A Reality Check for Visiting Cuba - Not All Cigars and Classic Cars

A Reality Check for Visiting Cuba: Not All Cigars and Classic Cars
Associated Press
June 3, 2015
By Beth J. Harpaz

Travel experts and upscale magazines are urging travel to Cuba before it
changes. But visitors envisioning salsa in the streets and glamorous
vintage cars should also be prepared to manage without ATMs, credit
cards, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, seat belts, or toilet paper. Here are
eight tips for visiting Havana.

If you need it, bring it

You might be able to find some supplies at a fancy hotels such as the
Hotel Nacional. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

I forgot to bring my toothbrush to Havana. It took me three days to find
a new one.

Granted, I was in a "casa particular," a Cuban homestay booked through
Airbnb in a rundown part of town. Street vendors sell Che Guevara
T-shirts and tropical fruit. But good luck buying sunscreen or
Band-Aids. The fancy hotels sell some things in shops onsite, of course,
but Havana just doesn't have many stores. Even Harris Brothers, a market
on Monserrate at O'Reilly Street, isn't overflowing with consumer goods
— though you can buy souvenir bags of coffee.

Public bathrooms aren't bad, but I was glad I'd brought a roll of toilet
paper in my bag.

Source: A Reality Check for Visiting Cuba: Not All Cigars and Classic
Cars -
https://www.yahoo.com/travel/reality-check-to-visiting-cuba-120632349657.html