KMK: 10 Scams to Watch Out for in Cuba

10 Scams to Watch Out for in Cuba

No matter where you travel in the world there will be people ready to take advantage of your naivete and good will. That comes hand in hand with travelling. In Cuba the Jinteros (street hustlers) abound! The only way to beat the scam artists out there is to keep your wits about you. Even better is to know the latest gambits being employed to wean you from your money. Now these scams are about separating you from your money. The folks perpetrating these acts usually have no interest in harming you physically. However, be smart and wary.

1. Cigar Scam

When you walk the streets of Havana folks will constantly come up to you with offers. One of the most frequent is for cigars. Their mother’s cousin’s uncle’s best friend has a sweet deal with a factory and can get you a box of authentic Cuban cigars for a low cost. Sounds good, but it isn’t true. The factories that produce the cigars are under tight security. So, be sure to only buy your cigars from a legitimate LCDH (La Casa De Habanos) these are the official government stores that are licensed to sell cigars. They all have set prices issued by the Cuban government.

2. Cuban Pesos Scam

The two currency system can cause more problems if you don’t keep a keen eye on your money. This scam can work in two ways. First, a person on the street offers to exchange your money at a rate better than the Casa de Cambia. Second, you’ll be out on the streets shopping and pay for something in Convertibles. The trick arrives in both scenarios when you get your money back not in Convertibles but in Cuban Pesos. So make sure you always check your money! If you give someone CUP you should get CUP back. And always change money at an official Casa De Cambia not on the street from some shady character.

3. Mojito Scam

Mo’ mojitos mo’ hoes should be the name of this scam. A local will direct you to a ‘popular fun secret’ bar, You think you’re buying a drink from a waitress for yourself, but she phrases it in such a way that you end up buying mojitos for her and every girl in the bar. The prices will be sky high! Pay for your drinks that you drank and get out of there.

4. Restaurant Price Scam

I found that this most often occurs in restaurants. You look for the menu but can’t find any prices. I just learned to leave those places especially when I saw Cuban locals ordering and paying in pesos but then the staff gives me that ‘we caught a big one’ look and I know that they’re expecting convertibles from me for the exact same meal. Pass. I chose restaurants that listed prices whether in Convertibles or Pesos so I knew beforehand exactly how much I should be paying. Some of these restaurants also work in tandem with Jinteros who roam the streets for tourists to direct toward the establishment for a kick back. The man or woman will act like they can show you around as a guide but invariably send you to the restaurant they work with. Expect high prices in Convertible dollars.

5. Every Day is a Festival Scam

Here’s one where as soon as the jintero learns you just arrived on the island he tells you how lucky you are that you have come just in time for the last day of the (Tobacco, Rum, Salsa, or whatever random thing) Festival! Of course you have to take advantage of all the huge discounts going on that will end by 5 PM that day! Just keep walking.

6. Baby Milk Scam

This one reaches a new low but is quite ingenious. A mother will approach with her babe cradled in her arms, pleading with you to buy a bag of powdered milk for her baby. She knows just where to buy the milk at a nearby store. Once your there the price seems a bit steep for milk but it is for a good cause. However, once your back is turned that milk goes back on the shelf and the shop keep and mom split the proceeds.

7. Water Scam

Much like cigars there other items that most likely will be fake if you buy them on the street. While puffing on a fake cigar won’t be too much to fret about other items have more cause for alarm. If you buy your bottled water on the street and the cap isn’t secure then don’t drink it. Even if the cap seems sturdy but the water tastes a bit off just spit it out and dump it. Filling empties with tap water is a quick way to make a few bucks. Watch out!

8. Taxi Scam

Before you get into any kind of taxi, scooter, cycle taxi or even a horse cart negotiate the total cost up front. Don’t jump in and then find yourself at the end of the trip paying a certain amount per person or per street! Be certain of the fee for the service before you take the ride because otherwise you’ll be in the middle of a scene in the street. Also ask someone you trust about the typical fare to your destination so you know if you’re being taken advantage of.

9. She’s so into You Scam

No, you’re not a stud you’re an opportunity. That girl you met at the bar, or on the street, or at the park isn’t interested in you for your worldly ways. She’s after one thing only: your money. Whether it comes in the form of multiple drinks until you pass out and she can slip it from your wallet or more direct negotiations for what’s on sale…. well that depends on how the night goes for you. Just be sure you know what your getting into or you might wake up with your cash cleaned out.

10.  Casa Scam

Didn’t book ahead with Airbnb or a hotel? Then you’ll be pounding the pavement for a casa particular. Here a friendly local will direct you to the best of the best of casas. Of course, they’ll expect a fee if not from you then from the casa owner. Fine you say, right? Let the owner pay, though of course he’s going to pass that cost back to you. You don’t need anyone to find you a casa just walk around and inspect them yourself.