Provincia de La Habana Travel Forum

Hello fellow VTers :)

My girlfriend and I will possibly be going to Havana in two weeks time for a week. I'm very much into my photography, but from the stories I hear, Havana isn't particularly the safest place in the world.
I'm alright with looking after myself, but I tend to carry a lot of gear with me and am worried about it.
My bag is a Lowepro Orion Trekker, which has been made to look like a normal backpack, so I won't stand out in the crowd, and I'm definitely leaving my tripod at home. But I'm just paranoid about when I take out my gear (changing lenses, adding filters etc).

Can anyone share their experiences of photography in Havana? I don't mean with Point and Shoot cameras, I mean with SLRs and accompanying gear.
Thanks

It probably is one of the safest places in the world, but you're right to be concerned about theft. Just two stories I heard while I was there:

One man was talking to someone on the waterfront, standing with his back to the stone parapet, and discovered afterward that someone had crept along the wall behind him to steal items from his pack. In broad daylight.

A more serious story: a young English woman left the casa where she was staying in Matanzas, to move into her new Cuban boyfriend's house. Some time later she showed up at the casa in tears. All her money and papers were gone, including airline tickets and passport. She couldn't go to the authorities because she wasn't certain the boyfriend was involved - - and in any case, the consequences for him would have been more than just severe. The people who told me this story took her in and drove her to and from the embassy in Havana, several times, while she arranged for money from home and new papers.

You won't get beaten or killed, as might happen in almost any other country, and you can go almost anywhere safely, but you do need to keep your wits about you if you don't want to be ripped off.

Hi...This post appear at least once a week, people should spend some more time reading previous posts, they will find the answers to their questions quicker.

Billjx is right, Cuba is one of the most safe countries, al least in latin america. No drugs, guns or kidnapping problems. Only small thiefs, as in any other place. If U plan to walk around doing photos and with lot of equipment then try to have someone with U to help U and take care of your stuff. And when I mean someone I mean somebdoy U can trust. If U don't take some precautions U can end up with the same history of the previous post, with no documents and even worst, no equipment. Take all the precautions U can, don't live your cameras far from your look or hand, some thiefs are really quick, trust me, I've seen some of them in action when I used to live in Havana...hope the info will be usefull... good luck!

yes, i say the same: havana has very little crime..but..u got to watch your back too.i got robbed of my bag..with camera . money, phone and loads of little bits just few days before i went home and i was very upset..as i had so many brilliant photos taken. but it was one of thoses things..it wasnt in a crowd..i was alone on the malecon..just to young lads..and i knew it was going to happen just sec. before. sooo now when i go in january again..i will just load my pics on a pc. every day if its possible.I hope you have a great time, just dont make double sure about things..what are important to you:)

I shift my backpack around and carry it on my chest, as required. When changing lenses, filters, etc, find a bench to sit on or step to the side and put your back up against a wall, you will be less vulnerable when occupied with your camera. Generally, I found it quite safe.

The Ron Bacardi building in old Havana is the tallest or one of the tallest. I asked the guard/commissionaire gentleman for a tour to the top. It is an awesome place to photograph from.

Try and be down around the Malecon at dusk. Fantastically lit skylines and waterfronts.

The Colon Cemetery in Havana is very interesting and great to photograph.

Havana is a photographer’s dream. You better think about taking more film than you first figured. Have fun.

I was in Havana and I think it is a safe city, anyway you have to be concerned about theft as in any other place. Take precautions and enjoy your trip.
I stayed in casa particular and it was a very good desicion. A nice family you can trust, you can get some photos from "la casa de Ana" http://flickr.com/photos/havanahouse
www.la-casa-de-ana.com
Have a fun in Cuba
Muskilda

Hi All

Thank very much for your responses :)
I guess it's just common sense after all, but it's nice to be re-assured.

Russian_Yaz, a particular thank you for your email. I will investigate that further if we go.
Also, sorry for not doing a search on the forums, but I can only post at work and it's very busy!

Adam