Common tourist scams in Cuba and how to avoid them

Cuba's scam scene is less about violent crime and more about money handling. The dual-currency history and the gap between official and street exchange rates created a whole trade in touts who offer to change your dollars or euros at a 'better rate'. The rate may look good, but the notes you get back can be old, damaged or simply counted short while you are distracted. Treat any unsolicited offer to change money as a scam, and change only at a bank, a cadeca (official exchange bureau) or your hotel desk.

The second cluster is transport. Official taxis in Havana and other cities are supposed to use a meter or a fixed tourist fare, but many drivers are private cars with no meter. The classic pattern is a friendly driver who quotes a low price, then at the destination claims it was per person, or in a different currency, or adds a 'night surcharge'. Agree the total price and the currency before you get in, and if the driver will not commit, walk to the next car. The same applies to horse carts and bici-taxis in Trinidad and Viñales.

Restaurants and bars produce a third set of tricks. Menus without prices, bills with items you did not order, and a 'service charge' added on top of a tip are all reported. Ask to see the menu with prices before ordering, check the bill line by line, and pay in the currency stated on the menu. If a place only quotes in USD or euros, that is legal for many tourist venues, but the conversion should be clear before you order.

Finally, there is the low-level street hustle: someone offers to show you a cigar shop, a paladar or a 'real' rum bar, then expects a commission or a tip far beyond the service. A polite no and a continued walk is usually enough. Pickpocketing does happen in crowded markets and on busy buses, so keep your cash split between pockets and a money belt, and never flash a large roll of notes.

Carry small-denomination notes so you can pay close to the exact amount and reduce the chance of a short-change argument. Keep a written note of what you paid for taxis and meals so you can compare if a bill looks wrong. If you are scammed, do not escalate in the street; note the time, place and description, and report it to the police (106) if you want an official record for insurance. For anything involving a card or a bank, contact your bank immediately.

Because fuel, power and card systems are unreliable in Cuba, cash planning is part of scam avoidance: if you run out of cash you become dependent on whoever offers to help. Budget for the whole trip in cash, keep a reserve separate from your daily money, and use a hotel safe where available. Check the current travel advisories before you go, since the security and services situation can change quickly.