Posts by Mondusthan
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Travel companions for an adventure in the Lot region
Hello everyone!
I’m heading off to explore the Lot region in a week. Starting in Figeac, then making my way up to the northern part of the department before heading back down toward Cahors, and finally setting off toward Villefranche-de-Rouergue...
I’ll be there for a good week, sleeping on the mattress in the back of my van. My priority is quiet, natural, and peaceful spots. I’m self-sufficient with a camping stove, food and drinks, and a backpack for hiking and visiting small villages and nature trails...
If any of you are available and up for sharing a moment together—a meal, a beer, a hike, a visit, etc.—and you’re from the area or want to show me a stunning spot in the Lot that I might not know about, I’m in!
For those who don’t know me, I’m a 41-year-old guy, pretty sporty and passionate about nature and adventure!
Don’t hesitate to reach out privately! Looking forward to great encounters... 🚐🥾
I’m heading off to explore the Lot region in a week. Starting in Figeac, then making my way up to the northern part of the department before heading back down toward Cahors, and finally setting off toward Villefranche-de-Rouergue...
I’ll be there for a good week, sleeping on the mattress in the back of my van. My priority is quiet, natural, and peaceful spots. I’m self-sufficient with a camping stove, food and drinks, and a backpack for hiking and visiting small villages and nature trails...
If any of you are available and up for sharing a moment together—a meal, a beer, a hike, a visit, etc.—and you’re from the area or want to show me a stunning spot in the Lot that I might not know about, I’m in!
For those who don’t know me, I’m a 41-year-old guy, pretty sporty and passionate about nature and adventure!
Don’t hesitate to reach out privately! Looking forward to great encounters... 🚐🥾
Account of my stay in Cuba
Hello,
The kindness of Cubans, yes! And their hospitality, their good cheer... It really makes up for all the material shortages the country is experiencing. When I was there for 2 months, I hadn’t prepared or organized anything at all. Just me with my backpack and the desire to explore the country while meeting the locals.
I can understand that the difficulties might deter some people. As you said, Georges, daily power outages, fuel shortages, lack of medicine, incredible inflation, water shortages (in some places like Moa, there was only cola, soda, or beer!), etc... All of that can be quite inconvenient.
But in reality, it all depends on how you travel and how you approach the journey. Of course, if you want to maintain a certain level of comfort throughout your stay, these issues can be a bit annoying. But to get around that, if you have the financial means, you can stay in hotels (where there’s almost always electricity, water, medicine, good food, etc.) and get around by taxi (which avoids the hassles of *wha-wha* and other uncomfortable truck-buses, though you won’t escape fuel supply problems).
Personally, as I mentioned at the start of the conversation, I chose to travel solo, with just a backpack and very limited funds. At every stage of my trip, I had to find great tips for getting around, finding accommodation, etc. Honestly, my only real issue was food. I was often hungry, and when I did find something to eat (within my tiny budget, of course), it wasn’t usually very good—except for a few rare exceptional spots. Beyond that, everything else seemed secondary and didn’t bother me much. I was fully aware that all these "problems," for me—a European tourist only there for two months—were trivial compared to what Cubans endure daily, permanently, with a currency that’s nearly worthless and entire families to support.
Cuba is worth visiting, and Cubans show remarkable courage and dignity. The situation on the island, under a dictatorial regime, is deeply concerning. Not a single day went by without one of them sharing their distress over a reality that keeps getting worse day after day.
The kindness of Cubans, yes! And their hospitality, their good cheer... It really makes up for all the material shortages the country is experiencing. When I was there for 2 months, I hadn’t prepared or organized anything at all. Just me with my backpack and the desire to explore the country while meeting the locals.
I can understand that the difficulties might deter some people. As you said, Georges, daily power outages, fuel shortages, lack of medicine, incredible inflation, water shortages (in some places like Moa, there was only cola, soda, or beer!), etc... All of that can be quite inconvenient.
But in reality, it all depends on how you travel and how you approach the journey. Of course, if you want to maintain a certain level of comfort throughout your stay, these issues can be a bit annoying. But to get around that, if you have the financial means, you can stay in hotels (where there’s almost always electricity, water, medicine, good food, etc.) and get around by taxi (which avoids the hassles of *wha-wha* and other uncomfortable truck-buses, though you won’t escape fuel supply problems).
Personally, as I mentioned at the start of the conversation, I chose to travel solo, with just a backpack and very limited funds. At every stage of my trip, I had to find great tips for getting around, finding accommodation, etc. Honestly, my only real issue was food. I was often hungry, and when I did find something to eat (within my tiny budget, of course), it wasn’t usually very good—except for a few rare exceptional spots. Beyond that, everything else seemed secondary and didn’t bother me much. I was fully aware that all these "problems," for me—a European tourist only there for two months—were trivial compared to what Cubans endure daily, permanently, with a currency that’s nearly worthless and entire families to support.
Cuba is worth visiting, and Cubans show remarkable courage and dignity. The situation on the island, under a dictatorial regime, is deeply concerning. Not a single day went by without one of them sharing their distress over a reality that keeps getting worse day after day.
My experience in Cuba
Hi Georgie,
I rarely took Viazul buses because they were quite expensive and often could only be paid in dollars (or even euros). So, it wasn’t worth it. For example, from Havana to Viñales, the Viazul bus fare was 15 €. A rip-off. The same went for shared taxis...
Instead, I took *Wha-Wha* buses, which were much cheaper since I paid in Cuban pesos. For Havana to Viñales, I paid around 500/600 pesos (the exchange rate in January was 340/360 CUP/€. You can see the difference right away...)
That said, I didn’t struggle much to find a truck to take me there. There were a lot of offers for shared taxis on that route...
Wha-whas are hard to find on this side of the island. They’re more common in the south, toward Santiago, where you have to walk through the city for a good 20 minutes to find the truck departure station. Whatever you do, don’t ask travel agencies downtown—they’re outrageously expensive (a trip from Santiago to Baracoa can cost over 100 €!!!). So, the trucks all the way on the other side of Santiago (Omnibus terminal, Calle 4) are really cheap (in pesos), but you have to get there early to grab a seat...
Same deal in Baracoa, which is a tiny town. Lots of trucks leave for cheap. Packed like sardines, but that’s part of the fun! In Guantánamo, the truck station is also on the outskirts of town, so expect a bit of a walk... Anyway, all these short city-to-city trips usually cost between 400/500 and 1,000 pesos max.
Another easy and alternative option is hitchhiking. Not everyone stops, but I found it works pretty well. Though, they’ll always ask for a few pesos for a ride in the back of a pickup with other people (usually 4/6 people max)... 😄
I rarely took Viazul buses because they were quite expensive and often could only be paid in dollars (or even euros). So, it wasn’t worth it. For example, from Havana to Viñales, the Viazul bus fare was 15 €. A rip-off. The same went for shared taxis...
Instead, I took *Wha-Wha* buses, which were much cheaper since I paid in Cuban pesos. For Havana to Viñales, I paid around 500/600 pesos (the exchange rate in January was 340/360 CUP/€. You can see the difference right away...)
That said, I didn’t struggle much to find a truck to take me there. There were a lot of offers for shared taxis on that route...
Wha-whas are hard to find on this side of the island. They’re more common in the south, toward Santiago, where you have to walk through the city for a good 20 minutes to find the truck departure station. Whatever you do, don’t ask travel agencies downtown—they’re outrageously expensive (a trip from Santiago to Baracoa can cost over 100 €!!!). So, the trucks all the way on the other side of Santiago (Omnibus terminal, Calle 4) are really cheap (in pesos), but you have to get there early to grab a seat...
Same deal in Baracoa, which is a tiny town. Lots of trucks leave for cheap. Packed like sardines, but that’s part of the fun! In Guantánamo, the truck station is also on the outskirts of town, so expect a bit of a walk... Anyway, all these short city-to-city trips usually cost between 400/500 and 1,000 pesos max.
Another easy and alternative option is hitchhiking. Not everyone stops, but I found it works pretty well. Though, they’ll always ask for a few pesos for a ride in the back of a pickup with other people (usually 4/6 people max)... 😄
My Cuba trip experience
Hi everyone.
Here’s my personal account (just my own opinion, of course):
My trip lasted 2 months (January to March 2025). Backpacking, solo, and on a very tight budget (15 € per day on average). I traveled from Havana to: Viñales, Santa Marta/Varadero, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Baracoa, Moa, Holguín, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, and back to Havana.
In Cuba, if you stay in *casas particulares*, you’ll have plenty of options. They’re everywhere. When I did door-to-door, I negotiated prices based on my small budget. Not always accepted, but I still managed to find families willing to host me. The island has fewer and fewer tourists each year, so many now prefer to rent a room at a low price rather than leave it empty. Inflation is insane, and Cubans struggle to get by day to day.
Door-to-door works really well (look for the blue logo of a roof on the house, which means it’s licensed to rent to foreigners)—you’ll see them everywhere. If it makes you feel more secure, you can also book through Airb’n’b, but you won’t be able to negotiate there. Important: make sure to get a VPN subscription on your phone, otherwise you won’t be able to book anything (since Airbnb is a U.S. site).
Now, for the West:
- Viñales: very pretty but *super* touristy! So, food prices are a bit high… but it’s the cheapest place to stay I found in the whole country (3 €-4 per night!!!), because there’s so much competition with *casas* (you’ll find them on every street!).
- Cienfuegos: a human-scale city, I really liked it because it’s so peaceful. Waterfront, pretty square, good prices, wide and well-lit streets—very pleasant…
- Trinidad: very expensive and very touristy. Pretty (cobblestone streets, historic center, natural surroundings), but packed with people…
- Havana: easy to find cheap accommodation if you look in Chinatown. However, you shouldn’t mind the noise and street prostitution (getting approached every 10 meters)… Central Havana is the only well-maintained and upscale part of the city (so very expensive, for tourists with money). Outside of that, everything is run-down, in ruins, or very poor (and cheap as a result).
- Varadero: no interest at all. Very expensive, superficial, and ultra-touristy. Absolutely nothing Cuban about the place. If you still want to go, stay 3 km before in Santa Marta—it’s cheaper, and you can easily walk there.
- Santa Clara: a very pretty small city with its central square. Hard to find a good place to eat with electricity—if you can afford it, go to *El Sol* restaurant, no hesitation! Great welcome and a charming spot to enjoy a meal. For accommodation, I recommend a wonderful person, Juan Carlos. *Casa San Lorenzo* on Calle Martí! Always attentive, a great spirit, and good advice…
For the Center:
- Sancti Spíritus: nothing special… just a stopover city.
- Camagüey: a nice city with welcoming people (like everywhere else), but nothing particularly noteworthy.
For the Southeast:
- Bayamo: very small, nothing special.
- Santiago de Cuba: I loved it! It felt like San Francisco with its hilly layout! Lots of street life, musicians, affordable *casas*, easy to make friendly connections, quiet spots by the water, and lively areas downtown (despite the downside of being approached every 2 minutes). And always, a warm welcome from locals (shoutout to the adorable Erika, Souleydis, and her partner—I’m giving a shoutout to *Casa San Pedro* on Calle Princesa!).
- Guantánamo: no interest. Hard to find accommodation or even food. Nothing special and not very pretty either…
- Baracoa: very pretty, though! Kept in its own juice, very typical, authentic, a peaceful waterfront, and stunning natural surroundings… Easy to find cheap accommodation.
- Moa: the only small town where I stayed 3 days and couldn’t find bottled water… Not much interest, except to rest before hitting the road again.
- Holguín: one of the cities I loved! I stayed over 10 days. Human-scale, lots of places to stay and sleep. No one bothers you in the street (except money changers). It’s a great place to live, and the people are very friendly.
Overall positives: no need to worry—Cuba is ultra-safe, no aggression, no risks. Cubans are very welcoming, smiling, and always ready to help. Public transport everywhere—buses, trucks, *collectivos*, *taxi wha-wha*… The ice cream is to die for (just watch out for power outages and freezers). Great breakfasts in *casas*—hearty and delicious… Movie theaters are practically free (in Cuban pesos), so cheap it’d be a shame to skip them (they’re often empty, by the way). Chess clubs in every city, open to everyone and free (they’re really good!). The general vibe is warm and joyful despite the hardships…
Overall negatives: lots of scams, theft, and prostitution. Except in Havana, the rest of the island has no electricity for most of the day. Hard to find good cheap food (without going to big restaurants or hotels). Often mediocre: pasta or pizza usually have no taste. Paranoia among many people who fear crime, even though the country is very safe… Inflation is so bad that many Cubans struggle to eat or get healthcare (medicine is rare and expensive).
That’s a lot to say, but that’s the gist of it… 😊
Here’s my personal account (just my own opinion, of course):
My trip lasted 2 months (January to March 2025). Backpacking, solo, and on a very tight budget (15 € per day on average). I traveled from Havana to: Viñales, Santa Marta/Varadero, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Baracoa, Moa, Holguín, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, and back to Havana.
In Cuba, if you stay in *casas particulares*, you’ll have plenty of options. They’re everywhere. When I did door-to-door, I negotiated prices based on my small budget. Not always accepted, but I still managed to find families willing to host me. The island has fewer and fewer tourists each year, so many now prefer to rent a room at a low price rather than leave it empty. Inflation is insane, and Cubans struggle to get by day to day.
Door-to-door works really well (look for the blue logo of a roof on the house, which means it’s licensed to rent to foreigners)—you’ll see them everywhere. If it makes you feel more secure, you can also book through Airb’n’b, but you won’t be able to negotiate there. Important: make sure to get a VPN subscription on your phone, otherwise you won’t be able to book anything (since Airbnb is a U.S. site).
Now, for the West:
- Viñales: very pretty but *super* touristy! So, food prices are a bit high… but it’s the cheapest place to stay I found in the whole country (3 €-4 per night!!!), because there’s so much competition with *casas* (you’ll find them on every street!).
- Cienfuegos: a human-scale city, I really liked it because it’s so peaceful. Waterfront, pretty square, good prices, wide and well-lit streets—very pleasant…
- Trinidad: very expensive and very touristy. Pretty (cobblestone streets, historic center, natural surroundings), but packed with people…
- Havana: easy to find cheap accommodation if you look in Chinatown. However, you shouldn’t mind the noise and street prostitution (getting approached every 10 meters)… Central Havana is the only well-maintained and upscale part of the city (so very expensive, for tourists with money). Outside of that, everything is run-down, in ruins, or very poor (and cheap as a result).
- Varadero: no interest at all. Very expensive, superficial, and ultra-touristy. Absolutely nothing Cuban about the place. If you still want to go, stay 3 km before in Santa Marta—it’s cheaper, and you can easily walk there.
- Santa Clara: a very pretty small city with its central square. Hard to find a good place to eat with electricity—if you can afford it, go to *El Sol* restaurant, no hesitation! Great welcome and a charming spot to enjoy a meal. For accommodation, I recommend a wonderful person, Juan Carlos. *Casa San Lorenzo* on Calle Martí! Always attentive, a great spirit, and good advice…
For the Center:
- Sancti Spíritus: nothing special… just a stopover city.
- Camagüey: a nice city with welcoming people (like everywhere else), but nothing particularly noteworthy.
For the Southeast:
- Bayamo: very small, nothing special.
- Santiago de Cuba: I loved it! It felt like San Francisco with its hilly layout! Lots of street life, musicians, affordable *casas*, easy to make friendly connections, quiet spots by the water, and lively areas downtown (despite the downside of being approached every 2 minutes). And always, a warm welcome from locals (shoutout to the adorable Erika, Souleydis, and her partner—I’m giving a shoutout to *Casa San Pedro* on Calle Princesa!).
- Guantánamo: no interest. Hard to find accommodation or even food. Nothing special and not very pretty either…
- Baracoa: very pretty, though! Kept in its own juice, very typical, authentic, a peaceful waterfront, and stunning natural surroundings… Easy to find cheap accommodation.
- Moa: the only small town where I stayed 3 days and couldn’t find bottled water… Not much interest, except to rest before hitting the road again.
- Holguín: one of the cities I loved! I stayed over 10 days. Human-scale, lots of places to stay and sleep. No one bothers you in the street (except money changers). It’s a great place to live, and the people are very friendly.
Overall positives: no need to worry—Cuba is ultra-safe, no aggression, no risks. Cubans are very welcoming, smiling, and always ready to help. Public transport everywhere—buses, trucks, *collectivos*, *taxi wha-wha*… The ice cream is to die for (just watch out for power outages and freezers). Great breakfasts in *casas*—hearty and delicious… Movie theaters are practically free (in Cuban pesos), so cheap it’d be a shame to skip them (they’re often empty, by the way). Chess clubs in every city, open to everyone and free (they’re really good!). The general vibe is warm and joyful despite the hardships…
Overall negatives: lots of scams, theft, and prostitution. Except in Havana, the rest of the island has no electricity for most of the day. Hard to find good cheap food (without going to big restaurants or hotels). Often mediocre: pasta or pizza usually have no taste. Paranoia among many people who fear crime, even though the country is very safe… Inflation is so bad that many Cubans struggle to eat or get healthcare (medicine is rare and expensive).
That’s a lot to say, but that’s the gist of it… 😊
Visa, form, and currency in Cuba
Hi there,
Just a quick update: I’ve been in Havana for 5 days now. At the airports (Toulouse-Madrid-Havana), I was surprised that I only had to show my e-visa form and my passport.
No check for my mandatory insurance or the e-visa QR code I bought for 22 €... odd.
Once I arrived at my *casas particulares*, I exchanged some of my euros: 1 euro = 300 Cuban pesos.
Have a great day! !
Just a quick update: I’ve been in Havana for 5 days now. At the airports (Toulouse-Madrid-Havana), I was surprised that I only had to show my e-visa form and my passport.
No check for my mandatory insurance or the e-visa QR code I bought for 22 €... odd.
Once I arrived at my *casas particulares*, I exchanged some of my euros: 1 euro = 300 Cuban pesos.
Have a great day! !
Visa, form, and currency for Cuba
Hi,
Well, the Consulate called me to say they couldn’t find the 22 € transfer. Even though I sent them a screenshot of the bank transfer in question—with the date, transaction number, account numbers, etc. They hung up on me, then sent me an email ten minutes later to cancel my visa!
Unbelievable, really. And impossible to get someone on the phone—always voicemail. Emails? They never respond. In short, I’ve lost 22 € and my time. Not professional at all... Scam? Bad faith? Incompetence?
So, I decided to go through a specialized visa agency. Obviously, it’s not free (54 €), but at least it should work. They’ll send me my "visa" in 3-4 days...
A little heads-up for those who don’t know yet: Recently, the embassy stopped providing a "Tourist Card" (equivalent to a visa). Instead, they send a simple QR code by email, which you have to print at home. All you need to do is present it at the airport when departing...
Well, the Consulate called me to say they couldn’t find the 22 € transfer. Even though I sent them a screenshot of the bank transfer in question—with the date, transaction number, account numbers, etc. They hung up on me, then sent me an email ten minutes later to cancel my visa!
Unbelievable, really. And impossible to get someone on the phone—always voicemail. Emails? They never respond. In short, I’ve lost 22 € and my time. Not professional at all... Scam? Bad faith? Incompetence?
So, I decided to go through a specialized visa agency. Obviously, it’s not free (54 €), but at least it should work. They’ll send me my "visa" in 3-4 days...
A little heads-up for those who don’t know yet: Recently, the embassy stopped providing a "Tourist Card" (equivalent to a visa). Instead, they send a simple QR code by email, which you have to print at home. All you need to do is present it at the airport when departing...
Visa, form, and currency in Cuba
That said, I still find it odd that I haven’t received a response to my visa application from November 26th...
I emailed the consulate—no reply there either. And I can’t get anyone on the phone... 😐
I emailed the consulate—no reply there either. And I can’t get anyone on the phone... 😐
Visa, form, and currency in Cuba
I mean, I’m wondering because when I applied for the visa, they didn’t ask for my departure or return dates. How will they know when I’m leaving then?
I thought its 3-month validity started from the moment it was issued to me... Well, I hope you’re right and I’m worrying over nothing.
I thought its 3-month validity started from the moment it was issued to me... Well, I hope you’re right and I’m worrying over nothing.
Visa, form, and currency in Cuba
Hi Renaldito,
I’ll stay careful about when I fill out that famous form. Okay, I’ve noted down NordVPN—I’ll get a subscription at the start of January before my departure.
I’m realizing I might’ve made a mistake with my visa application. It’s only late November, and normally the visa allows for 90 days in Cuba. But I just applied the day before yesterday and transferred 22 € to the consulate. The thing is, I’m only leaving from January 15th to March 18th… I’m worried I got it too early! !
I’ll stay careful about when I fill out that famous form. Okay, I’ve noted down NordVPN—I’ll get a subscription at the start of January before my departure.
I’m realizing I might’ve made a mistake with my visa application. It’s only late November, and normally the visa allows for 90 days in Cuba. But I just applied the day before yesterday and transferred 22 € to the consulate. The thing is, I’m only leaving from January 15th to March 18th… I’m worried I got it too early! !
Visa, form, and currency in Cuba
Hi Renaldito,
- I just made the transfer of 22 € for my visa to the Cuban Consulate in Paris. On the evisacuba.cu website, they’re asking for a receipt for this transfer. My bank won’t give me one, so I took a screenshot of the transfer. I sent this screenshot to the Cuban Consulate and I’m waiting for their response within 72 hours.
- About the "dviajeros" form you mentioned, is it 7 days before or 48 hours?
- Thanks for the tip about the Maps.me app—I just downloaded it! Really handy, yeah!
- By the way, do you think I’ll need a VPN to connect to the internet in Cuba? If so, do you have one to recommend that’s cheap but effective for browsing freely?
Thanks,
- I just made the transfer of 22 € for my visa to the Cuban Consulate in Paris. On the evisacuba.cu website, they’re asking for a receipt for this transfer. My bank won’t give me one, so I took a screenshot of the transfer. I sent this screenshot to the Cuban Consulate and I’m waiting for their response within 72 hours.
- About the "dviajeros" form you mentioned, is it 7 days before or 48 hours?
- Thanks for the tip about the Maps.me app—I just downloaded it! Really handy, yeah!
- By the way, do you think I’ll need a VPN to connect to the internet in Cuba? If so, do you have one to recommend that’s cheap but effective for browsing freely?
Thanks,
Visa, Form and Currency in Cuba
Hi Renaldito,
Thanks for the info! I downloaded the "elToque" app—it’ll be really useful, thanks. As I mentioned before, I’m planning to carry everything in cash (no cards), all in 50 and 20 euro bills, and I’ll exchange for Cuban pesos with my hosts in *casas particulares* when needed, avoiding banks/exchange bureaus.
I leave on January 15th, so it’s time for me to buy my tourist visa on evisacuba.cu. Since I don’t have a Cuban phone number yet, should I put my French phone number on the visa application form, or is it unnecessary to include one?
Thanks for the info! I downloaded the "elToque" app—it’ll be really useful, thanks. As I mentioned before, I’m planning to carry everything in cash (no cards), all in 50 and 20 euro bills, and I’ll exchange for Cuban pesos with my hosts in *casas particulares* when needed, avoiding banks/exchange bureaus.
I leave on January 15th, so it’s time for me to buy my tourist visa on evisacuba.cu. Since I don’t have a Cuban phone number yet, should I put my French phone number on the visa application form, or is it unnecessary to include one?
Visa, form, and currency in Cuba
Hi Oaxacajm,
Thanks so much for these tips! I’ll only be staying in *casas particulares*. So, I’ll exchange my euros for Cuban pesos directly with my hosts—got it.
Still, if I have to pay for these *casas* in euros in small bills, and I need to carry all that cash on me (I never travel with a bank card), it’s gonna make my wallet pretty thick...
I took note of the "La Nave" app—I just downloaded it to my phone. Looks like to create an account, you need a Cuban phone number already. Which I don’t have yet...
Thanks so much for these tips! I’ll only be staying in *casas particulares*. So, I’ll exchange my euros for Cuban pesos directly with my hosts—got it.
Still, if I have to pay for these *casas* in euros in small bills, and I need to carry all that cash on me (I never travel with a bank card), it’s gonna make my wallet pretty thick...
I took note of the "La Nave" app—I just downloaded it to my phone. Looks like to create an account, you need a Cuban phone number already. Which I don’t have yet...
Visa, form, and currency in Cuba
Hi Pascale,
Thanks for your reply.
If I only pay for restaurants in pesos and everything else in euros, the trip’s gonna cost me a fortune! And I’d have to juggle two currencies (euros and pesos) all the time—super impractical...
Is there a reliable app I can download on my phone to get real-time peso/euro exchange rates? How did you handle it personally?
Thanks for your reply.
If I only pay for restaurants in pesos and everything else in euros, the trip’s gonna cost me a fortune! And I’d have to juggle two currencies (euros and pesos) all the time—super impractical...
Is there a reliable app I can download on my phone to get real-time peso/euro exchange rates? How did you handle it personally?
So happy to have VoyageForum back
I’m sharing this joy! 🙂
I really missed VoyageForum...
Thanks to the "new team" and looking forward to chatting again!
Visa, forms, and currency in Cuba
Hi there,
I just booked my round-trip flight ticket to visit Cuba for two months, from January to March 2025. I’ve heard about the challenges Cubans are facing and the recent changes the island has gone through—economically (like the end of the dual-currency system) and administratively (the introduction of an e-visa)...
This is my first time visiting the country, so I’m still figuring out all the administrative steps I need to take before I go.
1) Can I apply for the electronic e-visa now (still 22 €?) from home on the website evisacuba.cu?
2) I read that I need to fill out a form 48 hours before departure on the site dviajeros.mitrans.gol-.cu/inicio. Is it possible to do this now to save time?
3) I’m a bit confused about the currency. From what I understand, there’s now only the Cuban Peso. Should I exchange my euros at the airport, or wait until I arrive at the *casas particulares* in Havana that I’ve already booked and ask the owner?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I just booked my round-trip flight ticket to visit Cuba for two months, from January to March 2025. I’ve heard about the challenges Cubans are facing and the recent changes the island has gone through—economically (like the end of the dual-currency system) and administratively (the introduction of an e-visa)...
This is my first time visiting the country, so I’m still figuring out all the administrative steps I need to take before I go.
1) Can I apply for the electronic e-visa now (still 22 €?) from home on the website evisacuba.cu?
2) I read that I need to fill out a form 48 hours before departure on the site dviajeros.mitrans.gol-.cu/inicio. Is it possible to do this now to save time?
3) I’m a bit confused about the currency. From what I understand, there’s now only the Cuban Peso. Should I exchange my euros at the airport, or wait until I arrive at the *casas particulares* in Havana that I’ve already booked and ask the owner?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Pouvons-nous boire l'eau filtrée des hôtels en Inde (Ooty)?
Bonjour Lacambuse,
Il est vrai que dans le centre ville de Ooty les bouteilles n'y sont pas vendues. Toutefois, si tu vas un peu après le Main Bazaar, tu n'auras aucun problème à en trouver. Le petit quartier musulman et jain, est bien plus calme, plus sympathique et moins cher. C'est là bas que j'ai résidé durant une semaine, il y a un mois de cela environ...
A noter toutefois que s'ils y vendent les bouteilles de 1L (20 roupies), il faut également acheter un petit sac en papier kraft (5 roupies) pour ne pas s'afficher avec en pleine rue...
Enfin, concernant l'eau filtrée des hôtels et restaurants, aucun problème à la boire. Mais franchement pas terrible niveau goût je trouve...
Il est vrai que dans le centre ville de Ooty les bouteilles n'y sont pas vendues. Toutefois, si tu vas un peu après le Main Bazaar, tu n'auras aucun problème à en trouver. Le petit quartier musulman et jain, est bien plus calme, plus sympathique et moins cher. C'est là bas que j'ai résidé durant une semaine, il y a un mois de cela environ...
A noter toutefois que s'ils y vendent les bouteilles de 1L (20 roupies), il faut également acheter un petit sac en papier kraft (5 roupies) pour ne pas s'afficher avec en pleine rue...
Enfin, concernant l'eau filtrée des hôtels et restaurants, aucun problème à la boire. Mais franchement pas terrible niveau goût je trouve...
Deux jours à Trichy
Je ne me souviens plus si c'était la new bus stand...
Je suis arrivé dans le Kerala hier midi, après plusieurs heures de bus depuis Tirunelveli (peu d'intérêt de s'y rendre).
Je pourrais te conseiller mon logement (chez une dame très sympathique), propre et peu cher, avec terrasse et vue sur Arunachala (donc près de l'Ashram de Ramana). Mais je ne sais plus l'adresse exacte. C'était dans une rue un peu plus bas, en face de l'Ashram...
Amma, très peu pour moi, mais je te souhaite de bien apprécier ton séjour ! 👍
Je pourrais te conseiller mon logement (chez une dame très sympathique), propre et peu cher, avec terrasse et vue sur Arunachala (donc près de l'Ashram de Ramana). Mais je ne sais plus l'adresse exacte. C'était dans une rue un peu plus bas, en face de l'Ashram...
Amma, très peu pour moi, mais je te souhaite de bien apprécier ton séjour ! 👍
Deux jours à Trichy
Bonjour Mafalda,
Aucun problème, il y a bien des bus pour aller de Trichy à Tiruvannamalai. C'est un grand axe bien desservi, tu en auras certainement plusieurs dans la journée.
Pour le moment, Tiruvannamalai reste ma plus belle étape. Tu arriveras à la bus station du centre ville près du Temple. Je te conseille de prendre un rickshaw et de te rendre directement du côté de l'Ashram de Ramana Maharshi pour trouver un logement. Tu y sera beaucoup mieux installée, moi si de bruit et surtout plus agréable puisque tu seras à deux pas des Ashram et de la montagne sacrée d'Arunachala où tu pourras balader tranquillement...
Petite information, d'ailleurs, concernant le mont Arunachala : Je suis resté presqu'une semaine à Tiruvannamalai. J'ai donc eu le temps de parcourir le tour du Mont sacré, voir les grottes sur son flanc, mais aussi de grimper tôt le matin sur le "top" (le sommet). J'ai mis bien 5h pour y grimper et redescendre, pied nu et seul. Or, le lendemain, mon hôte m'a averti que j'avais eu de la chance car depuis quelques temps, la grimpe jusqu'au sommet est interdite en raison de problème de sécurité notamment. Si je m'étais fait arrêté par la police à mon retour, je risquais de me faire renvoyer tout bonnement en France...
Ne fait donc pas la même erreur... 🙏 Je suis à Kollam actuellement... Bonne journée et bonnes découvertes !
Aucun problème, il y a bien des bus pour aller de Trichy à Tiruvannamalai. C'est un grand axe bien desservi, tu en auras certainement plusieurs dans la journée.
Pour le moment, Tiruvannamalai reste ma plus belle étape. Tu arriveras à la bus station du centre ville près du Temple. Je te conseille de prendre un rickshaw et de te rendre directement du côté de l'Ashram de Ramana Maharshi pour trouver un logement. Tu y sera beaucoup mieux installée, moi si de bruit et surtout plus agréable puisque tu seras à deux pas des Ashram et de la montagne sacrée d'Arunachala où tu pourras balader tranquillement...
Petite information, d'ailleurs, concernant le mont Arunachala : Je suis resté presqu'une semaine à Tiruvannamalai. J'ai donc eu le temps de parcourir le tour du Mont sacré, voir les grottes sur son flanc, mais aussi de grimper tôt le matin sur le "top" (le sommet). J'ai mis bien 5h pour y grimper et redescendre, pied nu et seul. Or, le lendemain, mon hôte m'a averti que j'avais eu de la chance car depuis quelques temps, la grimpe jusqu'au sommet est interdite en raison de problème de sécurité notamment. Si je m'étais fait arrêté par la police à mon retour, je risquais de me faire renvoyer tout bonnement en France...
Ne fait donc pas la même erreur... 🙏 Je suis à Kollam actuellement... Bonne journée et bonnes découvertes !
Deux jours à Trichy
Bonjour Ragamuffin,
Merci de ces renseignements. Je suis allé voir tes photos, elles sont magnifiques !
Pour le logement, j'ai du me rabattre sur un petit hôtel, peu ragoûtant mais peu cher (750 roupies), et avec la fatigue des 5h de bus, certainement que cela a joué sur mon moral... Cela ira mieux demain matin, j'en suis sûr !
Donc, je vais essayer d'aller au Rock fort demain matin et si j'ai le temps aller voir les temples de la ville l'après-midi.
Et bien sûr, je prends note de tes suggestions concernant Puddukkotai. On verra combien de temps je reste ici. En tout cas, les gens sont toujours aussi adorables et prévenants à mon égard, un vrai plaisir !
Nandri ! 🙏
Merci de ces renseignements. Je suis allé voir tes photos, elles sont magnifiques !
Pour le logement, j'ai du me rabattre sur un petit hôtel, peu ragoûtant mais peu cher (750 roupies), et avec la fatigue des 5h de bus, certainement que cela a joué sur mon moral... Cela ira mieux demain matin, j'en suis sûr !
Donc, je vais essayer d'aller au Rock fort demain matin et si j'ai le temps aller voir les temples de la ville l'après-midi.
Et bien sûr, je prends note de tes suggestions concernant Puddukkotai. On verra combien de temps je reste ici. En tout cas, les gens sont toujours aussi adorables et prévenants à mon égard, un vrai plaisir !
Nandri ! 🙏
Deux jours à Trichy
Bonjour à tous,
Je viens de quitter la belle ville de Tiruvannamalai, où j'ai passé presque 1 semaine (et cela en valait largement le coup !) et je viens d'arriver par le bus (175 roupies) à Trichy.
Ma première impression n'est pas fameuse, mais je préfère me tourner vers vos éventuels conseils pour mieux apprécier la ville. J'ai trouvé un logement vers la gare routière, peu cher (750 roupies la nuit) mais vraiment pas terrible (aucune aération, draps et murs sales). Bref, si vous avez des suggestions à faire, je suis toute ouïe.
Merci d'avance,
Je viens de quitter la belle ville de Tiruvannamalai, où j'ai passé presque 1 semaine (et cela en valait largement le coup !) et je viens d'arriver par le bus (175 roupies) à Trichy.
Ma première impression n'est pas fameuse, mais je préfère me tourner vers vos éventuels conseils pour mieux apprécier la ville. J'ai trouvé un logement vers la gare routière, peu cher (750 roupies la nuit) mais vraiment pas terrible (aucune aération, draps et murs sales). Bref, si vous avez des suggestions à faire, je suis toute ouïe.
Merci d'avance,
