CUBA

You need to talk to joao pina, man. He came to talk at ron haviv’s seminar…He’s a really nice guy. Fellow Icp Student, Veras etc etc.
ciao. gab.

I was in Havana a few weeks back. It was more a family trip rather than assignments. I mainly used dial-up internet at relatives homes. The internet was a bit faster at hotels though. I was only marginally harassed at the airport about my gear. They were more concerned about my audio recorder than anything else. You are going to get screwed exchanging US dollars and might look into getting a Canadian credit card. I hear that method cuts out Castro’s cut of US money. If you are traveling as a journalist I am not sure if the embargo and the limitations that it brings will matter. Sorry I do not have more information on the subject. Have fun, it is a beautiful place.

There are some payphones around Havanna, but I wouldnt rely on them. Cuba has surprisingly good cellphone coverage though, I had no problems with my reception at all. Expensive as hell, but good coverage.

The best places to eat was imo. at the Paladares (private “reastaurants” at peoples homes).
The smartest thing you can to regarding money, is bringing euros instead of dollars, they dont want american money flowing around there, so you get better rates and service when exchanging euros.

Other than that, enjoy your stay! It’s a truly beautiful place with the most friendly people on earth. And not even to mention the Cuban beer! Have an ice cold Bucanero for me as well!

thank you all, nice to hear from you gabri. hope everything is good.

Just as eating is cheaper in “paladares”, it is also much cheaper (and usually much more fun too) to stay in “casas particulares”: Private houses renting rooms. You end up living with the locals who are, as mentioned above, some of the nicest people on earth.

Have fun !

There is a good price hotel in Havana for journalist and research people called “El Costillar del Rocinante” located at G 23 in Vedado. I recommend to bring your money in euros instead of dollar that way they will charge you less money in exchange of currency. You can change money in two different currencys, Pesos Cubanos and Divisa. Divisa is for tourists and peso cubano is the cuban’s money, you will save a lot of budget if you carry cuban money (peso cubano) for meals at paladares in street. Get out of Havana if you are able to, Trinidad is a great reccomendation to travel inside Cuba.
I’m sure you will have a great time!

Hi Niholas
It will be a pleasure to help you out while been in my country, email me at hadacento@yahoo.com.