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We are planning a trip to veradero cuba, this is our very first trip, thinking of doing the tour to Havana, if anyone has been would like a little info on whether it is worth while, how long is the tour usually, and what is there to see and do, and also any other exciting things we should see and do in veradero?

Try to rent a cottage instead of a room. A little more money but worth it.

My ex wife and I went to Varadero several times. It is a great vacation. We have done the Havana tour and it is ok if you like to be on a schedule. I believe it is about $99 a person and it's a full day. They also do a Havana/Tropicana over night trip, think it's about $225ish each. A better option is to just take the local bus to Havana and walk around, it's pretty easy to get around the touristy areas. Bus trips are $10 and leaves a couple times a day and returns. Also you can talk to a few of the cab drivers around the strip in Varadero who would drive you there and back. Depending on how many people you have should be able to get a ride there and back for $100-150. Make sure they speak good English if your Spanish is not good. Hiring a car is a lot better then the bus tour as the bus stops at all the tourist trap spots and you get to spend only as much time as they allot. The also take you to the restaurant they get a cut at. A driver will take you where ever you want to go and for how long you want. Also they can help translate for you. If you decide to try the local bus there are lots of places you can see. Santiago, Trinadad, Santa Clara to name just a few. There is a bus schedule online you can check out, has prices too. If you want to stay over night in some of these towns look up Casa Particular's. They range from $25 -35 a night and basically renting out of the locals house. They are all government controlled and very safe also a wonderful way to learn some Cuban culture. Have fun.  
 
 
 
Edited by GuyR, 2015-08-05 14:05:22

if you are in a hotel many of the workers will take you on an escorted trip on their days off, they are reasonably priced and will cater the trip to what you want to see,that is what id recommend

Thank you for all the info, that helps a lot as when we where told about the bus tour it was an all day and evening thing

We took a private one day tour of Havana through "Cuban Connection Tour" - you can check them out on their website or on tripadvisor. The tour was really interesting and we enjoyed it a great deal. Was nice to have our own driver and guide instead of being shuttled around with a large group!

We befriended a bellboy who spoke very good English. We hired him to be our guide. He had a friend with a nice vintage car/taxi and toured us around Havana and a few other places. We got to meet his family and a few other locals and it was nice way to see true culture as opposed to the tourist view.  
 
Before you leave fill half a suitcase with toys and school supplies from the dollar store. Used clothes, especially baby/kid clothes are really appreciated.

Just FYI.... you can't buy Cuban money in Canada. They take US $$ , You have to go to a bank there to get Cuban currency. You also have to have $70. in Cuban funds to pay a tax when you leave.You are not allowed to take ANY Cuban money out of the country.

braid said "Just FYI.... you can't buy Cuban money in Canada. They take US $$ , You have to go to a bank there to get Cuban currency. You also have to have $70. in Cuban funds to pay a tax when you leave.You are not allowed to take ANY Cuban money out of the country. "

There is nothing correct in this entire post.  
 
DO NOT take US cash unless you want it to be taxed with a 10% penalty. Even though the US and Cuba are in the middle of their talks it is still better to exchange Canadian money. Best rate is at the bank and you will need your passport. Or you can use the Cambios (money exchanges) or as a last resort your hotel might exchange it but the rate will not be good. The worst rate is at the airport so try to avoid that. They have also been known to short change you at the airport.  
 
You need 25 cuban CUC to leave. That is all the will accept is cuban convertible's so be sure to set aside your $25 exit tax.  
 
Lastly you take all the Cuban money you want out of the Country but it is absolutely useless anywhere other then Cuba as the Cuban convertible peso is not a traded currency. It's just for tourists.  
 
Oh and you can use a credit card in some places. However it has to be a Canadian based card obviously (ie. TD Visa) and they usually take a 3% charge on for this service. Best bet is cash if you can.  
 
Edited by GuyR, 2015-08-06 20:03:04

GuyR said "    braid said "Just FYI.... you can't buy Cuban money in Canada. They take US $$ , You have to go to a bank there to get Cuban currency. You also have to have $70. in Cuban funds to pay a tax when you leave.You are not allowed to take ANY Cuban money out of the country. " There is nothing correct in this entire post.     DO NOT take US cash unless you want it to be taxed with a 10% penalty. Even though the US and Cuba are in the middle of their talks it is still better to exchange Canadian money. Best rate is at the bank and you will need your passport. Or you can use the Cambios (money exchanges) or as a last resort your hotel might exchange it but the rate will not be good. The worst rate is at the airport so try to avoid that. They have also been known to short change you at the airport.     You need 25 cuban CUC to leave. That is all the will accept is cuban convertible's so be sure to set aside your $25 exit tax.     Lastly you take all the Cuban money you want out of the Country but it is absolutely useless anywhere other then Cuba as the Cuban convertible peso is not a traded currency. It's just for tourists.     Oh and you can use a credit card in some places. However it has to be a Canadian based card obviously (ie. TD Visa) and they usually take a 3% charge on for this service. Best bet is cash if you can.     Edited by GuyR, 2015-08-06 20:03:04"

I gather it has just changed then as I was talking to a girlfriend who works in the bank 2 weeks ago about this... ?

We went twice nothing has changed Canadian money 25 cuc to get out  
 

We have been three times and always it is 25ccp to get out. We exchange our money at the resort as it's less hassle and you can pay for excursions in canadian funds at the resort if they are through your travel company. Also, they tell you several times that american currency is penalized and that you can't use the American based credit cards.

Black Star said "We went twice nothing has changed Canadian money 25 cuc to get out     "

Yes, nothing has changed. Always been that way. Feel free to bring cuban pesos home but they are worthless other then a souvenir. And it's always been 25 CUC exit tax at the airport.  
 
Exchange rate was around 92 CUC per $100 Canadian. It changes sporadically but last couple years been hovering around the 90-92. Resorts probably mid 80's.  
 
Edited by GuyR, 2015-08-06 22:54:28

Varadero has some beautiful beaches, but as someone else mentioned the food in not great in the resorts. They try, but everything comes off lacking. There is great italian shop in town that sells delicious pasta and has yummy thin crust pizzas. Mojitos aren't bad either.  
 
Havana is worth it, but not the bus trip. I have flown into Havana and travelled by the seats of my pant, backpacking, and felt very safe. I have also rented a car and driver and just toured around, staying in casa particulars along the way. I know Havana very well, and love it. It is very safe and the history and art is phenomenal. If you can swing it, spend time there - and not just a day trip. I know a couple of great places to stay in old Havana for max $50 CUC a night (equivalent to %50 USD), and the right restaurants to go to. I also know where to avoid (anyone on the tour, or Obispo Street)  
 
If you not committed to a Varadero resort, consider the beaches of East Havana - the Guanabo area is very nice. The beaches rival Varadero, but are frequented by locals. Again, your can stay local for very reasonably price. Casa particulars are really taking off in Cuba. A couple of months ago, I paid $35 a night for a clean private room with all the amenities that you would expect in Cuba. They are much like a B&B, but a little more privacy and meal options.  
 
For money, bring Canadian dollars. Our money is readily accepted at all the Cadecas. The airport in Varadero is about the same rate of exchange as the banks in towns. Resorts tend to gouge you. Buy CUC, not CUP. CUC is tourist dollars, CUP is local pesos. Unless you are going local, you don't need CUP ( and it frowned upon).  
 
Enjoy your trip, I went again to Havana a few months ago and miss it.  
 
and yes - keep 25 CUC to get out of the country. and if you buy original art, make sure its registered.  
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by on-second-thought, 2015-08-06 23:16:11

That is all very good info, thank you very much everyone!!

Exactly as GuyR explained.

and don't like the food at your resort, head into town, plenty of great places to eat in town for a reasonable price.

Glad you got the correct info on rules for Cuba.  
I was just repeating what a banking friend had told me 2 weeks ago. Too bad some people have to be so rude while giving you " correct " advice....Rude people are why I rarely post & try to help. I will now take some time off from eBrandon again.. don't need the hassle.

braid said "Glad you got the correct info on rules for Cuba.   I was just repeating what a banking friend had told me 2 weeks ago. Too bad some people have to be so rude while giving you " correct " advice....Rude people are why I rarely post & try to help. I will now take some time off from eBrandon again.. don't need the hassle. "

No one was being rude to you. I think you are being a little overly sensitive. People were just trying to give the OP correct first hand info from people that have actually been to Cuba. It's always good to post info that you actually know rather then stuff you hear from others.

Did some digging and it sounds like CUC rate is now around 75. Which makes sense as they usually base the rate off the US dollar (strange but true) so $100 CAD will get you around 75 CUC. To give an idea of prices in Varadero you should be able to buy a Presidente or Buccanero (local beer) on the strip for 2 - 3 CUC. A bottle of Havana Club rum 12+ depending on the age you buy. A lobster dinner at a paladar (private restaurant) be 15-20 CUC.  
 
Also just another tip about Havana watch out for the locals that will try to scam you. Happens usually around the Capitol or at least from I have seen. They will try and trade you CUP (local currency) for you CUC (tourist currency) The exchange between them is huge. 1 CUC is worth roughly 26 CUP. You can actually get a deal with the local currency but it can difficult especially if you don't know what you have or where to spend it. Most places will always accept the CUC even non tourist areas. Also the "old ladies" that want you to pose for pictures can be quite aggressive but a simple no gracis and keep walking will usually work. Havana is generally safe day and night but use a little common sense. Don't flash wads of cash around especially at night in not so touristy areas and don't get to drunk if you are by yourself.  
 
 
Edited by GuyR, 2015-08-07 10:30:43

Just an FYI as of May 1, 2015 Cuba has done away with collecting the $25 CUC departure tax at the airport. It is now included in your airfare.  
 
http://havana.airportcuba.net/tax.html  
 
Personally I'd rather pay the Departure Tax myself instead of having an airline stick on some administration charges, etc. to inflate the price higher, but many people will be happy to have one less line up.