Having experienced the Cuban reality firsthand, Spanish rapper Erin Castro, also known as "El Trapicista", took to social media to share what he considers the five essential tips for anyone planning a trip to the Caribbean island. In a video posted on TikTok, the artist (@eltrapicista) advises against exchanging currency at Cuban banks, suggesting that travelers should do so on the streets at the rate known as "El Toque," which reflects the informal market exchange rate.
El Trapicista also recommends downloading the app La Nave, describing it as the Cuban equivalent of Uber. He emphasized, "If you're taking a taxi, use the rate indicated by La Nave to negotiate your fare."
The third piece of advice from the rapper is to purchase a Cubacel SIM card for about 25 to 30 euros at the airport. Alternatively, he suggests asking for a free loan of one at your accommodation.
For intercity travel, he advised using collective taxis or the Vía Azul buses, highlighting them as the most affordable options for getting around.
Lastly, Castro recommended staying in an Airbnb, arguing that these accommodations usually offer more competitive prices and help support the local economy.
Viral Moments in Havana
Recently, Castro stirred discussions on TikTok by sharing a video that showcased the cost of a meal he had at a Havana restaurant. The young artist posted this footage, recorded in April of this year as noted in the comments, to highlight the "cheap" prices he encountered.
Days later, he caught his followers' attention again with another video, this time from a gym in Old Havana, where he demonstrated his workout routine using local equipment.