Just went to Varadero 2 months ago. American dollars were accepted EVERYWHERE (hotel lobby for drinks and souvenirs, MLC stores on main street, even the pop corn stand in front of Starfish Cuatro Palmas said they would accept my American dollar in exchange for one portion of fresh pop corn, I paid coffee bags, frozen minced meat, alcool etc. ONLY with American dollars). Before going to Cuba, I was told to only bring Canadian money and I was very happy for having changed CDN into 100 one dollar bills. The American dollar is still KING in Cuba, sorry. Paying with Cdn money is possible buy they will charge you more for the item since our Cdn dollar isn't worth much internationally. I brought a large suitcase filled with goodies, 2 bags of dry milk (white gold for most Cubans), a few bags of mixed dry beans, tons of lollypops, chocolates (large and mini bars), medication of all sorts and EVERYTHING was appreciated. If I go back, I'm taking mostly self-rising flour, dry milk, beans and chocolates, and OH YES, small toys for very young children (mini cars for boys and mini dolls for girls, you ask people if they have children and they'll tell you, I speak Spanish, so it helps).
@@LesleyChapman02 I usually study the behavior of the employees, I pick the most humble people (at first they all look humble but some are especially graceful, shy etc...). I noticed that the pretty people receive more gifts, so if there is a waitress that hasn't won the lottery as far as looks are concerned, well she wins my jackpot lol... I often pick employees who only wash floors and not rooms (room cleaning ladies get way more than even doctors in Cuba). The gardener or the guy who takes care of the garbage, young women (they usually have young children)... I speak Spanish so I can ask questions, which really helps... The important thing is to have fun, share your wealth and come back a proud tourist. ;o)
@@karenmiernicki9981 what chocolate brands/types did you bring and how did you keep it from melting? Also, when you give the stuff to the locals do you do it in front of other locals or when there’s no one else around? Lastly, if you’re tipping a tour guide with stuff can you hand him/her a small gift bag? I’m trying to imagine how to do this without being rude, lol.
@@ttest1682 No chocolate melted. From Canada into my large suitcase as well as last minute chocolates purchased at the airport departure day. Types of chocolate: Lindt large chocolate bars, mini kit-kat, normal size Crunchy, Kit-Kat, every type of chocolate (20 bars = $20+ CDN), but Lindt is more like $3 a bar. Day one, I start sharing my bars, if there are 2 girls washing public washrooms, they each get one, I try to be discrete, I don't talk loud to make a big show. I haven't been on tours so no gift there, but the bus driver who drives us from the airport to hotel gets a large chocolate bar or chocolate covered raisins and perhaps also a shirt if I have one with me. There are men picking up garbage on the streets early morning, you don't have to talk at all, just hand them a toothbrush and something to eat like a small bag of dry lentils, beans, sugar or chocolate bar or can of sardines... the world is the limit, they need everything, nothing goes to waste.
Thank you for this video. I’m currently in Cuba, I brought some clothes, toiletries, crayons and colouring books. I think they don’t have baby wipes, a waitress asked where I got my Huggies baby wipes. I think baby items and clothing will be essential. They were all appreciative with the stuff I gave. I’m checking to see what else I can give from my luggage since I didn’t bring very much. I gave my pack of bandaids too. Whatever I can give I guess.
Not sure if I want to pick and choose who gets what, can’t I bring items to a church or something and they could distribute it better than me? I hate to think I choose who gets free stuff and who doesn’t. I’d rather someone there on the ground do that.
I’m bringing flip flops 🩴 for the kids and Tylenol travel pack tubes to give as gifts. I will be tipping with US dollars 💵 as well. It’s all inclusive but I’m still tipping. 😍🇨🇺
Hi Jose, thank you first for making these videos. You do a great job!!! On TripAdvisor, so many reviews say not to bring US dollars to use as tips. Our friends say they are needed for buying stuff not available in stores. If this is still the case, please let everyone know because that's what we bring and it is appreciated greatly! Thank you
Thank you. In my opinion you can bring both USD or CAD or any other currencies. The USD can't be used to buy in the stores, but people can sell them super easy and they have a high rate in comparison with the CAD, then they can buy MLC to buy in the stores. So, USD are fine.
I plan to bring a full equiped bicycle with air pump, extra brakes, extra tires, rear and front bags, extra tire air chambers, flashlight. And a repair tool kit. Do you think it will be usefull?
i know this is over a year old but i find this still useful and have shared it with Cuba groups on Facebook. i hope you come back and do more videos if time allows.
Thank you for sharing this honest video, you seem to have a very good heart. We’ll bring some of this stuff while visiting your country all the way from Poland. ❤
Hi José I am going to Havana the end of May 2023. I am taking at least 2 suit cases full of clothes and other items. How and where can I distribute them? Do you know any poor villages next to Havana that I can bring the clothes to? Or should I take them to à Church? Please let me know.
I go to Cuba every year and bring school supplies, slippers, toiletries, and hair ties, and definitely medical supplies and clothing. I give them to the locals they appreciate everything you give them.
How can I send a package/pallet together with a bunch of goods over to Cuba? I would like to do if there is one way to do it, even if it has to be sent out from Mexico. I would appreciate if anyone has any advise on this.
CAUTION !! Great video Jose. thanks for updating us tourists .. I must warn people though that when you fill out the Paper work on the plane,, it asks what is the value of items bringing into Cuba as gifts.. You are only allowed $50 .. anything more and you have to pay Import Tax on it .. dollar for dollar.. I brought an extra suitcase of gifts and declared its value at $200 .... I had to pay $150 to bring it in and give it away .. Best just to put in $0 and hope they don't question the extra suitcase . I understand that you can do paperwork in advance and declare Humanitarian Relief items .. but no one plans that far ahead. Anyway.. thanks for the video .. great job
Yes I remember filling that paperwork out...they never checked what I had but you don't want to lie or get busted...But we were several in our group and each had about that amount, included used goods. (ie: used clothing/shoes, etc) And I always get 100 dollars in $1.00 bills.... and for the cleaning staff for our rooms, I left money every day along with lipstick, something for their hair, and maybe a deodorant (man or woman) and/or the next day I'd switch it up, something for a child, and still money with the items, and always had great service and room spotless...even the guy that came in and re-stoked my fridge I'd leave a little something in the fridge for him (note left for him in case he didn't think he should take it) :)
Thanks Jose! Appreciate you mentioning that hygiene products aren't really needed now. There was a while when the factory was shut down and it was really bad, but I'm glad I don't need to weigh myself down with that stuff now!
Welcome! Yes, like I said in my town (that has only a couple stores) they always have soap, deodorant, usually tooth paste. Shampoo not always, but in Santa Clara they do have it! It costs around 7 dollars which is more expensive than the ones that we usually buy, but at least there are some offers
@@josesvlog Americans have a lot of these things in their house that they aren't going to use. It's easier for them to just bring it and give it away than waste time buying inferior products for high prices in Cuba.
Hi Jose I was wondering if a boat owner could go and bring products into Cuba. My understanding is, merchandise only goes by airplane and the fee is 8 dollars per kilo or more. Can it be done?
Hi Jose nice video I will be going in Holquin next month this will be my second time in Cuba 2020 I went in Santiago de Cuba and my wife and I brought a lot of clothes , some shoes , personal hygienes products and some electronics it will be the same thing next month I am already starting to put together whatever I can fit in my luggage without getting over weight I give most of the stuff to the locals that live outside the resort and it really touches my heart when I hear their stories , I met a guy in Bacanao who was using the same needle everyday to do his insulin shot and it just really break my heart , Thank you for sharing your thoughts , Dios los bendiga .
Hi Jose I hope you are well , as I've mentioned I will be in Holquin next month and if you don't mind can you please clarify to me a little bit about the currency at present there in Cuba I understand CUC does not exist anymore so what would you suggest the best currency that I should always have with me is it C$ or CUP and will you recommend to the black market exchange than in the bank thank you .
@@bumblebeejazz1 The CUC doesn't exist anymore. It's better to bring Canadians or Euros, and maybe some USD for tips (cause CAD doesn't have coins). You will need some CUP too, it's better to exchange them in the black market or with people you know. Don't exchange too many, cause most restaurants and places accept other currencies!
I agree, very useful video, José, thank you! I was surprised you didn't mention food item's (duty-free still, I think). I bought canned tuna last time, and coffee. But I hear powder milk, sauces, spices, are also in demand. What do you think?
Thank you. It depends on where you are going, I didn't mention food cause for example in my town you get almost everything, you just need the money (and it's not cheap). Powder milk is a good idea, specially for kids, in Cuba it costs more than 600 pesos for around 1 pound of milk. I suggest you to join Facebook groups of sales, just search "Revolico" and the name of the city, you will see all that you can get in Cuba and the prices.
WestJet USED to allow a 2nd bag free if declared as humanitarian aid but not sure about now. Most other airlines require an extra fee for additional bags. If they ask you what the extra bag is for and you tell them it's full of gifts make sure to declare the value at $50 or under or they'll nail you import fees.
Hello Jose The video you made are very interesting :) I have a question, The Cuban preferd to have canadian money ou Cuban pesos for tip ? The canadian money it is possible to the cuban people to exchage it at the bank or to buy somme things at the store? tank's
Canadian is accepted but NO COINS, loonies and toonies are useless to them. I usually hit a bank before I go and grab a bunch of US 1's and 5's for tips, they prefer US or Euros if given the choice.
Hello Sheila, the ‘customer facing’ staff at resorts get all the goodies - daily gifts left on the bed for the maids, weekly gifts for wait staff as you arrive or as a thank you when you leave .... 52 times a year as each week’s guests come and go. After my first few trips I started now to the ground staff, who are supposed to be invisible I guess and whose biggest dreams are to be gifted toothpaste or deodorant. Seriously. So I take a dozen brushes and a dozen toothpastes each time. And toys ... everyone you meet will have kids or family kids or neighbour kids or village kids. I spent a small fortune in 2018 on second hand Barbie dolls when I heard that little girls would line up at recess to have a turn holding the doll one lucky child had. You would have thought I was giving a kidney when I gave them out. Not about me, just mentioning the need is beyond what you can guess.
I am Cuban American and I left Cuba when I was 3 years old and I haven't returned.This is the reason why communist continues in Cuba with these stupid little trips. Stop asking for items & money and start asking for liberty !! 🗽 And become a civilized country.
Just went to Varadero 2 months ago. American dollars were accepted EVERYWHERE (hotel lobby for drinks and souvenirs, MLC stores on main street, even the pop corn stand in front of Starfish Cuatro Palmas said they would accept my American dollar in exchange for one portion of fresh pop corn, I paid coffee bags, frozen minced meat, alcool etc. ONLY with American dollars). Before going to Cuba, I was told to only bring Canadian money and I was very happy for having changed CDN into 100 one dollar bills. The American dollar is still KING in Cuba, sorry. Paying with Cdn money is possible buy they will charge you more for the item since our Cdn dollar isn't worth much internationally. I brought a large suitcase filled with goodies, 2 bags of dry milk (white gold for most Cubans), a few bags of mixed dry beans, tons of lollypops, chocolates (large and mini bars), medication of all sorts and EVERYTHING was appreciated. If I go back, I'm taking mostly self-rising flour, dry milk, beans and chocolates, and OH YES, small toys for very young children (mini cars for boys and mini dolls for girls, you ask people if they have children and they'll tell you, I speak Spanish, so it helps).
Who do I give these things to when I get to the resort?
@@LesleyChapman02 I usually study the behavior of the employees, I pick the most humble people (at first they all look humble but some are especially graceful, shy etc...). I noticed that the pretty people receive more gifts, so if there is a waitress that hasn't won the lottery as far as looks are concerned, well she wins my jackpot lol... I often pick employees who only wash floors and not rooms (room cleaning ladies get way more than even doctors in Cuba). The gardener or the guy who takes care of the garbage, young women (they usually have young children)... I speak Spanish so I can ask questions, which really helps... The important thing is to have fun, share your wealth and come back a proud tourist. ;o)
@@karenmiernicki9981 good job!
@@karenmiernicki9981 what chocolate brands/types did you bring and how did you keep it from melting? Also, when you give the stuff to the locals do you do it in front of other locals or when there’s no one else around? Lastly, if you’re tipping a tour guide with stuff can you hand him/her a small gift bag? I’m trying to imagine how to do this without being rude, lol.
@@ttest1682 No chocolate melted. From Canada into my large suitcase as well as last minute chocolates purchased at the airport departure day. Types of chocolate: Lindt large chocolate bars, mini kit-kat, normal size Crunchy, Kit-Kat, every type of chocolate (20 bars = $20+ CDN), but Lindt is more like $3 a bar. Day one, I start sharing my bars, if there are 2 girls washing public washrooms, they each get one, I try to be discrete, I don't talk loud to make a big show. I haven't been on tours so no gift there, but the bus driver who drives us from the airport to hotel gets a large chocolate bar or chocolate covered raisins and perhaps also a shirt if I have one with me. There are men picking up garbage on the streets early morning, you don't have to talk at all, just hand them a toothbrush and something to eat like a small bag of dry lentils, beans, sugar or chocolate bar or can of sardines... the world is the limit, they need everything, nothing goes to waste.
Thank you for this video. I’m currently in Cuba, I brought some clothes, toiletries, crayons and colouring books. I think they don’t have baby wipes, a waitress asked where I got my Huggies baby wipes. I think baby items and clothing will be essential. They were all appreciative with the stuff I gave. I’m checking to see what else I can give from my luggage since I didn’t bring very much. I gave my pack of bandaids too. Whatever I can give I guess.
Not sure if I want to pick and choose who gets what, can’t I bring items to a church or something and they could distribute it better than me? I hate to think I choose who gets free stuff and who doesn’t. I’d rather someone there on the ground do that.
I’m bringing flip flops 🩴 for the kids and Tylenol travel pack tubes to give as gifts. I will be tipping with US dollars 💵 as well. It’s all inclusive but I’m still tipping. 😍🇨🇺
Hi Jose, thank you first for making these videos. You do a great job!!!
On TripAdvisor, so many reviews say not to bring US dollars to use as tips. Our friends say they are needed for buying stuff not available in stores. If this is still the case, please let everyone know because that's what we bring and it is appreciated greatly! Thank you
Thank you. In my opinion you can bring both USD or CAD or any other currencies.
The USD can't be used to buy in the stores, but people can sell them super easy and they have a high rate in comparison with the CAD, then they can buy MLC to buy in the stores.
So, USD are fine.
I plan to bring a full equiped bicycle with air pump, extra brakes, extra tires, rear and front bags, extra tire air chambers, flashlight. And a repair tool kit. Do you think it will be usefull?
Thanks,l just came back from Cuba,l am going for 25 years there are very good people please go and take a little.thank you.
i know this is over a year old but i find this still useful and have shared it with Cuba groups on Facebook.
i hope you come back and do more videos if time allows.
Good job! I'll bring something to give to Cuban soon. Your list is amazing and of great help. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this honest video, you seem to have a very good heart. We’ll bring some of this stuff while visiting your country all the way from Poland. ❤
Thank you so much!
Canadian here
Welcome!! I'm glad I can help 😁
Hi there, pads and tampons are great! They always appreciate them. Facewash and lotions are great too.
The husband and I are going to Cuba march 5th this was very helpful thank you
Thank you for this video! My family and I will be visiting Cuba in a few months and will definitely bring some of the things from you list.
This was very informative
My last trip to cuba I had gone to the second hand store a bought up all the children's sandles, they were much appreciated
Jose
What about items that are required... Please post a list.
Going to Cuba in a couple weeks and had a rough list but these specifics are so helpful. Thank you!
Where did you go and how was your trip? I'm going to Viñales and Havana in January 2024.
Hi José
I am going to Havana the end of May 2023. I am taking at least 2 suit cases full of clothes and other items.
How and where can I distribute them?
Do you know any poor villages next to Havana that I can bring the clothes to?
Or should I take them to à Church?
Please let me know.
Gracias mi hermano. Es muy importante.
I go to Cuba every year and bring school supplies, slippers, toiletries, and hair ties, and definitely medical supplies and clothing. I give them to the locals they appreciate everything you give them.
About the hygiene products, you could check with your family/friend if you are not traveling soon, you Know in Cuba everything changes super fast.
How can I send a package/pallet together with a bunch of goods over to Cuba? I would like to do if there is one way to do it, even if it has to be sent out from Mexico. I would appreciate if anyone has any advise on this.
CAUTION !! Great video Jose. thanks for updating us tourists ..
I must warn people though that when you fill out the Paper work on the plane,, it asks what is the value of items bringing into Cuba as gifts..
You are only allowed $50 .. anything more and you have to pay Import Tax on it .. dollar for dollar..
I brought an extra suitcase of gifts and declared its value at $200 .... I had to pay $150 to bring it in and give it away .. Best just to put in $0 and hope they don't question the extra suitcase .
I understand that you can do paperwork in advance and declare Humanitarian Relief items .. but no one plans that far ahead.
Anyway.. thanks for the video .. great job
Yes I remember filling that paperwork out...they never checked what I had but you don't want to lie or get busted...But we were several in our group and each had about that amount, included used goods. (ie: used clothing/shoes, etc) And I always get 100 dollars in $1.00 bills.... and for the cleaning staff for our rooms, I left money every day along with lipstick, something for their hair, and maybe a deodorant (man or woman) and/or the next day I'd switch it up, something for a child, and still money with the items, and always had great service and room spotless...even the guy that came in and re-stoked my fridge I'd leave a little something in the fridge for him (note left for him in case he didn't think he should take it) :)
Medications needed? Is there still a high need/shortage for asthma medications: puffers? High rate of asthma in Cuba?
I was just in Havana, I brought a lot of toothpaste, toothbrush, soap and Kleenex….. gavel them to the locals and they were very thankful…
Thanks Jose! Appreciate you mentioning that hygiene products aren't really needed now. There was a while when the factory was shut down and it was really bad, but I'm glad I don't need to weigh myself down with that stuff now!
Welcome! Yes, like I said in my town (that has only a couple stores) they always have soap, deodorant, usually tooth paste. Shampoo not always, but in Santa Clara they do have it! It costs around 7 dollars which is more expensive than the ones that we usually buy, but at least there are some offers
@@josesvlog Americans have a lot of these things in their house that they aren't going to use. It's easier for them to just bring it and give it away than waste time buying inferior products for high prices in Cuba.
Very useful video. Thank you.
Thank you ✨
Thank you , very helpful, am always wondering what is best to bring or if what I do bring is useful.
I’m going to Varedero in a week what would be the most beneficial items
The cordless fan and mosquito nets were good ideas I also heard battery packs or electric generator for charging phones or fan
Great ideas, thank you!
Where can I bring these items in Havana? Church? What about a orphanage?
Thanks dear for sharing your videos. Very useful. Good luck.
Excellent video! Informative!!!
jose buenas tardes, oye una pregunta. al entrar a cuba no te cuitan las cosas que llevas?
Hi Jose
I was wondering if a boat owner could go and bring products into Cuba.
My understanding is, merchandise only goes by airplane and the fee is 8 dollars per kilo or more.
Can it be done?
Hi Jose. I am planning to visit Cuba this year, what’s the best way to contact you?
Thanks. These videos have been a huge help.
I GO TO cuba soon and have many gifts for kids. But I have a cell phone I want to bring. What must i do so it can be used in Cuba?
This is very helpful!
Hi Jose nice video I will be going in Holquin next month this will be my second time in Cuba 2020 I went in Santiago de Cuba and my wife and I brought a lot of clothes , some shoes , personal hygienes products and some electronics it will be the same thing next month I am already starting to put together whatever I can fit in my luggage without getting over weight I give most of the stuff to the locals that live outside the resort and it really touches my heart when I hear their stories , I met a guy in Bacanao who was using the same needle everyday to do his insulin shot and it just really break my heart , Thank you for sharing your thoughts , Dios los bendiga .
Aww thank you. I really appreciate people who's willing to help. Indeed, they appreciate everything a lot. 💗
Hi Jose I hope you are well , as I've mentioned I will be in Holquin next month and if you don't mind can you please clarify to me a little bit about the currency at present there in Cuba I understand CUC does not exist anymore so what would you suggest the best currency that I should always have with me is it C$ or CUP and will you recommend to the black market exchange than in the bank thank you .
@@bumblebeejazz1 The CUC doesn't exist anymore. It's better to bring Canadians or Euros, and maybe some USD for tips (cause CAD doesn't have coins). You will need some CUP too, it's better to exchange them in the black market or with people you know. Don't exchange too many, cause most restaurants and places accept other currencies!
Hello
How do you distribute the items?
I agree, very useful video, José, thank you! I was surprised you didn't mention food item's (duty-free still, I think). I bought canned tuna last time, and coffee. But I hear powder milk, sauces, spices, are also in demand. What do you think?
Thank you. It depends on where you are going, I didn't mention food cause for example in my town you get almost everything, you just need the money (and it's not cheap).
Powder milk is a good idea, specially for kids, in Cuba it costs more than 600 pesos for around 1 pound of milk.
I suggest you to join Facebook groups of sales, just search "Revolico" and the name of the city, you will see all that you can get in Cuba and the prices.
@@josesvlog thanks again José!
Do you know anything about getting the airlines to allow extra baggage for humanitarian reasons??
Hi! I'm not sure about that! Sorry :(
WestJet USED to allow a 2nd bag free if declared as humanitarian aid but not sure about now. Most other airlines require an extra fee for additional bags. If they ask you what the extra bag is for and you tell them it's full of gifts make sure to declare the value at $50 or under or they'll nail you import fees.
Hello Jose
The video you made are very interesting :)
I have a question, The Cuban preferd to have canadian money ou Cuban pesos for tip ?
The canadian money it is possible to the cuban people to exchage it at the bank or to buy somme things at the store?
tank's
Hello! It's better the Canadian. It can be used to but in the MLC stores, it can also be sold in exchange for cuban pesos.
Canadian is accepted but NO COINS, loonies and toonies are useless to them. I usually hit a bank before I go and grab a bunch of US 1's and 5's for tips, they prefer US or Euros if given the choice.
US dollars are the best !
Been going for 30 years … take small denominations 🇨🇦
Canadian paper money …no loonie or toonie
Thanks for the list of medications!
Thank u for making this video, I'm going Cuba from Canada March 4th, so I will ......
Yeahhh, they ( the Cuban people) really appreciate anything. I couldn't give away enough. These people are dirt poor . Its so disheartening.
65 years of communism, a tragedy!!!
If one is staying at a resort, what is best way to get needed items, to people who actually need it?
I would recommend to go out of the hotel. You can give away things to anyone in the streets, they won't get mad
Hello Sheila, the ‘customer facing’ staff at resorts get all the goodies - daily gifts left on the bed for the maids, weekly gifts for wait staff as you arrive or as a thank you when you leave .... 52 times a year as each week’s guests come and go. After my first few trips I started now to the ground staff, who are supposed to be invisible I guess and whose biggest dreams are to be gifted toothpaste or deodorant. Seriously. So I take a dozen brushes and a dozen toothpastes each time. And toys ... everyone you meet will have kids or family kids or neighbour kids or village kids. I spent a small fortune in 2018 on second hand Barbie dolls when I heard that little girls would line up at recess to have a turn holding the doll one lucky child had. You would have thought I was giving a kidney when I gave them out. Not about me, just mentioning the need is beyond what you can guess.
What about food and candy for kids?
Can one bring canned meat like SPAM?
How much CAD worth on black market and how much USD ?
The USD is around 170 right now. I'm not sure about the CAD but with the rate of the dollar you have an idea
@@josesvlog I’m coming to Varadero in April
I am Cuban American and I left Cuba when I was 3 years old and I haven't returned.This is the reason why communist continues in Cuba with these stupid little trips. Stop asking for items & money and start asking for liberty !! 🗽 And become a civilized country.
#NoTravelToCuba🇨🇺 #CubaEstadoFallido🇨🇺
#AbajoLaDictaduraCastroCanel
#PatriaVidaYLibertad
Homeland Life and Freedom is what the Cuban🇨🇺 people need
Please stop bringing loonies and toonies!!! Tip in America 1 dollar bills or 5 canadian!!!
democracy
America needs that too, ha ha
Not just the illusion of democracy.