Shopping
Although improving with the arrival of craft markets, Cuba is not the best place for shopping, with the exception, of course, of the much sought after cigars and the very acceptable rum (the Bacardi family originated from Cuba). All tourist hotels have at least one souvenir shop, where prices are in US Dollars. Similar souvenir shops have sprung up in the last few years in Old Havana. Again, payment is in US Dollars and visitors should note that credit cards, except American Express and other American cards, are accepted.
Shopping malls have now arrived in Havana and the modern Tiendas Carlos Tercero, Avenida Salvador Allende, is stuffed with clothes, shoes and beauty products. For designer items, as well as a fashion show, La Maison, Calle 16 701, in Miramar, is the place to go. It sells designer clothes, jewellery and cosmetics.
Cuba will be forever associated with cigars. Long acknowledged as producing the best in the world, Havana cigars are expensive internationally but much cheaper on home soil. Good-quality cigars can be bought at Casa del Tabaco, Calle Oficios 53, or at the factory Real Fabrica de Tabacos Partagas, Calle Industria 520. Local rum and Cuban coffee are also good buys and travel well. Of course, many visitors to the island want to take home a reminder of Cuban rhythms and there is no shortage of CDs and cassettes in all tourist shops. Other common souvenirs include musical instruments, traditional dolls and pâpier-maché items, as well as Che Guevara t-shirts, which are popular again. Local crafts and jewellery are also popular. Cubans use coconut fibre, seashells and seeds in the manufacture of many local handicrafts. Visitors should avoid buying jewellery made from tortoiseshell or black coral as both are protected and it is often illegal to import them to one’s home country (for example, the UK).
Markets are now legal and the two main ones are one near the Plaza de Armas and one smaller market on the Malecon, near the Riviera Hotel. The markets open daily and haggling is expected. Shops should be open 0900-1900 including Sundays, although this may not always be the case.
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