Is it O.K./safe to visit Havana (Cuba) in October?

[wax lyrical]

9 day holiday planned in mid-October, but recently I've been hearing about Economic problems, food shortages, US sanctions, etc.? Is this something I should worry about? Just me and the wife.

Planning to stay 5 nights in the Kempinski and 4 nights in Veradara.

Thanks in advance for all advice!

[wax lyrical]

Bump!

[mike_e]

Nothing new then, been that way for years. Cuba has suffered shortages of most things over the years, but the Cubans are a resilient bunch and find ways to manage. US (and UK) sanctions have been in place since the 60's but its more to do with Cuba being broke than not being able to source things. Being hassled by locals always happens, particularly in Old Havana but it does seem that the economic downturn is having an effect with scammers and begging on the increase. There are less tourists visiting too which makes visitors more of a target. They often work in pairs, offering all sorts of amazing deals or help, and trying to be your 'Fren' (Friend). Don't engage with anyone is the best advise in the tourist areas. Don't dress up, wear your worst shoes and try to blend in. There are daily power cuts planned too, starting this month.

That said, Cuba is generally a safe friendly place to visit, they don't want to hurt the cash cow that is tourism so the Cuban police are everywhere. Just keep your wits with you in the City, particularly Old Havana. Varadero is nothing like the rest of Cuba and purpose built to house tourists. It'll be one of the last areas to suffer shortages.

[Xenobian]

mike_e said:

Nothing new then, been that way for years. Cuba has suffered shortages of most things over the years, but the Cubans are a resilient bunch and find ways to manage. US (and UK) sanctions have been in place since the 60's but its more to do with Cuba being broke than not being able to source things. Being hassled by locals always happens, particularly in Old Havana but it does seem that the economic downturn is having an effect with scammers and begging on the increase. There are less tourists visiting too which makes visitors more of a target. They often work in pairs, offering all sorts of amazing deals or help, and trying to be your 'Fren' (Friend). Don't engage with anyone is the best advise in the tourist areas. Don't dress up, wear your worst shoes and try to blend in. There are daily power cuts planned too, starting this month.

That said, Cuba is generally a safe friendly place to visit, they don't want to hurt the cash cow that is tourism so the Cuban police are everywhere. Just keep your wits with you in the City, particularly Old Havana. Varadero is nothing like the rest of Cuba and purpose built to house tourists. It'll be one of the last areas to suffer shortages.

Completely agree and second all of the above... I would add that the daily power cut plans probably won't affect the likes of a Kempinski resort though, I would imagine they have their own generators for such eventualities. I would definitely emphasise the point about not engaging with people who are trying to sell you something in the streets (like cigars) and wanting to take you off somewhere iffy to make the sale. You will undoubtedly come across someone trying it on, just ignore and walk on, however attractive the deal seems.