Travelling to Varadero Cuba (4K) Scams to Avoid (Rackets & Scandals)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- Thinking of travelling to Varadero Cuba? I'll show you what to avoid in the most common rackets, scandals and scams you might encounter.
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#varadero #cuba #scams
I've been to Cuba 10 times and not one of these things happened to me. I actually left my iPhone in one of the cabs and the server in the restaurant took me to the driver's house and I recovered my cell without a problem. Cubans are some of the best people you'll ever meet. I've made dozens of friends in the island and visited their humble homes. I will probably visit it 10 more times bc it's so safe. Even in Havana I go everywhere with no fear. I felt safer in Cuba than Puerto Rico, Colombia, Argentina and Chile.
just got back from there, lost phone in a cab, never got it back
I've been to Cuba 7 times, spending 2 months at a time staying with locals in centro Havana and all over the country. I've had most of these either happen to me or been attempted on me. The more time I've spent there and the more Spanish I've learned, the less I've been a potential scam victim. The milk scam happened on my first day in Havana on calle Obispo and although I didn't go into the store with her to buy the milk, I think I gave her a cuc or two...
Noticed that Cubans are different, cynical but can you blame them, I sense a disdain for tourists
@@css7059 They actually welcome and love tourists but they're dirt poor and need extra money just for basics. That's why anyone visiting the country should avoid staying in hotels (where the revenue does not benefit the people), but stay with the locals and eat at least breakfast with them. This puts the money straight into their pockets. If you're hustled off the street to follow them home for a great cooked meal, do it. This benefits them directly and raises them out of poverty. The worst thing you can do is stay at an all-inclusive resort in Varadero which is the furthest thing away from the authentic Cuban experience...😉
Great anecdotal experience! Simply because it didn’t happen to you means nothing!
Leaving in 48 hours for our 21st trip to Cuba. Been all over the island. Made friends with cubans everywhere. They invited us to diner in their homes and wanted nothing in return(would we do the same here?) Just our friendship. I'm still friend's with cubans I met 15 years ago. We are from Canada and Cuba is just as safe as Canada. I do speak a little italian and spanish (actually cuban spanish). Respect them and they will respect you.
I agree 100% I have been coming to Cuba for years. I just love it in Cuba and I have never worried about anything! I have always been safe.. I always use USA dollars!
Right on. I use to visit back in 90s before cell phones and videos. Traveling was so raw and distant.
Been there over 30 times, and honestly Cuban people are very vey very honest, obviously like anywhere in this world just be careful but not more, those people are really nice. I never had any issues with those great people,
I've never experience any of it and been there many times. I do agree with changing your money when you arrive. Like any place you would travel, you do your research and watch your stuff make sure your tip well be kind and everything will go well.
Been to Cuba numerous times and never had this happen. Was always treated well
I'm a Cuban who has worked in tourism and unfortunately everything he said is true. I could even add the "cool tour guides" in Havana.
A cup of coffee for 5-6 cuc?! That’s ridiculous! *walks into Starbucks*
Lol
5:10 I was at Plaza Americas in Varadero and had to use a bathroom. There are like 4 or so between the upper and lower levels but they are all locked (closed) except for one bathroom downstairs. You go in and enter a stall to find the toilet lid closed with a garbage bin on top. No problem. A quick check for toilet paper but there is none, so you check the next stall. Same thing. As well as the third. No paper. So you walk out and there are two girls sitting there and if you ask them for toilet paper they try to ration you out some. So now you have limited wipes? I insisted on the roll and went back in. As you exit they make it quite clear they want you to pay for the paper you used by pointing to their jar. Toilet paper, in Cuba is now extortion paper.
lol, very funny. Why not just go back in the water? Kids pee and poop in water all the time at public places
It is the same in Havana International Airport with the bathrooms and toilet paper. 🤣
Te limpiaste o aún sigues embarrado? 🤣
I bring wipies, soap and tp in my backpack when I travel to 3rd world countries. I tip anyhow.
I’m Canadian I used to be married to a Cuban this is absolutely true I love the island but these people will scam you for anything this is a great video thank u!!
These people comments is probably why you aren't married anymore
Cuban-tourist marriage scam?
You get scammed in Panama, Mexico, Peru and other countries as well. So it's not a thing that will happen in Cuba only. You will get scammed in the US even more.
He didn’t scam you , he only married you for the visa , you should’ve known that , hope you learned your lesson
@@kennybasaez7202 exactly 🇨🇦🇨🇦
Been in Cuba in 1993 already and must say Cubans were the nicest people on earth. At that time the only thing offered at the beach were invitations to private home restaurants where you could have a 3 courses dinner with delicious lobster for as little as 5 bucks.
Great time and fantastic people.
Went back in 1997 and could already feel some changes ( fake cigars fake rhum....)
I have been to varadaro cuba several times . I have never been scammed , nor my family . Cuba is the most safest place to holiday in . Beautiful people who do their best to make your holiday a great experience . Nobody ever asked us for tips , or gifts . But of course we always tipped the hotel workers . I hope your video doesn't turn off people from experiencing the joy of cuba and it's beautiful people . I give you a thumbs down !
I know its a given to check anything out. We've never had any problems.
I'm currently in Cuba, (Varadero), and yes, much of what he says rings true. This video is 4 years old now and Cuba no longer has the convertible peso, so currency exchange isn't a necessary evil. I would add though, one more scam to this list, that being the "tour guide" on your bus from the airport to the resort, trying to sell you Cuban pesos for your western currency. DONT DO IT!!!! US & Canadian dollars (and Euros & British Pounds) are widely accepted here and the locals DO NOT WANT pesos. So don't fall for that scam on the bus ride to your hotel.
Other than that, enjoy your holiday down here. 🙂👍
That's true the currency has changed. I will do another video on the next trip. Thanks for the added tips.
Awesome video and tips for Cuba! Thanks so much!
Great info for travelers. Being prepared is half the battle.
Was just there, didn't experience any locals trying to pick pocket or target me for wearing my baseball jersey. Way safer than Mexico, Jamaica or Dominican. We did experience the car driver dropping us at restaurant for lunch and I realized we were, charged too much for our meal, but in Havana not a good idea to kick up a fuss.
4 to eat for 95 CUC. Paid it, learned our lesson. As a whole Cuba is much safer. As a tourist, caution is a must anywhere you go.
Paris is a joke. Good video though, well done.
Great tips! Brought back so many great memories of Cuba when I visited before lockdown this year 2020.
Wow. Just WOW. He has to be the unluckiest guy in the world!! I’ve being going there for years. Not ONCE have I been scamed, ripped off or robbed!? I guess if you looking for negatives. You’ll find them. A proud people. A different way of life. Music everywhere. So much fun. Probably my favourite place on Earth. I really like this review in the sense it will keep people who fear travelling away from paradise.
PS he’s right about the cigars though.
I'm Cuban but I 've been living in Chicago for 18 years, so I have to say for those people who are thinking about traveling to my Country, it's a beautiful country with a lot of nice places to visit like beaches, museums, aquarium, etc etc ,and the price for eating ,buying, rent a classic car depends where you go ,cause if you choose Varadero for example is going to be a little bit more expensive than if you select any other place in Havana City, I recently went to Cuba to visit my family and I was in Tropicoco Beach and after that my husband and me were in a Paladar close from Bacuranao Beach and we invited to my mom, my stepfather and the cab's driver ,so 5 people was eating there for just 50 dollars ,my husband said omg it's so cheap here ,I want to come back soon .jajajaja, lol 😆. Note: It depends where you go in Cuba 🇨🇺 ❤️
I go every year to Chiverico in the south of Cuba … very small hotel and I know everyone almost ! Very relaxing and not too expensive. 🇨🇦💕🇨🇺
Hi Tatiana, I`m appreciated so much your post ! I`m from Brazil, I`gonna to Cuba next month. Where do you recommend me to change USD to cuban cash ? Thanks so much ! Pedro
Very helpful, thanks!
Very well captured. I recently had a trip to Varadero and experienced most of the scams explained by you. I wish I had seen your TH-cam video before going to Cuba. During our Havana city trip, our tour guide took us to restaurant (La Guarida, Havana) for lunch and to my shock, the bill was CAD$145 for 3 persons. I should have done proper checking of the bill before paying but trusted my guide. Also, I figured out later that my guide charged me more than the normal rate for Havana city tour..... Anyhow, lessons learned.
A lot has changed since the time of this video as you know. I will be going back to Cuba in 3 weeks I will also do another updated video! Thanks for watching!
Be cautious
See you hanging out by the starfish, solid hotel stayed their last time , can walk to a lot of the bars from their one across the street is nice the Beatles bar is a few min away, and theirs a bar with no roof with all you can drink for a cover at the door, lot of local men at that one though with a security metal detector wand felt like I was back home for a second sketchy , but otherwise felt very safe everywhere else
Heading to Varadero on April 6th, it will be my second time in Varadero but different resort this time. I don't think that I'll be leaving the resort this time around though with my 6 month old twins 😂
Thank you for the very helpful information. Me, my daughter and granddaughter will be traveling there on Saturday, June 13, 2020, staying for a week. So, girls only. I really needed this info. Thanks again.
Thank you Jeff for those great tips.
Ive been threw all these streets been to cuba twice i know the area extremly well
I have big argument with a guy with a horse and buggy he told us all of us like exam $5 and then when we finish he's on $5 each and every big argument with him I didn't pay him
Thanks for watching!
i love that hotel stayed twice bruno the entertainer !!!!! Beatle bar yeahhhhhhhhhh
thanks brought back memories
Thank you brother for your advice. I also like to stay at Baecelo Solymar your video brought me back memories
Yeahs for sure! That was a fairly fun resort all depending on the crowd there at the time! Thanks so much for watching!
I went to Varadero back in February, was in a group of 4 and we took a ride on those horse carriages... price was agreed that it was $10 for everyone to get from one side of the town to the other side (to the big market) and back to where we got in initially... on the ride back he pulled off on a side street and tried to say $10 per person... wasn’t able to swindle us
What the guy in the video is saying is all true but $10 per person is pretty cheap, the guy didn't scam you, you scammed the poor guy.
@@guayabito6946 it was a group of 4 so it would’ve been $40 for a short distance travel, what I’m saying is the cab driver originally said $10 for all 4 of us, but went back on his word and said $10 a person
Horses must use up a lot of gas in Cuba.
Same thing happened to us in 2012 haha same story
Been to Cuba 9 times and never had those problems.
I've been to Cuba 8 times and I guess I was the lucky one cause none of these things happened to me. Cubans are the kindest and nicest people I've ever met (the ones I've met at least) But,I will be mindful and remember your list of scams so it won't happen to me.
I unwittingly blew my nose in public without knowing the handkerchief police were hiding behind a tree.
They took me in for questioning and forced me to give them my hanky as evidence. I was fond of that hanky.
Re expensive jewelry, etc. That goes for everywhere, not only Cuba. Re the water, same in most third world countries, even in Italy. I have been to Cuba many times but I go on packages and tours from the resort. People in most islands think you are rich and will charge you more for everything. I will stick to resort trips and shows arranged by them. Thanks for tips, though. To be honest, a lot of things you said apply to many countries/islands. It happens everywhere. I still feel more comfortable in Cuba on my own than in many of the islands and Mexico. I have always been treated with respect. I travel a lot and maybe I know that there are certain things you do and don't do. When the old regime was in full power and the punishment was severe, all these things did not take place. Some Cubans are now like the people in the rest of the world. I still enjoy my visits and I have seen most of the island. Maybe somebody should do a video on the positive things about the island and there are many.
Absolutely a positive video would be great to do and I would do one. I love Cuba and it is very safe!
Your money has to be in perfect condition when exchanging at Jose Marti airport in Havana.
They won’t accept any notes with the slightest of tears. So make sure your notes are in perfect condition.
This is very true! New video on Cuba coming within a month. I'm going back there in 3 weeks. Thanks for watching!
most of the advice is common sense, i live there part time near by varadero... also for cigars you are allowed fifty cigars without a official receipt, and always ask for one as cashier can add a little tip to the price and without knowing till its too late. i've never heard of counterfeit money . most cubans are well hearted and very well know that tourist are key to their prosperity as there is little employment other than tourism that pays as well if at all. im not sure how much time you actually spent in cuba, i suggest you go enjoy the beach and a nice mojito .
I wonder if he means with the cuc and cup?
I always prepare 10 to 15 gift packages: Axe deodorant, Axe spray perfume, shaving cream, razors, toothpaste and toothbrush for men and women get Advils, tampons, bandaids, wet towelettes, deodorant, good quality soap and toothpase/toothbrush. They are grateful since it's nearly impossible for them to get those items. Money is of no use if the goods are hard to find
We've been to Cuba over 14 times. Never had one issue. Sorry for your luck
So basically don’t trust anyone on your vacation… got it 😂🤦🏻♀️
Thanks for the tips, very useful
A lot of these “scams” have never happened to me and I’ve been there around 20 times so not sure where you’ve been travelling.
Same as me, but many people I know have gone through these.
I used to bring all kinds of gifts but I think they love money first before gifts
Hi Jeff, I liked so much yours Cuba reviews. I`m gonna to there next week. There are a lot of youtube videos record by Cuban citizen. Most of then discuss about a country with social problems. But, my worry it`s about the tourism purpose. I booked good hotels at Havanna (Iberostar Parque Central) and Varadero (Iberostar Laguna Azul). What you think about this situation ? In these places do we have a good assistance ? (e.g. pharmacy - if, I needed, internet broadcast etc.) ? Thank you so much ! Congrats for the channel !
I stayed at Laguna Azul many years ago it was a nice resort. I don't have any videos though of it. You will have a great time in Havana and Varadero! Internet is much better compared to many years ago I was surprised. 1080 Streaming not so good but 720 worked well. Thanks For Watching!
Ladies love makeup and stockings ft gifts. But also food and supplies.
That is true! Thanks for adding that in for us! Thanks for the support!
Bic lighters, scrunchies, MLB hats, marvel/Disney gear for kids and colored pencils go a long way.
If you see Chicago cubs gear on clearance at home, bring it. The C logo like cuba and the same colors as the flag are attractive to the men. Mets and Yankees too because Chapman and Cespedes are heroes.
I’ve been traveling to Cuba for 30 yrs,and never been scammed or never had any problems!cuba is the safest country in the world! Viva Varadero viva cuba!
If you like live Cuban music and know the names of the many great cuban bands like Los Van Van, Havana de Primera, La Reve, Paulito Fg, Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco, etc.. you may find advertisement claiming said artists will play live that night, many times It's a trick to sell tickets and fill the venue. Some other band lesser known ends up playing instead
Thanks for the information 👍
I always bring like 10 boxes of cigar no problem with custom when I get back to Miami . Easy as that I was born in Cuba , raise in a Texas , USA
I had £1200 stolen as I went through immigration! Once outside and in my hotel I realised it was missing. My wallet was in the outside pocket of my hand luggage. Be careful
Omg and that's unlikely for Cuba but yes I guess opportunity awaits any country.
Don't place any flame items in your carry on such as lighters It'll be taken away
when traveling i always carry a fake extra wallet. it will contain a few dollars and some meaningless cards. keep your real wallet hidden in an inside zippered pocket and the fake wallet in a front pant pocket. so pick pocketers or muggers do not get your real wallet
That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing that! Thanks for watching!
We drank the water at varadero ....no problemo...
U did not mention too many frogs from Qc
Thanks!
I enjoyed your video
My wife, daughter and I are going to Cuba this upcoming week for the March break, for the first time.
this looks like a fun place to vacation to!! now i really wanna go after watching this
I have a friend in Cuba that I get to buy everything for me at local prices including exchanging money for me
Cuban prices are totally different. My friend was married to a Cuban girl before so I got to see that pricing side! Totally different. Thanks for watching and supporting!
thank you for the video ,great info.we are visiting there soon , with your experience do you thing is that safe to hair a car and driving a round ?thank you again
I'd love to visit Varadero. ❤️ This video sure helps. 👍
Great information
Hotel staff try to ask you for money to get hotel-airport shuttle. Included in your trip. Cuban state charges $25 USD traveling out of the resort & returning back home.
I don't really blame them for trying to get money, it seems very hard to earn money when everything is so cheap
I agree as well. They gotta do what they can to survive or get ahead!
The reason it is very hard for them to earn money is not because "everything is so cheap". The reason is because of a communist government which does not allow any private businesses. Pretty much everything is state run, and those hotels you frequent are owned directly by the military. So by staying there you are supporting the oppression of the Cuban people.
So oppressed that they have free education and healthcare
CUBA.ES.UN.PAIS.DE.SEGURIDAD.4.VECES.Y.NUNCA.E.TENIDO.NINGUN.TIPO.DE.PROBLEMAS.ME.E.SENTIDO.MUY.SEGURA.
I've been there for 5years, never ever once had anything like this happen to me or somebody I know
You don't believe that yourself. Cuba is the country of the "scam"
I am 🇨🇺 and I think you are not okay on you video, we are very friendly people, and about the comments you make on tabaco, you know that any sigar en cuba is good,,cuba have the best tabaco on the world 🌎
Born and raised there, been 27 seven years and counting without coming back, I don't miss it, absolute no mortal owns nothing but the goverment.
If you found what you think is an store owner, he then is a figurehead from same goverment elite.
The best way to avoid someone asking you for money etc .. is to wait until they get ready to ask you for something cut them off and ask them to borrow a dollar or give you a cigarette while calling them nephew 💯💪🏻
You must ba an American, because I think you are full of it!!! I have been to Cuba several times and always found them to be warm, welcoming and genuine people.
Stop doing click bait..... and putting down this beautiful country and it's people.
Remember there's no toilet paper for the cooks and waitresses and hygiene is not good but always bring a 2506 shirt for a great trip
Exchange your money with the local Cubans. Much better rate than at the airport, or any bank.
Thanks For The Tip! Thanks For Watching!
This seems to be a very charming place, I hope I can visit sometime in the future when all this is over. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much! And please keep up the great job! Subscribed!!
I talked politics a lot with everyone I met. I was curious about Cuban politics and they had a lot of questions about American politics.
These are all absolutely true. Especially the beach one where they sell you things that are way too over priced when you can get the exact same thing at a local market. For gifts they love the Toronto Blue Jay's so they love Blue Jay Merch down there.
Thanks for input yes that's true! Those gifts are great for tipping the staff and maids as well!
If you go to Acapulco they would try to sell you over priced items. Is like that in many places.
We bring sunglasses and Jewelry down. they're so appreciative.
We also bring medical supplies.
toothpaste, soap and sanitary pads are good gifts to bring and candy and chocolate
Yes those are all good gifts to bring for sure!
Number 2 tip is pulled by a number of restaurants in the US. Had it tried on us more than once on I drive Orlando
I drink bottled water but I also drink beer with the ice and never had gotten sick
Buddy , all that beautiful sun shine and you looking like Powder down there .
The water part is so true. Got sick for about a week.
Did you get sick of the hotel food?
@@abc-jm2zq nope. I stayed in an Airbnb though & ate out at restaurants every meal bc it was dirt cheap. Do not buy water from ppl you see selling it on the streets. They reuse water bottles over and over and over. Only stick to restaurants or hotels
Thank you for the tips
great video, thank for sharing about your life, love your channel and always support your channel, my friend
I do not consider them scammers. The people are economically disadvantaged. I enjoy giving whatever money I have to them. I do not care if they charge me more. Anywhere in the world I go, I donate money to organizations and I pay more to the locals. If you can not afford to travel to challenged countries, stay home.
Best vid on the place, seem like nice friendly scammers.
I wish someone would provide a tip about the currency! If you have CUC which you haven't used during your previous trip, what to do with them now that they have switched to CUP?!!
They are great to burn for fire starter. They have 0 value now.
@@TravelFun69 Great! Thanks.
@@maryamerfani5249 No problem
wow theres so many scams !!! i would like to know scams in thailand if i ever able to go lol
Hi I like your video and I want to go to Cuba
Some information that can protect someone from scam, good that you said about it!
Informative but I would never exchange my money at the airport. You’ll get twice as much in town.
This guy acting like he’s a Cuba pro and he know so much he’s just a tourist who thinks he knows it all
Cuba does not take any cards linked to US banks or US cash. You will have to buy Euro, GDP, Mex Pesos, Yen cash in your own country and then exchange to pesos at Cuban bank or Cadeca at airports and always negotiate taxi fare in the taxi has no meter. Take the yellow taxis are the cheapest rates.
So Basically same as anywhere else in the world.
Wow great video Jeff. I’ve been to cuba 10 th times and all the stuff you mention is so true about scamming us tourist ..... i even got offered for prostitute girls. Not women. Under age girls. Other than that. You will have a great vacation if we all avoid these problem. ...
we had a great time none of this crap is true. maybe if you are american, but the people are very decent generally. use your wits!
when you come back to the airport from the bus the bus people tutorial you have to leave your money here because 6 months from now the money is going to be changed and your money
Thanks for watching!
Always scams when you travel!
Another great travel video, Jeff. Keep them coming!
is it common to haggle ! or do they find it offensive . genuine question on vacation there in march 24.
We ended up with fake ones! The guy want 100 Canadian.. we got him down to 60 however but the cigars were terrible lol 😂 lesson learned
thank you Toretto
Thanks so much for watching!
The scam about cigars 🤣 it's true 😂 so watch out and be careful where and from whom you buy cigars 😜
Buying items or accepting services offered in public. Invitation for trouble!
This is good information. I've never been, so wouldn't have known.
blessing my bro