granma newspaper -- to wipe themselves with! (and yes, my family lives in Cuba -- this is "insider information") That said, the countryside and remote areas and beaches are the best. Viñales is gorgeous.

Thank you for the info. Great Video.

While the comments are mostly accurate , one that is not so is the pollution... I've been to Cuba 60 times or about 3 years of my life and lived in a house for part of that time. Cuba is very safe, people are fabulous and while the food is not North American I've enjoyed some of my best meals I've ever had there and the costs are inexpensive....Havana is a must to see and Varadero is the place to be....

As a Cuban , just have to say , They are 100 % right !!!!

I'm headed to Cuba with my husband this week!!! We are excited. Thanks for the insight.

True I love Cuba and had a blast! We take so much for granted here in the U.S. If you travel there or any 3rd world country take your own stuff.. They may not have it in their stores.

What is the dollar ratio for euros and cuc and the American current y

Tons of great tips..... I'm going to have to watch this again I'm sure.

Thank you!!! I'm going next month. I've experienced the no wash clothes before and now pack as just in case.

Fun video guys, really enjoyed. ty

Very helpful video. I am headed to the Island next month and It's good to watch video's to see what other's experienced.

Love your comments and videos :)

I never comment on RU-vid videos. I recently returned from Cuba and I agree 100% about your car exhaust/air pollution comment. It was so crazy! Heat mixed with fumes...not a good look!! Enjoyed the video.

It sounds like my Hiking and camping skills might come in handy in Cuba.

Good video I am Cuban and going to share with my friend. Good idea to share in Miami . America Teve channel they are cubans. Really this video is gold for us. This way we know from Americans was really they have for the tourist. Thanks.

Like it! Thank you!

Love this video!! This was the 100% truth! 😂😂😂

That stiffness you speak of after dying (in this case the pigs) is called Rigor Mortis. Just a little fun fact. Thanks for this video as it is super helpful.

This was good info for those that do not know.

Great tips thanks! Off to Cuba in 11 days

Thanks for sharing experiences !!

Just returned and while you should definitely bring toiletries (hand wipes, sanitizer, and your own towel sets - I do that even in the states), Havana was wonderful. Different then the US, but I didn't expect it to be the same either. We didn't have a bad experience in any cab. I did have to beat down a rat-sized roach. But left a place in TX with same problem. We just found another Airbnb. Location matters. Info is good, complaints - not so much.

Update you are allowed 100$ liq & tab. Any passing that u will get taxed. I just came back

I’m so excited to go. Thanks for the heads up you guys are beautiful and silly.

Wow....thats some advice.....I would've thought Cuba was like any other tourist destination with all the amenities of a good hotel, but hey....lol. And those classic cars?....They still run on LEADED GASOLINE!! Beware! Like you said....its terri-bad! LOL!!

Nice video

I wish you would have contacted someone that had previously travelled to Cuba and avoided what you went through. I was born there and have been back twice to visit, because I still have family that lives on the island. Whatever I pack stays there, I come back with nothing. Everything you said is true, especially the toiletries, PACK TOILET PAPER!!!!!. We are spoiled in this country, that's when you realized how good you have it here compared to other countries. I'm going now to see part 2 of your video, I hope you at least had some fun.

Dang! I change my mind about going to Cuba.

🌹Awesome couple 👊🏾 In joy the cigars 🌴🌴🍷on vacation 🌴🌴🍷

next time go by cruise ship ha ha ha like i did in june and had a great trip on the NCL Sky

Comedy in Cuba😁Try India next (been there) I'm taking a cruise to Cuba and Bahamas. Thank you for video😁

Great review. We don't realize how good we've got it in the USA. Wouldn't have thought of smog in Cuba but then, they get hit with so many storms it probably just blows it all to Miami. Thanks for sharing and hope you'll make a video of you two having cohiba cigars with some good drink and food.

Thanks for posting this, it's very informative. You guys are such a cute couple; I enjoyed watching.

hahahah luxuries towel and soap.. too funny,. hahahah.. that just cracked me up.. hahaha Cuba is unique .. you go way back back into time.. I so wanna go there ..

Couple seems nice and I enjoyed the video!

I don't believe this couple meant any harm or criticism to Cuba or the Cuban People...I am Puertorican raised in the U.S. and when I go to Puerto Rico there are Somethings I'm not used to that we take for granted in the States. My wife is Cuban So As a Puerto Rican And Cuban Couple Living In The U.S. we Understand where they are coming from. B Light, Take it Easy, Don't believe everyone is being a critic Maybe It's Advice out of experience and observations. P.S. I enjoyed the video and the couple seems nice.

Great Video!!! I enjoyed listening to the two of you and watching y'all play off oneanother!!! GREAT COUPLE!!! 😍😁

That's some great insider information, i will surely take heed! And the fact that you both made it very funny was an added bonus!

Guys I have been to Cuba many, many times and here is what I say about your comments. First I see clearly why you had the experience you did. No one I know would ever go to the airport 10 hours before a flight. In addition its the travelers responsibility to make sure the transportation mode is taking you to the correct airport and terminal. This is the first indication that you are inexperienced travelers. Havana has a trustworthy cab, limo and bus system. You chose the wrong airport transfer. Next, staying in a casa is a choice many people make sometimes because of the cheap prices. I understand this. You obviously chose the cheapest casa you could find and obviously with very little research in advance. My wife and I have stayed in a casa in Havana many times and have been treated to a first class experience with clean, safe and modern accommodations, professional, friendly staff with chefs and cooks that prepared the food better than most kitchens in America. Staying in a casa can be a great experience, and get you closer to the real cuban cultural life but only if you are smart enough to do your homework upfront and this applies to staying in a casa or Air B&B anywhere in the world. If you chose the right casa taking soap and towels and a wash cloth would not have been necessary. Also, Cuba has some very good hotels and some that would rival hotels and resorts anywhere in the world such as the Melia Habana where we prefer to stay while in Havana. There are numerous other excellent hotels throughout the island. We live in Las Vegas, where we are exposed to the world's finest hotels and resorts and we have stayed at some of the finest hotels in the world, and the hotels in Cuba are world class. Then you talk about your dining experiences. Once again I wonder how you planned your restaurants and its obvious to me that you didn't plan these very well. Havana is loaded with high class, modern restaurants with chefs that can compare to any in the world including San Cristobal, the restaurant where Obama took his family, and that is owned by an Afro-Cuban and ranked either 1 or 2 best restaurants in Cuba. Then there is El Cimarron, located deep in the "hood" owned by an Afro Cuban family and serving some of the most deliciously prepared meals that we have ever experienced and at the most reasonable prices. There are many, many more great dining locations on the island. I think every experienced traveler knows that If you are going to a warm, tropical climate insect repellent is a must. I even take it when I visit Chicago in the summertime which by the way has more bugs than Havana. Yes the old cars have terrible emissions, and the exhaust fumes are not pleasant. This is more prevalent in the winter time when the car windows are rolled down. In the summer, with the car windows up and the air conditioning running, the fumes are not as noticeable. Your car did have air didn't it? It was our experience that the further you were from the Malecon, where most of the traffic is, the less the fumes were noticeable. At any rate I do not think you need a gas mask. That's just plain silly. Lastly I suggest that if you plan a return trip to Havana, and you should because it seems like you didn't really didn't get to completely enjoy this island paradise, you may want to plan a little better and even go on line and seek a professional tour company for a better lodging and dining experience. We love Cuba and think every American should visit the island especially to see how much we have in common with our neighbors to the South. They have endured graciously in spite of what they have experienced economically and I can't wait to return in the fall.

This is hilarious!!!! I know what I'm bringing!😷😂

You guys are funny, very good! thanks!

Just visited a few days ago, thanks for the info, great review guys 😊

I was in Cuba 2 weeks ago and everything you guys said about Cuba is spot on. 😂🇨🇺

Why did you not mention the name of the nice place you stayed at the had the no toilet paper "issue"?

Adorables !!!!! lol fun video. thank you for posting.

We are headed there on June 28 for five days. I'd love to ask you a few questions. How many CUCs a day do you recommend per person? Did you exchange your USD for Euros before you left?

Thank you for lots of tips I have not found elsewhere.

Y'all are hilarious! Thanks for sharing the info.

I want to go this Spring. Thanks for the tips!

I'm headed to Cuba next week and will definitely consider everything that you have shared in your videos. Thank you so much for theHONEST info !! And off topic .... you two make a really beautiful couple. Your personalities really compliment each other. ❤🌎

Thanks for advice! 😊thinking about going.. very useful 😊

Thanks for this video. Going soon and this is very helpful.

So did you eat in restaurants or at street vendors? Did you have any stomach issues? How about the water, did you drink bottled or avoid it all together. One more question, did you get vaccinactions before you went? By the way, loved the video and the humor you brought to it. Also the reason for all the questions is we are going there in 10 days and staying for a week.

I went and loved it!

you video is the most informative and useful so far. thank you

I’ve traveled to places all over the world 🌎 and I still have another worth of travel to do but you should always pack face towels if you travel outside of North America. FYI

Thanks for sharing.

Washcloths aren't necessarily common in Europe either. Our Airbnb had perforated tp & soap. Smog is in every big city I've been too. It wasn't an issue for us in Cuba though. Nothing abnormal. Glad you got to visit! I loved my visit!

Nice vid guys definitely love the real talk in it!!!

U 2 are the best thank you.

I subscribed, thank you so much for all the info.

sounds like you had a great time! Come see us again...….

Hi, if I bring back a suitcase full of rum, do I need to claim it at U.S. customs? Taxes? I'm afraid they will take it from me. Thanks.

Thank you for sharing these tips, going to Cuba in s few weeks. Can't wait, would you go again?

Both of you look like real native cubans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

y'all are just so cute

That video made me laugh.. nice one..

Thanks for the great review! I would like to take a trip there soon, I can appreciate the honesty of your video! Coming from an American female I can understand your surprise and culture shock when you were experiencing some of these things. Now I know what to bring and what not to bring I.E. American money and bank cards!! Thank you!!

Not all cigars are the same. Domingos cuban cigars are a popular brand and since the ban was lifted the price has dropped so so much, it's like $10 for regular and $30 for large cigar.

Thansk good to know guys

Thank you.

you did well, it is sad that cuba is in such bad shape.

If you use a reliable trip coordinator like InsightCuba, you won't have to worry about any of these things. Toilet paper? Soap? Your hotel will have all the comforts of home.

Bring some African soap and the African sponge

Thanks! I get the picture!

My daughter's just got back, after a 2 week stay. They had none of those experiences.

GOOD VIDEO GUYS! THANK YOU ! I'm going in May 2018

did y'all do air bnb?

You guys are so cute. How did you do the money situation again? You exchange euros?

Thanks, you two are great. Very sweet and entertaining. I'm going to pass this along. BTW i'd die if I saw the pigs!

thank you

Thank you for sharing!!!😂