Havana Travel Forum

I have a large collection of trendy ladies's watches AND jewelry that I am interested in both giving to my new Cuban friends & to do some bartering with. The jewelry includes both sterling silver & gold costume jewelry
(earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.). Does anyone think I should bring this along? I've already started amassing toilotries, kid's toys, school supplies, etc. for our November holiday and don't want to bring things the folks aren't interested in.
Also, are there beach vendors in Varadero who like designer labels? They did in Bali!
Thanks so much,
iluv2sail

I am sure gifts like that are very welcome but i dont know about bartering..everybody likes designer labels but most cuban people wont have the money to buy them.Good luck.

When we were in Havana we brought aspirin, bandaids and other over the counter medications to leave for our hosts as gifts. People in Havana do like some of the designer clothes (there are some who are dressed in name brands) but the embargo makes the essentials quite well appreciated in Cuba.

Be careful about trying to barter with traders. American/Western luxury goods are available in some of the dollar shops in Havana and the authorities may not appreciate you attempts at subventing their monopoly on imported goods. You might also have some problems with customs depending on the total value of the goods you're bringing in.

Don't know wbout the barter, if you are going to bring them it is best to do it as gifts.