Thanks, Syrius, I learned something today! It’s possible that instead of wasting time standing in endless lines to get supplies with the libreta, they buy from the free market in national currency—probably the explanation!
In the slightly run-down shops where Cubans pay in national currency, there’s admittedly not much, but some of those items are available without a queue.
Has anyone managed to get the A2 visa without being married? I’ve been told it’s possible—it all depends on the embassy you go to and whether you can turn on the charm! :P Still, it’s the Cuban embassy, and if the officer is a man...!! Just kidding!
But be careful viajecuba, in the so-called "parallel" markets (free in MN), prices are 4 to 10 times higher than those of products supplied by the state via the libreta. In reality, everyone uses the libreta products, and to make meals more appealing, vary them, or increase the quantity, they go to the parallel market to add extras. But no one with a libreta ignores it.
It also has an "official" status indicating your residential address, which can come into play in legal procedures: for example, if you're registered in the libreta with someone's address for more than 2 years, it can serve as proof of residence to inherit that person's house/apartment in case of death.
Additionally, when there are children attending school registered under their parents' libreta, it’s also used to buy school uniforms.
It’s something that’s part of every Cuban’s daily life, and that’s probably why they don’t talk about it—because "everyone knows"!
Hey syrius! How's it going? 😉
If I understand correctly, when "permanent" residency is granted, you become "almost" Cuban, but I guess you don’t get citizenship (right?). If not, there must be some differences compared to Cubans, aside from the ease of getting an exit permit (?). Any privileges or drawbacks? No?
Okay, I don’t know all the ins and outs of permanent residency, but I did a bit of digging—you’d expect that, right? In theory, I don’t see any difference compared to Cubans...
Actually, I have no idea if a foreigner can get citizenship or under what conditions... Plus, it seems like Cuba doesn’t accept dual citizenship—would you have to give up your original nationality? Not sure about that!
Why do I get the feeling you’re really interested? You thinking of moving there 😉???
Tchao!!!
Anyone living in Cuba, regardless of their original nationality and/or place of birth, who acquires Cuban nationality by descent or choice becomes Cuban because Cuba does not recognize dual nationality (we have this case in the family). As a result, they are subject to multiple exit permits whenever they want to travel abroad....
for a foreigner, this is ESPECIALLY not a good idea....
Even if you're married to a Cuban and have a dispute with them, there’s a risk you won’t be allowed to leave...
Hello,
let's not get carried away. To add to what zorro rightly says—who, as a foreigner, knows Cuba very well in my opinion—
the Cubans who don’t use the *libreta* are the privileged ones. I seem to remember (no offense intended) that the family of *viagecuba* (at least part of it) holds a medical management position. Indeed, directors, politicians, athletes, and musicians in Cuba are very privileged compared to the general population and often don’t absolutely need to use the *libreta*. We should also add *jineteros* (hustlers) and *negocios* (thieves). On the other hand, Cubans who don’t belong to these categories all use the *libreta*, because for them, it’s their way of life—better said, their means of survival.
For info, it’s been a long time since oil was no longer included with the *libreta*.
Do you know anyone who’s taken Cuban citizenship? And therefore given up their own nationality?
It’s kind of a weird idea... What proves you’re renouncing your nationality?
What are the requirements for getting Cuban citizenship? Just to be clear, we’re talking about citizenship, not permanent residency, right???
Later!
The *libreta* worked really well during the 70s-80s, during what you could call "the golden age of Cuban communism." You could buy oil, meat, etc., and there were so many things that people didn’t even take everything they were entitled to... things have changed a lot since then...
Otherwise, I can confirm that everyone—even people well-placed in the government—uses the *libreta*. It was once the target of an attack: the U.S. (CIA) poisoned an entire supermarket (the one where someone in the government shopped) in an attempt to eliminate them. The result? Hundreds of seriously ill people who alerted the authorities before it turned into a genocide. And I’m sure if *viajecuba* asks their family in Cuba’s "medical" sector, they also use the *libreta* at least for rice, beans, and coffee.
After that, it’s possible that some young athletes or others, out of "snobbery," might deny using it or look down on it. But if you don’t pick up your *libreta*—even if you don’t use it—you’re sometimes seen as an expat and can lose your rights as a Cuban (free healthcare, housing, etc.).
Hey syrius,
I'll be in Cuba soon (next month), so that works... If you fancy grabbing a drink, you know how to reach me! 😉 No worries at all!
Otherwise, I'm just curious about it since I've never faced the issue or know anyone who's mentioned it... To move to Cuba, I'd need what Liniaz suggested: a job as an expat. That'd be cool, but as Liniaz said, it's really rare and hard to get...
I actually know someone who’s never taken it... for 40 years, for all these reasons...
On the other hand, her children (my cousins) are Cuban for two generations and subject to all the obligations that come with living on the island—including having to apply for a Schengen visa to enter France on their CUBAN passport, which is kind of ironic... (even though they "become" French as soon as the plane is in the air!)
She’s the only family member who can leave the island anytime, completely freely!
In reality, you wouldn’t renounce your original nationality in your home country, but you’d have to give up claiming it in Cuba and be considered only as Cuban on Cuban soil...
I’m not sure many people would do that!
About the libreta, I talked to my Parisian cousin (who just got back from Cuba a week ago), and he’s never seen anyone use it either...
In my opinion, they use it discreetly once a month for basic purchases. Everything the family eats day after day, though, is bought with our help. The mystery remains unsolved.
The 'non-recognition' of dual citizenship doesn’t work both ways. For example, a Cuban who becomes Canadian will have their dual citizenship recognized here, but once on Cuban soil, they’re considered by the authorities as a Cuban "through and through," who can’t rely on their Canadian passport for protection. That said, they rarely cause trouble for citizens who’ve become Canadian, given the good relations between the two countries. Of course, there can always be exceptions! !😎
Hi there,
They’re not stupid—if a Cuban has a second nationality, they don’t want a diplomatic incident. Cases of Cubans with dual citizenship aren’t representative. For example, my wife had to wait almost 4 years before becoming Belgian. During our trips, when she was a European resident (PR + Belgian residence card), she regularly had minor issues when entering or leaving Cuba. Now, when she goes through police control, she has to show her Cuban passport and her Belgian ID card to prove her residency, and weirdly, it goes smoothly—no more problems at all.
Hi,
zorrox is right, and I think your cousin isn’t up to date—almost all Cubans use the *libreta*. The most important thing is proof of residence, especially for inheritance and transferring property. Then there’s rice, sugar, coffee, bread—of course, when we’re in Cuba (as foreigners), all shopping is done at the *chopi* or *mercado* for fruits, vegetables, pork, or chicken, which is paid for in Cuban pesos or CUCs. 1 CUC = between 25 and 27 pesos.
Just a reminder for a Cuban:
*Es muy importante de tener FE* (FE = *familia en el extranjero*).
Hello,
I’m going to go against the grain of everything I’ve just read in response to your concerns... I met a Cuban in early 2000, in a small apple-growing town on the island. He worked in tourism, lived very well (was very happy with his lot), and never for a second considered leaving his island, which he adores... We fell in love (yes, there *are* Cubans who are emotionally honest), and six months later, we got married in Cuba, with the intention of me moving there to live. For both of us, this decision depended on me being able to work there under "decent" conditions, which included being able to afford a flight ticket at least once a year to visit my family... As for his family, I should mention that I never lived with them—he had his own house. His family is lovely to me but has never asked anything of me or expected me to support them. We spent six months looking for a professional solution for me, but we didn’t find one. By mutual agreement, we left Cuba together to settle nearby, on another Caribbean island, so we could return often (mistake—it was just as expensive and complicated as from France!!). My husband left his island heartbroken, but he did it for me... I’ll never forget seeing him cry as we boarded the plane... Since then, we’ve been together for 7 years, and we still love each other just as much. We’re in Africa now, moving around a lot because I’m an expat, and my sweetheart follows me... He’s happy to discover the world, but it’s not easy for him every morning. In every country, he has to look for work (he always finds something, sometimes quickly, sometimes not so much...). He doesn’t have the fulfilling professional life he had back home, and sometimes he takes jobs below his qualifications, but he accepts it. He’s just happy we’re together and encourages me to grow professionally, even when I hesitate because of the changes it might bring for him... But he still dreams of going back to live in Cuba, and we keep an eye out for any opportunities that might come up—ones we’d jump at (like an expat position for me). In the meantime, I haven’t regretted my decision from 2000 for a single second, even though *everyone* in my life (family, friends, the so-called well-meaning souls) rose up against it like an army, armed with their certainties and their "experience"... "He wanted to leave his country, didn’t care about me, I was just his ‘flight ticket,’ and he’d dump me as soon as we set foot on another land, etc...." I followed my heart—and I was already 40, not some naive teenager... I didn’t make a mistake!! Now, my family adores my husband and even "defends" him against me when we disagree. We’re very happy together, and we’re even in the process of adopting a child!
There you go—I hope this gives you a little comfort. But I can tell you that I asked myself the same questions—you *have* to. But you also have to know when to take risks. If you feel this is what you’re meant to do, do it. Otherwise, you might regret it for the rest of your life, like a step you didn’t dare take and that will always seem better (maybe wrongly) than what you’re living now...
Good luck
I’m a 49-year-old woman who’s just fallen head over heels for a kind and honest Cuban guy!!!! He’s 47, a father of 4 and grandfather of 2. Me? I’ve never been married, no kids, just 3 cats and a dog. You wanted drama—well, here it is!!!😉
We met in June at the hotel, of course—he’s a musician. I went back in July and I’m heading back on August 19th for another 2 weeks. We talk on the phone twice a week, and I’m lucky I speak Spanish. He’s currently taking French classes. Yesterday, I was lucky enough to receive a letter from him through a Cuban friend who lives in Canada and was on vacation with his Moroccan wife to visit his family. See? Anything’s possible.
That said, our goal is obviously marriage because, as far as I know, there’s no other way for us to be together without Fidel’s camera over our shoulders! But we’d live 6 months in Cuba and 6 months in Quebec. Of course, winter down there and summer up here.
We’re both in our early fifties and just want to grow old together. It might sound like a fairy tale to some, but at our age, we’re letting our hearts guide us and whatever happens, happens.
Don’t get discouraged—it’s true you’ll have to support your partner and their family financially, at least for a while. But on my end, I’m lucky that 2 of his kids are already adults and married. There are 2 younger ones left, but I can guarantee you, there’s never been—and never will be—any talk of me having to support them.
He’d like us to live in Quebec for 6 months to work and save up, as he puts it, then just go to Cuba to treat ourselves. Believe me, if you have a little money in Cuba—and you don’t need to be rich—you can live comfortably. Our living standards are different, I’ll admit, but that just makes us appreciate them more when we’re back.
The important thing is to follow your heart while keeping your eyes wide open! Sure, there are dishonest Cubans, but let’s be real—Quebec doesn’t hold the record for honesty or long-lasting marriages either! So, my dear, I wish you all the happiness in the world, and I’m here if you ever need to talk.
Hi Claudine!
I just spent a good hour reading all the replies to your question... and I feel like adding my "two cents," even if my personal experience is a bit dated (from 1988 to 1995). Broadly speaking, and although conditions have certainly changed since the legalization of the dollar in 1994, the principle of a prolonged stay (with temporary residency) in Cuba remains largely the same.
My very first piece of advice: follow your heart... but cover your bases! (That means an "open" return ticket valid for a year, a small "untouchable" reserve in a Canadian bank account, and... if possible, a job on the ground before getting married.)
Working on the ground:
I saw that you're a graphic designer, a pretty versatile profession with multiple opportunities. To work in Cuba, have you looked into whether there are any cooperation projects between Canada/Quebec and the EICTV (the International School of Film and Television), or even the ICAIC (Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry)? If you're hired and paid by Canada, you’d have the status of a "tecnico extranjero" (foreign technician) on site. This status comes with a few advantages in Cuba, notably being "taken care of" by your Canadian employer for housing, a car, etc. (otherwise, it’s currently way too expensive, and all your savings could disappear). On the Cuban side, you’d receive a foreign technician ID card, which allows you to shop at the store reserved for expats (tienda diplomática, a bit cheaper than other stores in CUC). There’s also the possibility of doing an internship for a few weeks or months, for example at the Taller Poligráfico... For that, you’d need to ask at the Cuban Embassy (I have a friend who did a 6-month lithography internship there in 2002, all expenses on his own, of course). You could also consider teaching—there are several art schools with graphic design programs that sometimes need instructors. A Swiss woman has been teaching regularly for years at an applied arts school, traveling back and forth between Cuba and Switzerland, and she opened an art gallery in Zurich where she organizes exhibitions exclusively featuring Cuban artists from the new generation. It seems to be working well for her... her only complaint is the lack of materials! (And her luggage reflects that.) I’ve never talked to her about her budget or how she lives here and there... But I do know that the school provides her with housing—pretty basic—and she gets around by bicycle! If she has a Cuban salary, it probably doesn’t exceed 350-400 pesos, which is about 15 CUC, and that obviously doesn’t allow for a comfortable life, even if you keep your expectations minimal! If you find work on the ground, it won’t be possible to earn much more... so financially, you’ll need to have enough to get by! (For info: from 1988 to 1994, I worked at the Swiss Parliament as an interpreter, with 4 sessions of 3 weeks per year (= 4 round trips between Switzerland and Cuba!) and a salary that allowed me to live modestly on site while working at Radio Havana International as a translator (announcer, then music group impresario, etc.). A "privileged" situation, I’m well aware. Salary: 348.50 pesos per month = at the time, on the black market, the equivalent of $3!!).
Life on the ground while married but without a job:
I completely agree with everything that’s been said, especially regarding life as a (young) couple with the whole family constantly around. Our habits are different—the family nucleus is omnipresent, and it’s very hard to escape, even if the house is big! And even if it comes from good intentions, Cubans tend to get involved in everything... especially other people’s business! Everything is an excuse for commentary, and private life (even if you have nothing to hide) is almost impossible... Personally, I always refused to live in/with my husband’s family (but I had my own little apartment... luckily). That didn’t stop us from having good relationships, frequent visits, and helping each other when needed... but always with the option to "retreat" into our own space, to host whoever we wanted, etc. At first, it was hard to "impose" and make them understand... but I never regretted it. Currently, for various reasons, we live in Switzerland (since 1995). When my husband goes alone to Cuba to visit his family, he stays with them, of course. When I go alone, I stay with a friend. And when we go together, friends lend us their apartment (we cover the utilities plus something they need, like a washing machine!).
Supporting the family:
Back then, before the dollar was legalized, it seemed like the foreign spouse was less solicited! Our current solution: we set a limit together that we don’t want/can’t exceed and communicated it straightforwardly. There were a few attempts, some friction, and tears (there’s always an emergency somewhere!), but we "held firm"... The important thing is that the family can count on regular remittances, and they’ve learned to plan, evaluate expenses, and save if needed. We’ve also always made it clear that our income comes from our work and that we have to "manage" our budget to get by in Switzerland... while not forgetting our loved ones in Cuba. The message got through...
Ration booklet/Libreta:
Contrary to viajecuba, I don’t know any Cuban who doesn’t use the ration booklet (obtaining a certain amount of basic products per family member registered on the booklet at the bodegas). But these quantities don’t allow for decent living. Even if you’re married and have temporary residency, you won’t be entitled to it anyway.
Cuban nationality:
Don’t request it under any circumstances, even if it’s sometimes tempting to please your husband. You’d then be subject to the same conditions as Cubans... and there’s no advantage to it, neither outside the country nor inside—on the contrary (you’d have to request an exit visa, for example). I don’t know under what conditions Cubans grant nationality to a foreign resident... but I can easily imagine the procedures and complications it would involve (not to mention the fees...). But if you ever decide to do it anyway: I don’t think there’s an obligation to renounce your original nationality and passport (in Switzerland, you never lose your nationality). I also know that Cubans accept dual nationality—I have several Cuban friends (mostly musicians) who live in Cuba and have a Spanish passport (because of their immigrant father of Iberian origin), French, etc. They leave Cuba with their Cuban passport and exit permit, then travel with their Spanish or French passport... a huge advantage for them, as they don’t need visas for most countries in the world!
Okay, I’ll stop here. I don’t know if this message will be useful to you... In short, I advise you to get married on the ground after living with your partner for a while (if your presence is important to him, he should also be able to figure out something for you both to live), find a job (it’ll help you stay a bit independent and guarantee your own contacts), and keep your eyes open and observe what’s going on around you. If something feels off, trust your intuition...
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate.
Best,
Marianne
I’m Canadian, 49 years old, and I met a Cuban man last June during a simple vacation with a friend.
You can see where this is going? We’re very much in love, but we both have our feet firmly on the ground. We’re trying to figure out a way to be together as often as possible, but since I’ve never been married, I’m a little nervous about all this!
I know I could live there for 90 days on a tourist visa. As for working there, I hadn’t considered that option—I’m on a sabbatical right now, and the idea hadn’t even crossed my mind. I’ve worked my whole life in finance and banking. Are there any opportunities for me there, and how would I find job openings?
I think living there for 3 months in a *casa particular* would require a pretty big budget, but if I could combine it with a job that at least puts me in touch with the reality of life there, that would be great for me.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope we can chat soon.
Hello Lyne!
Thanks for your message. I see that Cubans still have so much charm!!
There are beautiful stories, fortunately, and ones that end well. But most importantly, as you said, it’s still essential to keep your feet on the ground...
Regarding job opportunities in banking and finance, honestly, I have absolutely no idea. There are certainly several banks with international connections in Cuba, but I doubt they hire foreigners (and if they do, you’d need to speak Spanish perfectly). The same goes for finding a potential teaching position in that field (accounting, etc.). In Havana, there are two international schools (one French, one German, mostly attended by children of diplomats), but they only teach up to high school level.
Since your sabbatical year gives you the time, the idea of living there for a few weeks seems like a great one (the rental price for a *casa particular* should be easy to negotiate down if you stay long-term). You could also ask your boyfriend to handle it... a little "test" that might show you how he envisions your relationship.
Another idea, especially if your boyfriend works (which I hope he does...), would be to fill your days by taking an intensive Spanish course (what we so aptly call immersion learning!). There are plenty of options, mostly in Havana of course (at the university, in particular), but you can easily find private teachers almost anywhere. Your boyfriend or the Cuban embassy in Montreal could also help you find something that suits you. Plus, understanding and speaking Spanish is such a joy!
If your stay is planned for Varadero or the surrounding area, you could also offer to give a few private (and free!) French lessons to employees at hotels frequented by Quebecers. I’m sure there’d be interested people. Your boyfriend could act as an intermediary—he must know people who’d be interested in such an offer...
But most of all, enjoy your sabbatical year—it’s a wonderful opportunity to recharge and get back in shape. And as I often say: trust your intuition, it won’t steer you wrong!
Best regards,
Marianne
P.S. I just saw your first message further up in this thread. My idea about Spanish courses must seem a little off-base since you already speak it! Oh well, I won’t delete it—it might give someone else an idea! What instrument does your boyfriend play? In a band? Is he well-known? Has he toured outside of Cuba? That seems like an important point for your plan to live 6 months in Cuba and 6 months in Quebec. A musician, even if well-known, needs to be very present locally to work. Concert and festival schedules are planned 6 months to a year in advance (at least in Europe... but it’s probably the same in Quebec). If he works as a freelance professional musician, he needs to be very available, manage his schedule well, be totally reliable, etc. My husband (53), a professional drummer who’s played with several well-known Cuban bands and toured with them in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, took two years to build a solid freelance network in Switzerland and neighboring countries when we decided to settle there in 1995. Now, he’s in high demand, has carved out a great place in the music scene, works a lot, and travels often. The price of that effort: he had to completely abandon the idea of eventually rejoining a band in Cuba—the new generation of excellent musicians is gradually replacing the "old guard." So managing two networks in parallel seems difficult... But since Quebec is quite close to Cuba, maybe it’s possible. We’ll see...
I lived the same story as you. I met a Cuban while traveling. What was supposed to be a relaxing/beach trip turned into love at first sight for me... he seemed quite interested... but that was about it. I started planning a second trip to get to know him better. In November.
We arranged to meet up for a few days together to get to know each other better while I was there. We left the all-inclusive resort (where he works), visited his little corner of the country.
But since nothing happened between us (you understand = it was just friendly...) and he still keeps in touch with me, he must be very interested in getting to know me... at least, I hope so... (I’m listening to my heart anyway!)
Have you started your marriage procedures yet? Are you already married?
Tell us all about it! 🙂
Hi Cloclooo,
I’m in the same situation as you. I’ve been married for two years to a Cuban who doesn’t want to leave the country... He already has a child there and is very close to his family. I also wanted to go work there, but my husband is really hesitant about the working conditions. Me, I’m a social work technician, so the jobs there aren’t really what I do here!!! I looked into whether it’s possible to work in a hotel—it’s very difficult unless you’re employed by a travel company, like Tour-Mont Royal and others. Even then, there’s not much info on how to actually get a job there. By the way, the A-4 family visa is good for three months and is easy to renew since we’re married. You can get it before departure at the Cuban embassy in Montreal, but it’s easier and cheaper to do it once you arrive. You have three days after your arrival to go to the Ministerio del Interior to get it. You’ll need a recent marriage certificate, a property deed (if your husband owns a house), and his ID card. It costs 2 stamps of 20 Cuban pesos, and then you’re free to go wherever you want. Good luck, and if you ever find a way to work in Cuba, let me know!
I can tell you're feeling overwhelmed from all sides, poor thing! Anyway, all these comments are probably well-intentioned, but I still totally get where you're coming from. I’ve spent a total of 6 weeks in Fidel’s country since last June. I just got back yesterday evening from a 3-week trip with my boyfriend. I’m almost 50, I’m in love with a Cuban, and I’m going back to marry him on October 3rd. I’ve never been married before. He’s around my age, a father and grandfather on top of that. I’ve never had kids. These marriages between a Québécoise and a Cuban *are* possible. Our plan is to live 6 months here and 6 months there, more or less. What he wants is to come work here for 6 months a year and go back there to *disfrutar de la vida*. And since the cost of living is low down there, this is realistic. That said, working there himself won’t be possible once he becomes a permanent resident here—so even less so for me.
Don’t lose hope, but make sure you meet his family and spend time in his environment to get to know him really well. Unfortunately, there are scammers in Cuba, but let’s be honest—there are plenty here too!!! Quebec doesn’t exactly hold the record for long-lasting unions or marital bliss.
Thinking about it, I met a Cuban at Holguin Airport yesterday who was leaving the country to reunite with his wife here in Quebec. They got married in Cuba in February 2007, and 6 months later, he arrived in the country. He was so nervous and admitted he was scared to come to Canada because his family was in Cuba and the only person he knew and trusted here was his wife. You see, they have fears too!
Listen to your heart but keep your feet on the ground—you’ll see it’ll work out for the best.
I totally get you!! I wanted to do the same thing! I’m still with my boyfriend—he’s Cuban, of course! But I kinda changed my mind about living there... I don’t know what steps you’ve taken so far, but it’s definitely not a bad idea to stay in *casas particulares* for a few weeks and see if you like the place! I’m not talking about any specific city—go everywhere, travel, live the Cuban reality! The restrictions that come with it. I did it, and I just can’t! If you can, that’s great, because Cuba is a truly amazing country!
The only thing I can tell you is to go for your dreams full speed ahead! But don’t forget one thing: it has to flow naturally! When it’s too complicated and there are too many obstacles, there’s a reason!
I was rereading my messages today and I’m writing to give you an update. Well, yes, I got married on October 1st. Everything’s going great so far! We’ve started the immigration process!! What a nightmare! I’m thinking of writing a book to explain how to do it—I think it’d be a big hit!!!
I see I’m not the only one going through this! You’ve got to follow your heart while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. My husband and I are the same age; he’s a father of 4 and a grandfather of 2, can you believe it!
For now, we’ve decided to apply for a temporary resident visa so he can visit Quebec for up to 11 months. However, he won’t be able to work or study during that time. We’ll see during his visit if we want to continue with the immigration process.
We’re waiting for a response from Immigration Canada.
That’s where I’m at right now!!! Good luck with your sweetheart!
😊 Hi everyone, I’m Cuban myself. I’ve been in France for 8 years, and it’s not always easy, but in Cuba, it’s really, really tough. There are plenty of opportunities, but it’s important to remember that you need a well-stocked wallet before taking the plunge.
Hey Liniaz! What prices are you talking about in this post?!?! $800 for food per month?!?! $20,000 for a car? $5,000 monthly salary? What are these prices? That’s not what I know about Cuba! Can you clarify, please? If I find a good job there from here (Canada), the best I’ve seen is $1,200 per month!!! And for cars, I’ve been told from a reliable source that it’s 4,000 CUC for foreigners living there... I’m continuing my research on the "posts".
Hi there,
I was in Cuba representing a European company in Havana.
20,000 CUC is the price of a new car; for 4,000, you’ll get a total wreck with 200,000 km, with a huge risk of breakdowns, etc.
I can assure you that for a couple’s food, you need to budget around 800 CUC per month—or else you’ll be eating rice and beans. If you’re going as a foreign worker, you’ll almost certainly have to go through the Cuban agency for housing. I think it’s with Cubanacan, and rent for a house starts at 1,500 CUC per month. If you go private, a room will cost at least 400 CUC. Are you planning to live in a room????
With $1,200, it’s poverty—stay home, you won’t even have enough left for the flight ticket.
Thanks for the info, but I still can’t get over it. I think those numbers are more for Havana... I’m going to stay with my partner—we have a house in the countryside in the Camagüey region (we’re getting married this year, so I’m planning to get the A2 Visa on arrival as fiancés). I want to get an idea of the costs if I can’t find a job. I want to know how much I need to bring so I’m not a burden on my family but also not a source of income for the whole village 😛. I don’t mind eating rice, and I have options if I want to get "tourist" food at a good price...😛
So, the house is paid off in the sense that he paid half to his ex so it’s fully his. I still need to budget for transportation (do you need residency to buy a car?), food, toiletries, a fridge, a washing machine (the one thing I can’t imagine: hand-washing 🤪), maybe a mattress, kitchen supplies... other than that, I think we have everything. I’ll bring the TV, DVD player, and stereo. We need to finish the bathroom and eventually the whole house with cement.
Basically, that’s it... I don’t want to move there and keep the same lifestyle as here (Canada)—quite the opposite! I’m mentally prepared, but I’m struggling to plan financially. Transportation is my biggest concern! I can’t be stuck in the village all day—I need mobility. The beach and nearby towns are about 25 minutes away. Renting a car is way too expensive, 90 CUC/day!!!
Any ideas? Don’t you have any contacts for a job around Nuevitas or Santa Lucía?!
DinaLuna, I agree with you that in the Camaguey area, food is much cheaper than what Liniaz mentioned. From my experience shopping there often, let's say that with 25-30 CUC per week, you can both eat well—no luxuries, but not just rice all the time... But that doesn’t account for family, friends, or neighbors who’ll drop by! For variety, though, I think you’ll still need to go to the market in Camaguey.
For a car, you need to be a Cuban resident (🤪) or have a work contract. And for work, you’ll have to find it from here, not there (there won’t be anything available for you once you’re there). So, either you enter Cuba with a work visa, or you go as a tourist and get an A2 visa... With a tourist visa, you can stay for 3 months, or 6 if they renew it for you...
As for the fridge, mattress, kitchen items, washer... good luck!!! Based on my calculations and what I saw the last time I went to the store in Camaguey (I don’t remember the name—it had burned down, but it seems to have reopened on the 31st. It’s the only place in the area where you’ll really find what you’re looking for), it’ll cost you at least 2000 CUC...
If you’re bringing a TV, DVD player, and radio, you’ll be allowed to bring your "household goods" if you’re on a work visa. But on a tourist visa, you’ll definitely get taxed. A TV isn’t exactly discreet at customs!!!😉 And that’s not even counting the excess baggage fees from Canada. I hope you’re flying with Cubana from Toronto—you’ll get 2 checked bags of 23 kg each, plus more in tropical class...
I think you have a really great project. Just be aware that if you go without a work contract, it’ll cost you at least 4000-5000 CUC just to get settled, and you’ll need to live afterward and return at most every 6 months. Also, keep in mind you’ll need health insurance because if you leave the country for more than 6 months in a year, you’ll lose RAMQ coverage and have to pay for healthcare in Cuba...
Thanks Gigi! Yeah, I’m pretty up to speed on everything you’re telling me. For the appliances, the fridge is around 550 CUC at the Santa Lucia store, washers range from 230 CUC to 444 CUC, and the mattress is about 100 CUC, I think... For the TV, I have a small flat screen. I know a girl who’s been married to a Cuban for 6 years, and they often visit his parents in Santa Lucia. She told me she made fake invoices with logos for these items, and the tax came back to almost nothing. She wanted to give me a copy of her invoices (I need to find her email—I lost it 🤪). For luggage, I think I can fit everything into my suitcases and my family’s (my family is coming on vacation to bring supplies). I just got back from Sunwing, and I had the premium class for $40, which gave me 40 kilos total (10 kg carry-on) instead of 30 kilos (10 kg carry-on) in regular class. Cubana doesn’t have the same policy for Montreal and Toronto?! That’s so weird! I remember with them it’s 23 kg. If I have to go through Toronto, well, I’ll go!! No problem! For Quebec health insurance, I wouldn’t necessarily lose it. Yesterday, I checked their website, and there’s an exception for people who leave for more than 6 months at least every 7 years. In that case (since I only want to leave for 1 year), I’d still be covered. If I understood what I read correctly. The only thing: I won’t be able to manage without a car or transportation!?!?! Can I rent a car from Canadians living there?
Thanks Gigi! Yeah, I’m pretty aware of everything you’re telling me. For the appliances, the fridge is about 550 CUC at the Santa Lucia store, the washing machine ranges from 230 CUC to 444 CUC, and the mattress is around 100 CUC, I think... For the TV, I have a small flat screen. I know a girl who’s been married to a Cuban for 6 years, and they often visit his parents in Santa Lucia. She told me she made fake invoices with logos for these items, and the tax came to almost nothing. She wanted to give me a copy of her invoices (I need to find her email—I lost it🤪). For luggage, I think I can fit everything in my suitcases and my family’s (my family will come on vacation to bring supplies). I just got back with Sunwing, and I had the premium class for $40, which gave me 40 kilos total (10 kg carry-on) instead of 30 kilos (10 kg carry-on) in regular class. Cubana doesn’t have the same policy for Montreal and Toronto?! That’s so weird! I remember with them it’s 23 kg. If I have to go through Toronto, well, I’ll go!! No problem! As for Quebec’s health insurance, I won’t necessarily lose it. Yesterday, I checked their website, and there’s an exception for people who leave for more than 6 months at least every 7 years. In that case (since I only want to leave for 1 year), I’d still be covered. If I understood what I read correctly. The only thing: I won’t be able to manage without a car or transportation!?!?! Can I rent a car from Canadians living there?
Why $4,000–$5,000 to settle in?
You can always rent a car from someone there, but it won’t be legal... So if you have an accident, a problem, or get stopped by the police...🤪 And I don’t know which Canadian you could rent a car from... those who have a work permit and legally own a car need it for work. Other Canadians or foreigners who have a car in the area don’t have it legally... So you’d have to illegally rent a car that’s illegally owned by someone!😛 There might be an Italian living in Camaguey who often goes to the Gran Club and could help you out, but I can’t guarantee anything...
Just a little personal opinion... There aren’t really Canadians living in Cuba... There are foreigners working there long-term, people who spend a lot of time in Cuba, who go often, but legally, when you have no rights in a country, you’re always a tourist, and you have to leave every 6 months max, I don’t consider that living in a country...
For the RAMQ, make sure you check properly—I’m not sure it applies without a work contract from a Canadian organization... What I do know is that my cousin just came back from a 2-year stay abroad, and she had to go through the 3-month wait without RAMQ for herself and the kids when they returned... You’d better call...
For the $4,000–$5,000, well, if you count 2,000 CUC for electronics (but you told me around 1,200 CUC. Be careful—send your husband to buy them, the price might be better!!! And check out Camaguey, you’ll have more options😉), excess baggage fees, customs fees, finishing the bathroom (we did it—it’s not cheap...), your medical insurance and repatriation for 1 year in Cuba, and if you add your round-trip ticket after 6 months (and that’s if immigration allows it) plus the 40 CUC for the A2 every 3 months, and the unfavorable exchange rate these days... We’re not far off...
And for Cubana, yes, it’s different between Montreal and Toronto. From Toronto, it’s 2 suitcases of 23 kg in regular class, probably more in tropical class. And flights are often cheaper, so it might be worth it...
Thanks again, Gigi! For the car, I know a Canadian woman who lives in Cuba. She lives there permanently and doesn’t work there—she has a business here in Canada. She and her partner have two cars, which are actually hers, and she has her residence. So I was thinking of her, asking her about it. I’ll let you know—my brain is working overtime! I’m considering all the options. For the RAMQ, it’s clearly written on their site under the exceptions:
Two other exceptions
Two other situations may allow a person to leave Quebec for 183 days or more in a calendar year and keep their right to the health insurance benefits.
A person who leaves Quebec for more than 183 days in the same calendar year, provided this absence occurs only once every seven years.
Thanks again, and if you have any other ideas, let me know. I don’t know the Italian in Camagüey... Maybe he actually does diving? I also know an English guy who lives in the area. He told me it’s tough to get a car!🤪
About the 4000-5000, you’re right—I didn’t realize you were including the tickets... And I just found out the VisaA2 is only for 3 months!!! Darn!
I went through the same path as you, and if I could give you one piece of advice, listen to your heart and keep your relationship going. If you can, don’t hesitate to visit often to make sure the person you’re with is sincere, and don’t listen to the frustrated people or those who don’t know anything—those venomous tongues will do everything to ruin your story.
For my part, I’ve been married to a Cuban woman for 6 years, and I had all my "friends," relatives, and other people from my country (France) telling me that Cuban women are all gold-diggers looking to marry for a visa, and that Cubans are just dishonest people who only think about fleeing by any means possible. Sure, that exists—I’ve seen plenty of 25-year-old Cubans marrying women over 50—but who’s the idiot in that situation? What I wanted to say to those people on the forum is that they should stop making generalizations.
There are dishonest people, freeloaders, jerks, or whatever you want to call them—just as much in Cuba as in France, Thailand, or anywhere else.
As for me, I didn’t listen to anyone, and ever since I got married, those same people completely changed their tune and now even claim there’s no one better than her. Pfft!!
Since then, I’ve met a lot of Franco-Cuban couples who’ve been married for years, started families in France, and are very happy.
What’s certain is that when you marry a Cuban, you have to think about helping their family, but it’s up to you to set boundaries. But that bothers a lot of people in the West because, unfortunately, the word "family" barely exists here, and giving a little of your money to help people in need really stings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, even if you only go there once every two years.
And generally, Cubans are happy with little and show their gratitude and joy, unlike here, where people almost frown when you give them a gift because they’re so jaded.
What’s for sure is that the warmth, sense of family, values, and non-aggressiveness I’ve gained from the Cuban people have given me more than just living for material things, money, and selfishness.
Anyway, I wish you lots of happiness.
Hasta luego
I don’t know where you stand after all this time, but just so you know, I married a Cuban in 2000, despite all the so-called "friendly warnings" from my family and friends... for the same reasons as you: "he just wants to get out of his country," "you’ll see how he acts once he gets his papers," etc. My husband didn’t want to leave Cuba, so I tried to find work there. I got job offers with a Cuban salary plus an amount in dollars—the positions were interesting and allowed for a comfortable life in Cuba. Still, even with that, I couldn’t afford to visit my family once a year (flight ticket prices). So I gave up after 6 months, and it was my husband who followed me, even though it wasn’t his initial choice... He’s still with me, we’ve been married for 26 years, and it’s been the best decision of my life, against all odds. Since then, I’ve applied for residency in Cuba (I’ve had it since 2016). Cubans don’t grant citizenship—you have to be born there or be named Che Guevara to get it!! But residency gives the same rights. I bought an apartment in my name, travel there whenever I want without a visa, and can work in any field. Another "pseudo-certainty" debunked: my husband has a large family (9 siblings and a ton of nieces and nephews). Never, not once, has anyone asked or demanded anything from us... When we know they can’t find something important locally (like solar lamps, for example), we bring some to give as gifts, but it’s always voluntary, without any request, and we’ve never felt any pressure, even though life there has been particularly tough in recent years. Cubans still have a sense of honor—not all of them, just like anywhere else, but many do... When we’re there and invite them for lunch, they always bring something. And they do us big favors—when we’re not there, they look after our apartments, clean them, help with administrative tasks, etc. In short, it’s a loving and attentive family, not at all "interested." I’m sorry to hear that some people have had bad experiences, but they’re not the only ones—there are positive stories too, but no one talks about them!!
Hi,
I’m looking for real first-hand experiences from adults who’ve done a language stay in Canada, specifically in Vancouver or Toronto.
There are so many different schools and reviews that are both negative and positive (how can you tell if they’re genuine?!) that I’d rather hear from real people.
I’m looking for fun courses where you really make progress in speaking and comprehension.
+ Homestay accommodation: good or bad idea?
I’m 35—this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me since I’ve dreamed about it since I was 17!
I really don’t want to mess this up, especially given how much it costs!
Hi,
I’m leaving on September 4th for Vancouver as a tourist for 6 months.
My boyfriend works there, so I’m going to visit him. I’d like to take the opportunity to learn English at a school during October and November.
Could you recommend any schools—price, activities, location, reputation, etc.?
Hi! I’m 76 and have traveled a lot in my life, and now I’m looking to settle in Réunion.
I’ve seen a retirement community in Saint-Pierre (Ravine des Cabris) and a residence called Village d’Or in Sainte-Clotilde.
I have a feeling that living in Saint-Joseph might be better.
I’ve submitted both applications and would love your thoughts—also if you know of any friendly small residences for rent, or if you have experience living there.
My pension is 1,460 €.
Thanks so much for your help!
Looking forward to hearing from you—warm regards to everyone
After living for many years in the West (Belgium, Italy, Switzerland),
I’ve decided to return and settle in Cameroon, my home country.
Currently an entrepreneur in real estate and transport, I’m looking for a partner / partners / foundation to collaborate on an agriculture project, as I own 10 hectares of land.
The hectares have remained unused for years due to a lack of financial means, since the project requires what I’d call a considerable investment. As the main stakeholder, I have a minimal contribution to offer.
I believe it’s time to bring this space to life to meet pressing needs and serve the common good of society.
The project is simple:
1) Grow maize + build a processing plant to produce flour
2) Open a mini supermarket + a modern bakery using the flour for pastries, etc.
3) Build a healthcare service
4) Build a nursery and primary school
5) Construct free housing for retired expatriates in exchange for their voluntary contributions in their respective fields.
This is a project I truly believe in, and I invite anyone interested to add their personal touch—whether through advice, guidance, or involvement.
Note: This project has national and international potential in terms of employment.
Hi everyone, my son’s school is offering him a one-month Erasmus trip to Ireland, but he has to find a junior cycle school that will accept him and a host family on his own. Honestly, we’re struggling—we’ve contacted two schools and haven’t heard back! If you have any leads...
What price should I expect to pay for a modest small apartment or a large room in a bedroom community in Quito? Are restaurants and food expensive? And which airline is best to travel from Montreal? Thanks for your answers
I’m considering moving to Miami to live and work for a few years.
If anyone knows what the administrative formalities are—both for getting a work permit and for the steps and reputable organizations to contact (since I imagine there are scammers in this space) when buying a studio in Miami or Miami Beach—I’d love any info you can share!
Hi, I was wondering if anyone has already had the experience of working abroad?
I don’t have a specific country in mind yet, so I’m open to hearing about your experiences on this topic—the pros and cons, etc.
Hi there!
I’m a young Malian looking to work in Morocco. Besides a passport, what other documents are required at the **Moroccan** border?
Thanks for your help!
Hi there. I’m planning to move to Luxembourg around December 2025 or January 2026. I’ll be looking for a job and settling in. My question is: is it too complicated to find housing? Is the job market more advantageous and easier than in France? I’m open to any information that could help me.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
I’m heading to Bangkok for a 5-month internship, and I’m wondering about the budget because I’ve read all sorts of things—so I decided to post here to get answers tailored to my situation! :D
I found housing that costs me 7,000 baht (I know it’s a bit pricey, but it’s super convenient...), which works out to about 160 € all-inclusive. So, I was wondering if it’s realistic to live on 500 or 600 € per month, and if so, under what conditions? Is that enough, considering I’ll be working 40 hours a week?
Thanks in advance for your replies—I hope they’ll reassure me!
WEP offers loads of different projects, including one I really like: helping and volunteering on a farm, particularly in South America (Peru or Argentina).
I’d love to know if anyone has tried this project or knows someone who has... or has done something similar? I’d like to get some feedback before diving into the adventure.
If so, could you share your thoughts on the project, any tips, etc.?
Hi there,
Our departure time is getting closer (we have less than 2 years left—it’s both a long time and so short!). To start preparing seriously, we’ll need quite a bit of info. If anyone knows the rates charged by movers for a crate to French Polynesia, or what pitfalls to avoid (I know you can get quotes directly from movers, but I’d love insights from actual customers😉).
Are there any special requirements before leaving France (aside from taxes...)?
Thanks to everyone for your help—every bit of info is useful. We’re aiming for a departure around 06/2010 (just need to save up a little more...).
Thanks again!
Hi, I’m a self-employed physiotherapist in France, and as my wife (a nurse) and I look into working abroad in about two years, I’ve been offered an equivalence to become a respiratory physiotherapist in Switzerland. Actually, I’m currently doing a postgraduate diploma in pediatric respiratory physiotherapy and want to specialize in that area. Anyway, that’s not the main point—could anyone explain the pros and cons of doing this job in Switzerland? Based on the paperwork I’ve received, the equivalence seems purely administrative or almost... What about working conditions, quality of life, salaries, etc.?
Thanks for your replies.
PS: Same question for my wife, a nurse, regarding her integration.
I’m looking for information about jobs in early childhood in New Caledonia. I’m currently a childminder in a MAM (multi-accueil) and I’ve also worked for about 6 years in several daycare centers as a childcare assistant.
In the summer of 2026, my husband is being transferred to New Caledonia. We’ll be living near Nouméa. Do you know if the early childhood sector is a good field for jobs there?
Can’t wait to discover this island! Right now, we’re in the middle of all the administrative paperwork for our 3 kids, finding housing, bringing our cat to the territory, and so on!
Thanks for your feedback!!
Hi there,
I’ve been living in Bali for a month now, but unfortunately on a VOA visa. I’m looking for a European company that’s set up in Indonesia. I’m in electrotechnical maintenance—air conditioning, cold rooms, 220V/380V electricity. I’ve been a tradesperson for 3 months and can bring my full professional toolkit. If anyone’s interested, let me know!
You can send me a message.
Best regards,
I’d love to go to Japan to travel, and if things go well, work there too.
Has anyone tried finding a job there? Is it even possible without speaking Japanese?
I’m thinking of starting out in restaurants (dishwashing or serving) and then moving into my field, IT.
I’d like to move to Spain, specifically to Málaga.
To do that, I’d like to know if I’ll need any official documents from France to work there, or anything like that...
I’d also love to hear from people who’ve moved to Spain for work—do Spaniards like the French? Is it hard to fit in? What are the salary ranges for a ready-to-wear salesperson? And is it easy to find housing?
My partner and I currently live in Antibes—we’re both freelancers working remotely. We’re thinking about potentially moving to Italy.
We’d like to settle near the French border, between Ventimiglia and San Remo (this is important because we need access to Nice Airport twice a month). ✈️
I’d love to hear about life in this region! We’re looking for a quiet spot close to the sea. Any recommendations? As for the paperwork, is it difficult to get everything official? Is finding housing tough in this area? What kind of guarantees are usually required? If any kind soul could shed some light on this, we’d really appreciate it! 🥺🏻
I'm looking for an au pair who'd like to come to Bournemouth in the south of England, and I'd love to know what the best websites are to find one, please.
I’d like to get some information about my eligibility for the DV Lottery.
About my background:
• I earned a *Bac Pro* through VAE (*Validation des Acquis de l’Expérience*), issued by the *Éducation nationale*.
• I also have a professional certification as a *Conseiller en Insertion* (Employment Counselor), issued by the Ministry of Labor.
• Altogether, this adds up to a *Bac+2* level.
I’d like to know if this level qualifies me to apply for the DV Lottery.
Regarding my work experience:
• I work as an *Employment Counselor*.
• I checked on O*Net Online for the classification: Job Zone 4, SVP Range: 7.0 – <8.0.
• I only have one year of experience, but I handle similar tasks in business creation.
So my question is: can I apply for the DV Lottery despite my relatively short experience, given that my job falls under Job Zone 4?
I’m looking for info on villages around Aix, like Fuveau, Bouc-Bel-Air, or even Éguilles and Venelles?
We’re a couple with a child living in the Paris region, and I’ll be relocating to Aix-en-Provence in spring 2026. We’d love to swap our apartment for a house with a pool within 20-30 minutes max of central Aix, with a budget of around 650k €.
In terms of climate and geography, I’ve read that Aix is in a basin where it can get really hot. What about the surrounding villages that are a bit more elevated, like Venelles? Is it just as stifling?
Starting this spring, we want to settle near Aix-en-Provence. We're tired of living in the mountains with all the snow—we really need some sunshine and a fresh start. Is it hard to find a house to rent there? What about prices? If you have any great tips or useful info about the area, we’d love to hear it. I work in education and want to do prevention work in Marseille or Aix—are there jobs in the social sector?
Anyway, we need tons of info, but we’re sure we’re going to take the leap—no hesitation, adventure is adventure!!!
Thanks for your help and any experiences you can share.
I’m an osteopath and I’d like to set up and open an osteopathy practice in Thailand. I don’t have a precise location in mind yet, but I’m thinking maybe Hua Hin.
I saw there’s an osteopath based in Phuket, so I wrote to him for some info, but he still hasn’t replied🤪!
So I’m reaching out to people who live there or know the country well:
I’d like to know what the best ways are to advertise and get known in Thailand. Are there any local classifieds newspapers?
First, I’d like to practice from my apartment. Is that allowed in Thailand?
Ideally, I’d like to work part-time in a private hospital as an osteopath. I’m thinking that in Thailand, the medical field is much more open than in Europe!!! Has anyone seen an osteopath or chiropractor working in a Thai hospital? Do you know the price of a consultation?
Any info you can share will be super helpful! Thanks in advance[;)!!!]
Hello everyone,
We’re a small family from the south of France, with a 2-year-old little boy, and we’re dreaming of starting a new adventure abroad by opening our own business. For now, we haven’t chosen a specific destination yet.
We mainly speak French, with a basic level of Spanish and English, and we’re ready to improve these two languages if needed. We’re looking for a multicultural, safe country with quality healthcare and good schools accessible for our son. We’d also love a pleasant place with a mild climate where life is good.
Our idea is to travel to different countries to explore, compare, and refine our project. We’d be really happy to read your tips, experiences, or anecdotes if you’ve already undertaken a similar project or if you know key points to anticipate.
Thanks in advance for your shares and help—it would really help us move forward with our project! 😄
