Shopping

Trademark Cuban products such as cigars and rum are a part of every tourists shopping list, though coffee and local handicrafts are not far behind. Some of the major Cigar labels are Cohiba, Hoyo of Monterrey and Punch. It is advisable to buy cigars and rum from official establishments and keep the purchase bill. You can also purchase liquor at the airport stores and major tourist hotels. There are duty-free stores at the airport and central Havana. Street sellers may sell poor quality cigars and it is very easy to be duped.

Fine rum can be obtained on the island. It is suggested that tourists should buy marks non-commercialized outside Cuba, like Santiago, Paticruzado or Legendario. It is also cheaper to buy cigars on the island than in Europe or elsewhere.

Wood statues available in handicrafts stores are well crafted and could make interesting souvenirs. Local art and craft stuff is also available from local merchants who come almost every day to the resorts and set up shop in the main centre. These products are reasonably priced and shopping becomes easier since it is in the vicinity of the resort. You can use these to decorate your homes or as a gift for friends and family. You can buy local craft, music and a lot of other merchandise on the beach as well. Cuban music is intriguing and could add to your collection of international music. Always remember that it is accepted that customers will bargain.

Until recently, farmers were not permitted to sell their goods in the open market. However, now there are markets where farmers can put up fresh produce for sale. You can walk around stalls and pick up local items at low prices. You can buy a lot of stuff for a few dollars.

You can purchase jewelry made of antique peso coins that is a local handicraft. Post cards by Mimmo Fabrizi, an Italian photographer can help you carry memories of Cuba with you. His books can be purchased at the airport and could serve as excellent souvenirs.

You can buy cheerful and colorful Naïf paintings in the Havana street markets. The price ranges from US $ 1 to US $ 10 and is dependent on size. The smaller ones cost around US $2 and could go up to $15 for the largest.

There are small shops known as ‘Tiendas' in a majority of the resorts. They deal in clothes, souvenirs and some basic items. You can also find political and historical souvenirs in artisans' markets ranging from T- shirts and posters with the picture of the famous revolutionary Che Guevara to handmade dolls dressed in their national costumes. You can buy old books, postcards and a lot of antique stuff on the Plazza des Armes in Old Haban.