 Which things should I bring to Cuba? |
AfricaAntarcticaAsiaCentral America CaribbeanEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaOceaniaSouth AmericaOceans and SeasWhich things should I bring to Cuba?Central America Caribbean » CubaTopic Type: Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Which things do Cuban people need ? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
entso enzo mirabelli Post Count: 1 Msg: #1 1008 days ago, February 27th 2007 | Next Monday we will start to Cuba. I tried to dig out my old knowledge of Spanish in order to find closer contact to the Cuban people. Are there any gifts, which we can take with us to give away to people who will do us little favours? What are useful or necessary things you cannot find in Cuba? |  Lauralee Laura Post Count: 138 Msg: #2 1005 days ago, March 3rd 2007 | I've heard that basic toiletries like shampoo are expensive so that is something they would definitely appreciate and use. |  FiTe Termote Filip Post Count: 25 Msg: #3 762 days ago, October 31st 2007 | Muscito repellent, the strongest you can find!!! | It's just incredible, I think the musquito's have an addicion 2 rum (ron in Cuba). This little vermine didn't mind biting me dispite my spray. Finally we got one from the hotel, it was effective for about 10 minutes. Sunblok, of a high factor, 40 or 50. The sun is a killer there. Have Fun  TravelNuts Barb Cantafio Post Count: 2 Msg: #4 698 days ago, January 3rd 2008 | Hi, | Cubans are some of the most friendly and warm people you will every meet, but unfortunately they do lack even the basics which we take for granted. We always take an extra duffle bag full of stuff - but not necessarily for favours really - just to help them out. You will find that most of the people there are not expecting things ( at least from my experience) but are extremely appreciative. I would suggest taking all kinds of stuff from the drugstore - even if it's just sample sizes if you are limited on space. They really need aspirins or any over the counter type meds, soap, toothpaste & brushes, disposable razors etc. etc. Just think of basic stuff that everyone needs. And then I always take some neat stuff for people's kids (just from the dollar store) and if I have any old clothes that are in good condition - I will pack that. And chocolate is much appreciated and ANY kind of magazines - they like to see what's going on. Depending on where you are going (not sure if you are going to a resort) - be careful at first when giving stuff to people if you are out in the open. Some employees do spy on others so it is best to be discreet - Castro developed another weird policy a few years ago and said people were not allowed to accept gifts from Westerners - most of them don't care, but I'm still careful since I wouldn't want anyone to get into trouble or loose their job.  ehenke Emily Henke Post Count: 18 Msg: #5 683 days ago, January 19th 2008 | It's probably too late to tell you what to take, but just in case someone else should read this post: | Hit up Costco or the equivalent for pens, crayons, notebooks, paper, scissors, needles, thread, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs...basically anything school supply/personal grooming. The women will appreciate eyeliner, mascara, or nail polish (or makeup of any kind, really). Bring some shampoo/body wash/lotion/little soaps (the hotel size) to give away, too. You can also do this if you're staying in a hotel with toiletteries. Take some clothes you won't mind parting with. Wear them while you're there, and then leave them. There is a massive need for clothing in el Oriente, especially after hurricane Noel. There are plenty of places that will accept donations if you're not comfortable handing them out on the street. In fact, I suggest doing most of your giving through these guys. Handing someone a gift on the street is nice, and people usually have the best intentions when they do so, but don't forget that Cubans are very dignified people. It's important to emphasize our solidarity over our charity. terencewu terenc wu Post Count: 3 Msg: #6 419 days ago, October 8th 2008 | ? | terencewu terenc wu Post Count: 3 Msg: #7 419 days ago, October 8th 2008 | I have never been to cuba in my lief and now i am reading about it. I feel quite sad going there now as it seems very depressing. I talked to my gf and I will be bringing $100 work of over the counter medecine. I am debating on what to bring: | OPTION a: 10 x 16 tablets ibuprofen (Advil) @ 3.49 10 x 10 tables Acetaminophen (Tylinol) @3.49 10 x 24 tables acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) @ 3.69 OPTION B 2 x 200 tablets ibuprofen (Advil) @ 12.49 3 x 200 tables Acetaminophen (Tylinol) @9.99 3 x 200 tablesacetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) @ 9.99 option B is the much better option, but i am afraid that will be weird giving a big box of tablets. Will I get arrested? Also, I would bring pencils and stuff, but i am afraid someoen will beat me up there for giving them stuff when they are not bums. Please assisit, I need to make this purchase by Oct 10th. Sorry i may have posted this a few times because i do not knwo what i am d doing.  Mell Mell Post Count: 14016 Msg: #8 410 days ago, October 17th 2008 | Here is a related thread. | Can I take a gift to Cubans?  cabochick Andrea Post Count: 47 Msg: #9 1 day ago, November 30th 2009 | Hola. I really feel like I need to comment on this. The only Cubans who ask tourists for items were those with shady intentions. Everyday Cubans are intelligent, well educated, interesting and happy people. They would never resort to begging or asking tourists for items they already have access to...and yes they have access to them, but can't admit it. Those asking for pens and shampoo are only interested in trading them for other items on the blackmarket...so please please don't bring random items to hand out to strangers! | I met some really great Cuban people on my travels, so I decided to give my personal items to them when I departed. For example, I visited an elementary school and did a quiz about Canada. The prize for correct answers was funky fun pens I had on me. The kids who won them quite obviously coveted those pens and won't be trading them anytime soon. I left my spanish-english dictionary to my casa particular owner so she could learn some english words. She was so very excited and was studying the book feverishly before I left. She'll never part with that little book. I met a really old guitarist whom I talked to for sometime at a cafe, he went home and returned with a copy of his CD for a band he played for years ago. He wanted to give it to me, but I gave him $12 cuc for it. I even had him sign it for me. Later I found out he was incredibly famous! So very cool to have gotten to know him and enjoy his music. Number of Users: 8 | Number of Posts: 9 | |||||||||||||||||
