I'm going to Cuba. Questions about cigars, money and other items?

Question

Hi,
I'm going to Cuba soon, can't wait!
Anyway, I was wondering how much cigars tend to cost and how I can make sure they're genuine, high quality cigars?
Also, is CUC (Convertible Peso) sold in the Cuban airports? Is it used in almost every shop or should I buy some of the peso that the locals use too?
What else is relatively cheap to get in Cuba?

Answer 1

Well first of all , beware of buying Cigars on the street , counterfeit Cigars and boxes look like the real thing , you can opt buy buying them at the airport if needed when you leave , otherwise you'll have plenty of occasions to buy them in official stores , I have not visited the Partagas Cigar factory in Havana across from the Capital , but my guess is that would be the perfect place.

Cuban Money ( Moneda Nacional ) , I like it , reminds me of funny money , the exchange rate will allow you to buy about 25 pesos : 1 Dollar ,give or take a few pesos , I was not aware that it could not be used by tourists ( ? ) I have used it quite a bit , in fact a bundle (25) of Cigars produced for domestic use ( supposedly lower grade ) was bought for about a Dollar , was told by the Cuban girl in the Airport that they were inferior to the Famous Cuban Cigars , My friends back in the U.S. liked them alot , you be the judge.

I am Cuban American so I guess I pull it off much easier, I'm frugal and I try to blend in , that way no one questions me or treats me like I am ready to give away my money and that way I can benefit from some of the cheap goods and services in Cuba.

Yes , exchange some of your money for convertible pesos and be patient , don't spend it all in one place.

As to how much authentic Cigars cost , there is no limit , and some of those Cigar Box presentations are beautiful , Prices vary and the quantities can differ, it's been awhile so I'd say $60 - $80 and much much more. ($20-$25 counterfeit) Just be prepared.

If you are going to Havana and Tourist destinations you probably don't have to worry too much about the denominations and types of currency as you would if you traveled to the interior of the country or places with little tourism where the local money is very useful.

Things you can buy besides Cigars , Rum ( Havana Club ) , also depends if you plan on taking these things back with you, hope your not from the U.S. , well some neat souvenirs are Old Coca-Cola bottles from the 50's made in Cuba , a authentic Car license plates , be careful with items carved out of wood or using seeds like maracas or some crafts where seeds are painted ( these items may be confiscated at re-entry into your country ), Cuban Perfume or Cologne ( I personally like it ).

Local money Pesos ( Moneda Nacional ) what it's good for , not a whole lot in high tourist areas , but in small towns where you can get on a horse carriage ( public transportation believe it or not ) it comes usefull , about 1 peso for the ride , street vendors sell items in pesos too , food items which may or may not be to your liking , like a Spam like sandwich (Jamonada) , soy burgers on a naturally hard bread roll , juice drinks , Fritters ( basically fried dough ) , Ice cream (Coppelias in other provinces not Havana) , Pizeta ( nothing like Pizza ) but it's filling and I have tried some good ones .

I've used local money to get in the movie theatre and a Cuban baseball game , or to send a postcard at the Post Office so yes it can be useful.

Answer 2

I'm not sure about the cost of cigars but you can buy good ones from a factory or resort shop.

You can change currency at the airport or a bank in a town. Most resorts will change it too. You may not use the local currency as a visitor. There are different shops for each currency.

There is very little for a tourist to buy in Cuba because the country is prevented from trading with much of the outside world by the United States. However there are some very interesting restaurants, which even in convertible currency are not expensive.

You might consider spending some money on excursions. The fishing is wonderful and the underwater environment , particularly in the Jardines del Rey area is spectacular from a boat or scuba diving.

This is a lovely time to be in Cuba. Wish I was coming too.

Answer 3

Now the money you can use in Cuba is call El chavito. It is like the dolar, have the same valor. And the Other is la moneda nacional. Any other money you go with you can changed in the bank and used any way.

Answer 4

Genuine name brand cigars like Cohiba start at around $10 each in Cuba.I was just there.They are NEVER discounted or put on sale.If you are making deals or paying less,they definitely are NOT the genuine product.