Sly man I just love your videos. NEVER change your formular. You do what works for you and it works for me! I'll have to view your final thoughts video if there is one on Cuba. But your videos are always just chock full of no-nonsense information. I thank you for that. The last thing I need is an extra 20 minutes of fluff that you are in the "roughest" neighborhood or trying to get sneaky photos of chicas on the beach. I applaud you sir. Huge fan.

I visited Cuba many years ago and if I went to the shop I was charged $1 for a soft drink so I used to send in one of the kids that were hanging around outside give him my dollar & he got my coke & one for himself plus sweets so I never felt I was getting ripped off and everyone was happy & the local people treated me well wherever I was in Havana . It always remember in any city there are thieves even in our own 🌍✌🏼

The tip about not exchanging too much at once is spot on. I was there in '19, the currency exchange stalled until it was time to board our flight.

@sebastienbolduc5654

2 жыл бұрын

Ya, that happened all the time. Wink-wink. I've been able to exchange "some" of my Cucs at the airport before leaving.

You make great videos. You always give the info I am considering.

Another informative and great video 📹 👏. I was in Havana Cuba in 2017 for 30 days and I rented a stand alone apartment in a Cuban's family home and they took me under their wing and showed me how to live like a local but the money situation has changed since I was in Cuba. But I lived in Buenos Aires Argentina for nearly 10 years and I understand the official rate and the unofficial rate. Outside of the tourist areas it is much more inexpensive to stay in Cuba 🇨🇺 😀.

Solid tips and info. bruh. You're quickly becoming the guy in the space on Latin travel👍🏾

Thank you for this video it helped me out a lot I'm going to Cuba at the end of this month

street exchange is $1 to 160 cup

Thanks for the great info. I would love to visit Cuba one day. English is all I understand & at my age spanish is a no go. I would do the rental in Havana & walk to explore the city. as you did. Again Thanks for clear info without the 20 minutes of fluff.

You trip report is a little difference from the other bloggers but I find out your trip report is very accurate and very helpful for tourist. I subscribed.

Saigon street (Vietnam) thank you my friend for sharing good video. I wish you good health and a nice day. Greetings from Vietnam to you..👍🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳

Normaly i dont comment but since i have been to cuba quite few times and still found your video informative i am going to give yo a tumbs up

Thanks a lot, that was a perfect sequence . 2 weeks and 2 days 🎉

Thanks for the great up to date information. Really helpful.

Thanks for your information. It very much appreciated!

Useful and informative video!

Good video as usual. Sly, would you be able to a mini-vid just on the currency exchange for folks who are brand-new to it?

I have never been there but now I can't wait to visit, Thanks for the run down Sly

Definitely appreciate this information, thank you.

This is a great video 👍👍👍👍👍 Oh no here comes the long winded guy lol That's me. Just a little history about the Cuban Mojito. Hemingway liked mojitos and it was once rumored that it was his creation, not so. The mojito dates back to pre-Columbus, the times of the Arawaks. The Taino Indian had a medicinal drink which was "Agua ardiente" translates into burning water. It was an alcoholic beverage from sugar. They mixed the rum with sugar cane juice, lime and mint leaves. That was a Taino medicine, I can't remember the use of it was for stomach or what, but my ancestors were drinking mojitos long before Bacardi was thought of. Me, that is the only way I can digest rum, I can't stand the flavor. I went to fact check myself on the mojitos and now they have it almost right. Now they say South American went to Cuba and got the recipe for this medicine. Tainos just can't win man,, lol

A great video and Havana is fabulous

$300 for two weeks = $21.50 per day - for a room. That's a good deal.

Was there this year. Costs are outrageously expensive for a country like it is. No access to the supermarkets doesn't help the situation. There's no affordable way for a tourist to stay here for an extended period of time. I was only able to find a small handful of places to eat cheaply (albeit still tourist prices) but at least not the rip off prices most tourist pay at the paladars.

@Theofficaldannyalldunso

2 жыл бұрын

True you could say that about all the latin america countries to be honest. But only in Cuba can you walk around anywhere day or night with an iphone 13 in hand airbuds and counting money in the other hand and not have a single person try to rob you. So do you need to pay a premium for safety.

@sebastienbolduc5654

2 жыл бұрын

@@Theofficaldannyalldunso people do get robbed in Cuba. So you still need to be careful. As for violent crime, yes it's a lot safer.

@sebastienbolduc5654

2 жыл бұрын

I do believe that their tourism has been going down the past few years, although they'd probably never admit to it. I've been there twice, traveled all central Cuba from east to west. I know tons of people who go there every year for the past 10-15-20 years and the majority of them now tell me they will never go back. The vibe has changed, and not in a good way. All I use to hear from people was "Cuba, Cuba, Cuba," and now I barely hear anyone talk about it anymore. I do believe it's because of the tourist areas. I've also experienced a lot of negative BS in those tourist areas too. Some locals can be very hostile when it comes to money, pricing, ripping people off, etc. If you go more outside of those areas I am sure it's still the same wonderful place I visited a few years back. And to be honest, I could never go back to Cuba if I was stuck in Varadero or Havana. That's not the best Cuba has to offer. If one doesn't travel outside of those places you are robbing yourself from such a wonderful experience and adventure. And you'll be met with a different attitude from locals outside of those tourist areas too.

@suse4344

Жыл бұрын

Can you tell what those places were? I'm planning to go next year and we are not rich 😅. Thank you in advance

@akatakam8551

Жыл бұрын

@@suse4344 Viñales, Trinidad, Cien Fuegos. etc. You may YT on these places.

Very informative video. Thanks.

Great info! Maybe heading there in November.

Try pollo a la plancha con congri and yuca al mojo de ajo

What’s informal and official rate mean? Plz explain

@Ira88881

2 жыл бұрын

Don’t hold your breath waiting for an answer. He’s clueless.

Havana is very nice 🇨🇺❤🇺🇸

Prices are about the same as they were four years ago.... That is if you use the informal rate... We had a fantastic dinner in Havana on two occasions for about $40.00 for two.. This included drinks and a tip.

Cuba is very expensive, even for tourists. it's crazy over there.

Salsa dancing at the Casa del Musica in Miramar, or the town square at Trinidad. Outstanding.

@shaolin1derpalm

Жыл бұрын

And 1830.

Another nice video, Sly.

Good video !

So enjoyable and informative

Love this video! Thanks a lot for the information. Might I ask where we can find the unofficial exchange places?

Thank you so much Sly, this is extremely helpful. Can I ask, where exactly do you reccomend I go for currency exchange? Where, or how do I look for it? Thanks again. Many blessings from Canada!!!

Damn, it got a little more expensive in Cuba. I was there in 2015 and it cost me 10 bucks for 2 meals at a restaurant in Varadero, a pizza, a pork dish with veges and a couple of drinks. Out of all the places in Cuba, Havana was the place I liked the least. You can't walk ten feet in tourist areas without someone trying to sell you something or begging for cash. Sure, it was beautiful but it was hard to enjoy my time there. But so far Trinidad was my favorite area. It's good that there is one currency now, the peso. I remember how hard it was to exchange into Cucs, depending on where one was located and the day. Sometimes banks would just close down without notice too. I'm sure they're making more money now with this new system.

I appreciate your videos my Brotha man! Thank you! Is there a particular money exchange that you went to, for us to keep an eye out for? Also, nice spectacles.

Did you pay for AirB&B in the traditional way, i.e. online and in advance with a credit card? If yes, aren't you getting the poor (official) exchange rate? Is there any way to pay for stays/hotels/airB&B using cash pesos (after changing at the better street rate)? Thanks.

@144k_Kingdom_Living

2 жыл бұрын

I also wonder the same.

@lisamuldrow7432

2 жыл бұрын

I'm going Sept 7, 2022 and I booked airB&B the normal way. Hope this helps.

Thx for vid, do you get a better unofficial rate when exchanging a $100 bill or should I just bring a bunch of $20s and singles?

thank you brother.. thats ine plce il be soon...!!

What is 'informal' pricing ? There is a big difference in lobster (for example), so what did you pay exactly?

@arielroman8644

2 жыл бұрын

Informal price is when you exchange your money on the street.. Government price is 25 pesos for 1 dollar..but people on the black market on the street give you 100 pesos for one dollar... I saw the news that now the government is giving 125 pesos for a dollar to compete with black market..so is way better now .

@mariomilojevic7029

2 жыл бұрын

@@arielroman8644 thank you

Wow the price for the bus to Playa del este has doubled in 5 years.. guess that is normal

Fam!!! I need to come travel with you soon!!

What’s the difference between the official rate and informal rate?

@akatakam8551

Жыл бұрын

I believe the official rate is 110 CUP - 1USD (used to be 25 CUP). Street exchange rate is 145 CUP as mentioned by my ABnB host 2 days ago. I believe it could be 170 CUP (Cuban Pesos).

AWESOME VIDEOS BRO!

seems the key is how to get the unofficial currency exchange

the rate of 1:25 existed some hundred years (hahaha) ago. Now the official rate is 1:100 for the Peso. You get 1 MLC (formerly CUC) for changing 1 USD or EUR and get 100-110 Pesos.

@mariomilojevic7029

2 жыл бұрын

That means that prices are almost 10 times cheaper?

nice vid man

Great video. I’m planning a trip soon . So I can just book a room on air b n B ? I watched another vid that said because i am an American citizen I’m not allowed 🚫 to use air b n b . I appreciate any clarification thx 🙏

Thank you so much for all the information on your videos. I am Cuban and I’m going to Cuba in less than 15 days which things can change and can’t lol but I’m just wondering when you mean official price an unofficial price what do you mean by that is that because you exchange + and you got more money

Nice tip about Cuba..Greetings.

Any plan to visit other cities than Havana? like Holguin? I heard they have the best beaches. hopefully, one day I will visit Cuba.

@sebastienbolduc5654

2 жыл бұрын

Holguin, there is nothing there in terms of a city. Been to Cuba twice but never been to Holguin. I know people who have. A great city is Trinidad. The entire town is a UNESCO world heritage site. If anything, the most beautiful areas of Cuba are on the west coast. Even central Cuba is beautiful.

@benmati717

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you@@sebastienbolduc5654. I appreciate your feedback.

Thanks for the video. How do I change my dollars for the informal rate? Is that safe, to change on the street?

Good info sly

Where would you recommend to exchange like $500 USD and get the best rate

What is the URL for the bus system in Cuba? Where do you book it?

How do you keep your money safe when you are in Cuba? Given that it is next to impossible to get money transferred to a tourist from US and the fact that you carry cash for all your trip there, how to safely keep your cash becomes a major worry. Let's say you make it to the beach and you want to take a swim in Cuba, where do you keep your cash, cellular phone and perhaps your watch?

@akatakam8551

Жыл бұрын

How would you do that in your own country if you went alone to the beach and wanted to take a dip in the water ? common sense should prevail. Leave valuable items at home/casa and walk with minimal cash to the beach.

I've heard the ballet school in Havana is possibly the best in the world. It would be great if they toured North America if they could.

Great video.

I wish you would have explained how to get the "informal rate" compared to the rip off formal rate. It would have really added to your video and you did speak about it quite a bit. Thanks.

@drjohnwills

2 жыл бұрын

I've been to many socialist countries and the best place is on the street you just ask anyone if they know where you change dollars for their money. Careful of the count and make sure its real money and not fake

When you say exchange on the street, where exactly do you find the location to do that? Are there signs for that? Also, will they accept Canadian dollars for the street exchange or do they prefer American dollars only? Thanks.

@shaolin1derpalm

Жыл бұрын

Yes they except CAD, but your best bet is USD (they need bills to exchange) and euro offers the best exchange rate. So change cad into euro or usd. USD is easier and faster (my cuban friend said that) and a lot of places like dance studios charge in euros. Clubs are now in CUP

Very informative. The only thing that’s throwing me off is the exchange rate to informal and official. Idk if you have a choice.

@shaolin1derpalm

Жыл бұрын

Yes you have a choice. You get someone to know and trust to direct you to who they know. You change it in the street. The Cubans gets the exchange rate

How fast is internet if you buy cuban sim card??

Is it easy to get the informal rate from money exchangers ? That official rate is a killer.

How do we know who to exchange with on the street

Do you have any tips for exchanging dollars on the street? Are there places to do it or need to approach a random local people or get approached by people offering it to you?

Great video about the travel costs!! But what about the cost for the H00kerz ;)

What do you do for a living? Also what do you use for a camera? You walk around holding it with your hand or is it something attached on your body

Last place on the planet I would want to go.

Well done.

Very good 👍.

whats the name of that beach bro

Great video. Did you feel it was safe there?

So let me get this right to be certain I understand you. So the unofficial rate is actually better than the official rate? Wow, I don't hear that often when traveling. Normally I get jacked on the unofficial rate and I want to go to an official spot🤔 Anyway, great content son. Keep doing you and remain safe 🙏🏾 👍🏾

@thehalokidster

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like the Cuban Government just artificially inflate the value of their Peso to charge tourists more. I haven't worked out why the locals prefer the dollar instead of the Peso yet.

@jimmyglen

2 жыл бұрын

Nothing is normal in cuba - nothing

I land in Varadero, then take the Cuban bus to Habana for $10, cab is faster though, I stay central Old Habana, and I get a great deal, I get CUC and Peso but it sounds like it is straight Pesos now, I stay away from Varadero, I buy a 40 of Havana Club for 4 bucks, I chill with Cubans, I do not go to Cuba to spend time with other tourists, nor would I stay somewhere that Cubans cannot, Bus is cheap, $1200 Cad you can live great for 2-4 weeks.

How much money would u need for 2 weeks

Ok I don't understand official rate vs informal rate

The cuban gov't has to compete with the black market,4x the offical exchange ratee is bad for the economy.Veitnam went this way and knowing that it was no point to change on the Black.you are doing the local economy/people good.

How much was the bus to verdadero from Havana?

@shaolin1derpalm

Жыл бұрын

13 usd

As an American is there's anything special you have to do, visa-wise, to go to Cuba. I'm living in DR. Can I just book a flight to Havana? Is it visa on arrival with a US passport?

@Mykelvellii

2 жыл бұрын

Just tell them don’t stamp your passport because you’re American

I love Thailand and Vietnam, Is Cuba alot more?

@akatakam8551

Жыл бұрын

Different cultural experience.

Keep doing your thang! F a 9 to 5 :)

I’m totally confused with your reference to official and informal pricing. I have a currency app that states 800 CUP is $31.00 USD. Can someone explain why it seems so expensive?

@BS-qu5wy

2 жыл бұрын

he said, if you exchange your dollar at bank you get around 25 pesos (official/legally), if you exchange your dollar on the straight (informal/illegally, also called "blackmarket" some places ) you would get over 100 pesos for every dollar.

@jimmyglen

2 жыл бұрын

You should get 120 - because the money is almost worthless

Expensive prices compared to the rest of Latin America. And what about the pricing for the chicas?

Are you sure debit cards don’t work there at all ?

@akatakam8551

Жыл бұрын

Not from American Banks. No CC/DC from US Banks.

Excellent series watching them now. Being that you’re bringing a lot of cash, how’s the crime? Do they accept USD or do you have to exchange it to pesos?

@comrade916

2 жыл бұрын

I have been to Cuba a few times. Believe me, crime is not a big problem in Cuba.. You can bring USD or Euros and exchange....

@whatabouttheearth

4 күн бұрын

Crime is virtually non existent in several socialist countries like Cuba.

@whatabouttheearth

4 күн бұрын

Crime is virtually non existent in several socialist countries like Cuba.

Budget? Walk. Just saying. 👍

Dude you need to explain why the rates are different. Nobody is going to trust that if you just show up you are going to get the better rate and the other rate is bad for say backpackers. Cuba isn't cheap compared to similar locals.

Visa and cost of flights ?

August 23/22 Power Blackouts? I’ve been hearing these last couple months and more to the point last few days that Cuba is on the verge of economic collapse. Can anyone expand ? Cheers everyone from western Canada

Nice if you can Showcase how the Current Cuban Currency Notes look like .....the older one's had Che Guevara and several figures from the Cuban Revolution //

You sound like an American. American can travel to Cuba now in 2022?

Just go all inclusive in a 4 star hotel and you will be just fine unless you are very picky or should I say pretentious.

End the embargo and all the other economic warfare against them and watch Cuba thrive

Cuba seems cheap but it didn’t seem so fun like the places I’m used to going. I kind of lost interest in going there now

Could you explain how you get to pay a formal rate as opposed to the informal rate? Also do you have any tips on how to exchange currency there? Did the locals know any English? Thank you

Do you recommend Havana? Would you go there again? Some ppl dont like it why is that?

@shaolin1derpalm

Жыл бұрын

Havana has no beach. You gotta can or bus to the the beach district, about 20 km away. No all inclusive cheap resorts in Havana. Most breakfast only. I love Havana. You gotta find the fun places to go, the cheap places to eat. Keep sunglasses on when you walk around. They leave you alone.

@slyener1111

12 күн бұрын

@@shaolin1derpalm who says havana has no beaches 😅? Plenty of them.

@shaolin1derpalm

3 күн бұрын

@@slyener1111 I guess you missed my "gotta o to the beach district" comment. Unless you mean beach as bitch. Most beach areas are Santa Maria del mar and bacuranoa. Guanabo has a shitty one. The are about 25 to 3 minutes from Havana proper. The district Plays doesn't really have a beach. Pretty ugly.

just go to havana and change it $us1= 100 pesos

Sorry, doesn't make sense and is unhelpful. is the 'unofficial rate' posted daily? how would you know if you are getting the fair unofficial rate??? is the unofficial rate given everywhere except in the "official exchange office"??? what is the "official exchange office" actually called??? banks??? hotels???

@shaolin1derpalm

Жыл бұрын

El toque is a good site that shows official and street exchange. Just turn them down if they give a bad deal (on street). Ask a cuban friend what the street value is Yes the official places are airport, bank, hotels, cambiar offices and such. I guess if you've never been it's confusing