Havana, Cuba

Scams in Cuba

Cuban pesos, convertible confusion in Cuba

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How it works: Situation: Cuba has two currencies, the Cuban Pesos (CUP) and Cuban Convertible (CUC). The CUC is equivalent to USD, and one CUC goes for 24 CUP. Opening:…

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Fake cigars, cigar festival scam in Cuba

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How it works: Opening: street touts claim that there is a cigar festival today where cigars are sold at a discounted price. Set-up: he either tries to sell some to…

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Salsa festival, national day scam in Cuba

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How it works: Opening: Version 1: a local tells you how lucky you are, as the annual salsa festival is happening today and he is happy to bring you there!…

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Buena Vista Social Club performance scam in Cuba

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How it works: Situation: the Buena Vista Social Club (BVSC) was a group of old Cuban musicians playing old fashioned music of pre-revolutionary Cuba which became a hit in the…

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Classic American car ride scam in Cuba

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How it works: A trick is to quote you a price which you think is the total for everyone on the ride, only to be told that it is per…

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Horse carriage ride scam in Cuba

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How it works: Similar to the classic American ride scam in Havana, you think the price quoted initially is the total for everyone on the ride, but will be told…

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Name engraving souvenir scam in Cuba

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How it works: Opening: a stall owner claims to or gives you a “free gift” (e.g. a pouch) to get you to his stall, then he asks for your name…

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Fake event, attraction tickets in Cuba

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How it works: A tout offers a discounted ticket to an event or place of attraction but which is actually fake or invalid. Places to beware: Havana: Old Havana What…

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Kissing women photo scam in Cuba

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How it works: At Old Havana, there are dressed up women carrying flower baskets who offer to pose for a photo with you for free. While posing, she kisses you,…

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Bici taxi in Cuba

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How it works: Situation: also known as bicycle taxis, bici taxis are 3 wheeled pedal powered taxis. It costs ~1 CUC/km, but drivers will not take you anywhere for less…

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