When heading for Cuba, you wonder what to shop for, right? Well, if Paris is the fashion capital of the world, and clothes are obviously what you shop for when you’re there, what about in Cuba?
Cuba has a variety of products to offer the tourist shopper, although it may be a disappointment if you want to spend, spend, and spend. There are a few luxury shops, even in Havana, and the stock is generally dull, boring, or uninspiring. However, there are some that may be precious finds in Cuba. You guessed it! Cigars, rum, and other authentic souvenirs; these are the merchandise that you could be happy about when shopping in Cuba.
Cigars
The world’s finest cigars are made in Cuba. Of course buying these in retail stores would be quite expensive. The best place to get these will be in factories where you can get the real thing such as Cohiba, which was Castro’s favorite before he kicked the habit; Montecristo’s, Ché Guevara’s favored brand; Upmans, JFK’s favorite brand – which he actually stocked up on before he put the blockade in place; and Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, which is a popular brand in the country, and also sells fabulous ornate cigar boxes. Be cautious about buying these from street vendors as they may be fakes or factory rejects – unless you know the seller has a good reputation, steer clear of them. Otherwise, you may end up being confiscated at the airport, and you spend for nothing.
Rum
Cuba has also been known for their rum. Santiago de Cuba was once home to the Bacardi distillery, but there are a few reputable brands of rum which may include Varadero, the brand preferred by connoisseurs, especially the rich seven-year-old variety which is sipped like fine malt, and it’s younger and lighter blends are used for cocktails; Havana Club, it is the famous Cuban rum brand these days and is quite popular everywhere in Cuba.
Souvenirs and other gifts
These include authentic Cuban merchandise, as well as Ché Guevara merchandise which can be found everywhere – really everywhere – around the country. There are perfumes in fine ceramic and glass bottles which can be found and purchased at Habana 1791.
Shopping hours in Cuba are usually at 9 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon during Mondays to Saturdays, and 9 o’clock in the morning until 12 o’clock noon during Sundays.
These days, Cuba doesn’t use the US Dollar anymore. So if tourists come, Euro is accepted, or else you may have it exchanged to the Cuban currency. However, before leaving the country, tourists must have all local currency exchanged again. Credit Cards such as MasterCard and Visa are accepted, as long as they are not issued by a US bank, or one that is linked to the US. However, the use of credit cards does have hefty fees added often. ATM’s are still not as popular, and Cirrus or Maestro is still not accepted. Have a good time shopping in wonderful Cuba!
