A Spanish tourist known on TikTok as @juditgm96 recently shared a video detailing her experiences in Cuba, cautioning fellow travelers about common scams they might encounter on the island. "I'm going to talk about the main scams you might face when traveling to Cuba," Judit Gómez begins in the video, where she recounts various situations she experienced or observed on the streets of Havana. Among these, she highlights street currency exchanges, counterfeit cigars, restaurant recommendations from strangers with hidden agendas, and unregulated taxis.
Although Judit emphasizes that she never felt unsafe during her visit, she notes that it's common for people to approach and even follow tourists for several blocks to offer services or products. She advises exchanging money only at local businesses and not on the street. "Ask about the exchange rate before you buy anything, and if it suits you, go ahead. They give you change in pesos, so you get pesos safely," she explains.
She also warns against purchasing cigars on the street, as they may be low-quality or counterfeit. Regarding restaurants, she points out that some locals might guide visitors to specific establishments with which they have agreements, potentially leading to subpar experiences and inflated prices. For taxis, she recommends negotiating and agreeing on the fare before starting the journey.
Judit clarifies that she isn't trying to persuade anyone or claim to be an absolute authority. "Don't take my word for it if you don't want to; I'm just a person with my own perspective. Use your common sense," she states. "I follow the golden rule: don't do abroad what you wouldn't do in your own country."
This latest video adds to other content posted by Judit Gómez about her trip to Cuba, including one discussing the "cons" of visiting the island. In that video, she mentioned issues like shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and potential travel restrictions for those who wish to enter the U.S. after visiting Cuba. Her comments sparked a wave of criticism for overlooking the regime's responsibility in the island's crisis and instead blaming the U.S. "blockade," prompting many to correct her by noting that the accurate term is 'embargo,' not the term used by official propaganda.
Judit is part of a growing group of tourists documenting the contradictions they observe while visiting the island—the gap between the comfort of tourist areas and the harsh reality faced by the average Cuban. Similar accounts have been shared by other content creators like Chilean @fannycosas and Spanish Carolina Márquez, who also expressed their shock at the poverty, collapsed healthcare system, and scarcity of basic goods.
Meanwhile, the Cuban regime continues to invest in developing tourist infrastructure, even amidst a severe economic crisis affecting all sectors of the country.
Traveling to Cuba: Common Scams and Tips
What are some common scams tourists might face in Cuba?
Tourists in Cuba might encounter scams such as street currency exchanges, counterfeit cigars, misleading restaurant recommendations, and unregulated taxi services.
How can travelers avoid scams related to currency exchange in Cuba?
Travelers should exchange money only at local businesses and avoid street exchanges. It's advisable to ask about the exchange rate before making any transactions to ensure fair dealings.
Why should tourists be cautious about purchasing cigars on the street in Cuba?
Street-purchased cigars may be of low quality or counterfeit, so it's safer to buy cigars from reputable shops.