Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Havana, La Habana, Cuba

All Topics about Havana All Cities in Cuba

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxis and unwanted stops by agreeing on the fare before getting in, using official taxi stands or pre-arranged rides.

Pre-Arrangement: Booking a taxi in advance with a reputable company provides peace of mind and avoids unexpected charges.
Official Stands: Using official taxi stands reduces the risk of encountering dishonest drivers.
Negotiating Fare: Always agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid any misunderstandings.

Be cautious when exchanging money, and always check bills for authenticity.

Use Reputable Exchange Offices: Exchange money at official banks or authorized exchange houses to reduce the risk of receiving counterfeit bills.
Feel and Look: Counterfeit bills often have a different feel and may show imperfections upon close examination.
Compare with Genuine Bills: Familiarize yourself with the look and feel of genuine Cuban currency to help detect counterfeit bills.

Bargain for prices at markets and shops, and be aware of inflated tourist prices.

Local Prices vs Tourist Prices: Ask local prices before purchasing goods to ensure you're not being overcharged as a tourist.
Bargaining Skills: Developing good bargaining skills can help you get the best price for your purchases.
Know Your Limits: Determine a maximum price for each item before starting negotiations to avoid overspending.

Avoid high-pressure sales tactics for time-shares or vacation club memberships by politely declining and moving on.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of aggressive sellers who use emotional manipulation to close a deal.
Research Beforehand: Learn about the common tactics used in time-share scams and how to avoid them before traveling.
Avoid Giving Personal Information: Never provide sensitive personal information or credit card details during these interactions.

Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks to protect your personal information from hacking.

Secure Connections Only: Use only secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks when accessing sensitive information.
Virtual Private Network (VPN): Consider using a VPN to encrypt your data and protect it from prying eyes.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid online banking or shopping when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

Enjoy street performances, but politely decline if asked for money or gifts.

Support the Artists: Show appreciation by tipping only when the performance is truly exceptional.
Be Respectful: Remember that these artists rely on tips for their livelihood and be respectful of their work.
Know the Law: Familiarize yourself with local laws regarding tipping and support artists in a fair and legal manner.

Purchase cigars from reputable shops or factories to ensure authenticity.

Factory Tours: Visit official cigar factories and take a tour to learn about the manufacturing process.
Ask for Certificates of Authenticity: Request certificates or receipts from reputable shops to confirm the authenticity of your purchases.
Know Your Brands: Research popular Cuban cigar brands and their distinct characteristics to help avoid fakes.

Avoid unlicensed guides by booking through reputable tour companies or asking for credentials.

Book with Reputable Companies: Use only licensed and well-established tour companies to ensure the quality of your guide.
Check for Credentials: Ask guides for their official identification and credentials to verify their authenticity.
Research Beforehand: Learn about the common tactics used by fake guides and how to avoid them before traveling.

Compare prices for accommodations online and negotiate with the host or owner for a better deal.

Online Comparison: Research accommodation options on multiple websites to find the best deals.
Negotiation Skills: Develop good negotiation skills to secure a better price for your accommodations.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and check ratings of accommodation options before booking to avoid scams.

Be cautious of strangers offering help or friendship, as they may lead you into a scam.

Trust Your Instincts: Use your instincts and be wary of situations that seem too good to be true.
Stay in Groups: Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas to minimize the risk of encounters with scammers.
Report Suspicious Activity: Inform your hotel or tour operator about any suspicious activity you encounter for their safety recommendations.

Be cautious when donating money to charity, and research the organization beforehand.

Research the Organization: Learn about the history and reputation of the charity before making a donation.
Check for Registration: Ensure that the organization is officially registered as a charity in Cuba.
Avoid Street Donations: Avoid donating money to street collections or individuals claiming to represent a charity.

Be cautious when taking photographs, especially in crowded areas, and ask permission before photographing people.

Ask for Permission: Always ask for permission before taking someone's photograph, even if they seem friendly.
Be Respectful: Respect local customs and cultural sensitivities when taking photographs.
Avoid Confrontation: If someone does not wish to be photographed, politely comply with their request to avoid any issues.

Purchase alcohol from reputable stores or restaurants to avoid consuming counterfeit drinks.

Reputable Stores: Buy alcohol from licensed and well-established stores.
Check Labels: Inspect the labels on alcohol bottles for authenticity, looking for any inconsistencies or signs of tampering.
Trust Your Senses: Use your senses to detect counterfeit alcohol: it may smell different, taste off, or have an unusual appearance.

Compare prices for food and restaurants online, and negotiate with the owner or chef for a better deal.

Online Comparison: Research restaurant options on multiple websites to find the best deals.
Negotiation Skills: Develop good negotiation skills to secure a better price for your meals.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and check ratings of restaurant options before dining to avoid overpriced establishments.

Use reputable money transfer services for sending or receiving remittances, and double-check the amounts before confirming transactions.

Reputable Services: Choose well-established and licensed money transfer providers for your transactions.
Double-Check Amounts: Always verify the amount of the transfer before confirming the transaction to avoid errors.
Secure Connections: Use secure connections when sending or receiving remittances, and never share sensitive information over unsecured networks.