| Travels Top Frequently Asked Questions |
| 1. What is the phrase Casa Particular? |
Casa Particular - Spanish for "Private House"; plural Casas Particulares - is a phrase meaning Private Accommodation or Private Homestays in Cuba, very similar to Bed and Breakfast although it can also take the form of Home Vacation Rental.
A casa particular is basically a private family establishment that provides paid lodging, usually on a short-term basis. In general under this term you can find full apartment and houses, rooms inside people homes, mini-apartments or rooms with separate entrance (studio or efficiency type rooms) and Villas.
The cost and quality of casas particulares are usually indicative of the accommodation type and type of services available. Most of the casas particulares are rented for short term to travellers. Long term accommodation is also provided by some casas, especially for foreign students. In Havana, the Casas Particulares are usually family apartments and a number of them are houses.
TYPES OF CASAS PARTICULARES RENTALS:
•Private Room: A room is rented out most of the times with private bathroom and a key to the apartment/house is usually given to the guest.
•Apartment: The guest can enjoy the privacy and independence of a full furnished apartment for his/her vacations. Sometimes this apartment is part of house being split by a wall usually with a connecting door.
•Studio or mini-apartment: it is not an apartment with several rooms but just the bedroom, a kitchen-living-dining room and a bathroom.
•Penthouse: an apartment located on the top floors of a building. It could be complete independent or share with the owner of the property.
•Villa-type or Independent House: it is independent property with several rooms like bedrooms, a kitchen, living-dining room and a bathroom (some have swimming pool)
NOTE ABOUT TYPES OF ROOM:
•Double Rooms are for two travellers sleeping in the same Bed.
•Twin rooms have two separate Single Beds.
•Triple rooms have either three separate Bed, or a Double Bed plus a Single Bed.
•Quads rooms are designed for 4 people or more.
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| 2. Why you should go to Cuba now ? |
Cuba is different. It’s nothing like you can see and experience anywhere else. It’s not overridden with McDonald’s and locals seem to live the most relaxed lifestyle ever. You need to experience it to understand how fascinating Cuba really is. The time to visit Cuba is now.
After 50 years of being the same old true bastion of Communism, Cuba is bound to change. It’s gonna happen one way or another. And when it changes, there will be no difference between a vacation in Cuba and a vacation in Mexico.
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| 3. The HavanaCasaParticular.com Best Price Guarantee |
When you book with us, we want you to get exactly what you want - at the best possible price rate. That's why we created the HavanaCasaParticular.com Best Price Guarantee.
What is the Best Price Guarantee?
It’s simple! HavanaCasaParticular.com guarantees you’re getting the best price. If you should find a better price online for the same property before arriving, HavanaCasaParticular.com will match the price.
What does the Best Price Guarantee apply to?
The Best Price Guarantee covers virtually Property Rentals in Havana City
Best Price Guarantee: In the unlikely event that you find a lower rate on HavanaCasaParticular.com or on another website within 24 hours of booking with HavanaCasaParticular.com, we will match the price. This Best Price Guarantee is subject to the terms and conditions listed below.
Notifying HavanaCasaParticular.com of a Claim. You must contact us within before your arrival time. The lower rate must be available for booking at the time you contact us, as determined by our customer service representatives.
The Best Price Guarantee is available only for exact itinerary matches, for example, specific carrier or provider (including class of service), Property (including room type), applicable refund policy, and the exact same dates and times of travel or service as booked through HavanaCasaParticular.com. For any stand-alone product booking (for example, a property room) the comparison must be to the same product purchased stand-alone through another website (i.e., not part of a property). Except as noted below, the Best Price Guarantee applies only to the cost of booked travel, as presented in the HavanaCasaParticular.com.com search results. The Best Price Guarantee is not available for bookings on websites where the carrier, property, itinerary or similar booking details are unknown until after purchase. You must meet all requirements imposed on the lower price (if any), including, without limitation, residency, regional and age-related requirements.
How do I take advantage of the Best Price Guarantee?
Just call HAVANACASAPARTICULAR.COM o send E-mail to us within 24 hours of booking and tell our customer support representative where you found the lower price. All requests, including receipts, are subject to verification by HavanaCasaParticular.com. HavanaCasaParticular.com will not accept screenshots or other purported evidence of a lower price that cannot be independently confirmed by HavanaCasaParticular.com personnel. Nor will HavanaCasaParticular.com verify any request that it believes, in its sole discretion, is the result of a printing or other error or is made fraudulently or in bad faith. For verification of stand alone and non-prepaid property bookings, the customer service representative will instruct you to mail a copy of your property receipt to HavanaCasaParticular.com
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| 4. Do I need a Visa to enter in Cuba? |
Yes all the persons will need a valid visa or tourist card to enter into Cuba. The visa can be obtained in any Cuban Embassy or Consulate in your country or your travel agent or airline will give it to you when you buy your flight ticket. You need to pay around US $20 for the Visa. This allows a stay of 30 days in the country, and usually could be extended for 30 extra days. IMPORTANT: Cuba does not stamp passports.
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| 5. Why do you need an address of the Private House before arriving? |
In the airplane or when arriving at the airport, you need to fill out an entry form. This form in the police control you will be asked to provide the name of the hotel you will be staying in. You will write your “Private House” address without problems.
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| 6. Do I need Medical Insurance? |
The Cuban government has announced that as of May 1, 2010, tourists, foreigners with temporary residence in Cuba, and Cubans living abroad who visit Cuba will have to purchase medical insurance. The insurance will be sold by your travel agent or airline when you buy your flight ticket or by Cuban firms at the ports of entry in Cuba according to Cuba’s Official Gazette.
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| 7. Can I use my credit card in Cuba? |
You can as long as it's not issued by an American Bank. Unfortunately, it's part of the US embargo restrictions on Cuba. No US travelers cheques either. Americans have to carry cash. You can use MasterCard or Visa International. Travelers' checks are also accepted.
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| 8. How many beds in a rooms when I book for 2 people? |
Usually Double Bed: they can come with one big bed or with two separate beds. If you make us a note we will be more than glad to make the observation to the property in advance.
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| 9. Why you should Rent a Casa Particular instead a Hotel Room ? |
Friendship – as a guest to a Casa Particular, you can develop a very nice friendship with the family as well as their relatives and friends and become deeply involved in the culture of the country. Before he/she knows it, the guest will be part of the family and be made to feel very special. Staying in a hotel, all you will meet are hotel staff and other tourists – you won’t make many local friends that way.
No Restrictions – hotels have many restrictions in place. Local Cubans feel very bad from visiting tourists in hotels. Cubans are genuinely nice people and you could easily make awesome new friends out in the street or on a beach. If you’re staying in a Casa particular, you can invite them over without problems. It would be impossible if you were staying in a hotel.
Freedom –The guest will enjoy the free and easy atmosphere, feel completely at home in the casa particular and will be able to invite friends over.
Less Expensive Trip – It is almost always cheaper to stay in a Casa Particular than in a hotel. The guest will have more money left to spend on taxis, restaurants, night life and museums.
Helping people directly – By renting a casa particular, the guest will be directly contributing to a person or family's standard of living which allow the family to help other relatives as well.
Knowledge – Cubans love to share knowledge about their country and their culture. In particular, Cubans love to discuss politics and share their views on the revolution - for good and for bad. In the comfort of a casa particular, the host may open up and share information that he/she might hesitate to share in public.
Price – Casas Particulares are cheaper per night than hotels. As a general rule, average hotel room prices range from CUC$ 50 – CUC$ 200 per night. Average casa particular prices range from CUC$ 25 – CUC$ 35 per night.
Food – when staying in a casa particular, you can pay extra to have the family cook for you. This type of homemade food is often times far more delicious and portions more generous than anything you’d get in a hotel.
Advice – if you opt for staying in a casa particular, you will be staying with normal people who live in the area. They’ll be happy to recommend places to visit and restaurants to eat in when you go exploring. Unlike hotel staff who will simply handle you a tour guide brochure or recommend the most touristy spots, casa particular owners could tell you where Cubans go to shop and eat so you can get regular price service and product. Touristy establishments price their services so as to make as much off of an unaware tourist as possible.
Support – by staying in a Casa particular you will be directly supporting a Cuban family, not an international multi million dollar company that’s there solely to make money on you. Hotel employees are paid very little by those multi million dollar international corporations that own hotels. You will get service equal to tips you leave. When staying in a Casa Particular, you are already directly supporting the family whose house you’re staying in. You will be treated like king by them; you will truly feel like your stay with them is appreciated. The inner feeling of putting your money to a really good cause can not be beat.
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| 10. What is the total cost of a property? |
The prices of the properties depend on the property; it could be 25 CUC/night and Up. We have shown in the web site the prices "We do not hide any price” You will pay a total that you have seen in our system. If you want to know the price in particular about some, please send us an e-mail oef@havanacasaparticular.com or you call us, we will be happy of being able to help you.
Important: All the prices included taxes; you do not pay extra money. We do not hide any price.
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| 11. What are HavanaCasaParticular.com's payment terms? |
You should be paid the price of the First Night in advance if you rent a villa with swimming pool or any property with prices $150 CUC/night and UP, this way you guarantee the reservation, in case that you didn't come. You will not be refunded for any of these circumstances. The other properties listed, you don't need to pay any money in advance.
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| 12. Can you organize the transfer from the airport to the property? |
If you would like us to arrange transport from the airport for your entire party, at cost, we will be happy to do so, provided you give us advance warning. A member of our group will go to the airport to pick you up and it will take you to the property. Price is around 20 CUC per transportation one way.
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| 13. How much does the concierge service cost? |
Absolutely nothing. HavanaCasaParticular.com concierge service is included in the cost of the property or any service. Please see the concierge section of the site for some innovative ideas on what you could be doing on your next holiday with Us.
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| 14. Is property rentals child friendly? |
Children and babies are welcome in almost all properties, and cots can be arranged if required. Babysitters and nannies can also be organised in advance.
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| 15. What is the cancellation policy on the properties? |
A Customer may cancel a property rental contract at any time providing the first named person on the booking notifies in writing. Any money or deposit paid if you rent a Villa with Swimming Pool or or any property with prices $150 CUC/night and UP , You will not be refunded for any of these circumstances.
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| 16. Do Locals "Cubans" are allowed in the Properties, Cars or Activities? |
Yes, sure! All people are allowed to enjoy any service that we offer on our web page like Private Property Rentals, Cars and Activities listed (Not Boat Rentals)
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| 17. Are properties clean? |
By and large, properties are fairly clean places. With the numbers of people coming through them they pretty much have to be. Now this doesn't mean the floors are waxed and the silverware is polished, but the basics have been done. Cleaning is a constant process at most property (price of the rental included cleaning)
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| 18. Can you check availability for me? |
Sure, we are here to help you. We check availability for you. Send us the list of the property name and location that you would like to check.
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| 19. Do I need to reconfirm my booking before arrival? |
Unless specified by the property directly on the proerty's page or on the conditions you have recieved you do not need to reconfirm. Please print out your booking confirmation and have ready for check in at the property booked.
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| 20. What Could Happen if You Stay at an Illegal Casa Particular? |
Cuba has officers who are especially appointed to bust illegal Casas Particulares. If you get caught sleeping in an illegal casa particular, you could get kicked out in the middle of the night.
All legal casas particulares have signs on their font door or other highly visible place. If a casa doesn’t have it, it’s likely illegal. All legal casas pay high fees for their license and a sign and wear it proudly and visibly. The sign is their front line advertising that attracts people from the street. Every legal casa will strive to have it as visible as possible. If you can’t see it, chances are good that casa particular is illegal.
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| 21. How To Pay for Casa Particular? |
| The only method of payment for a Casa Particular is by cash. Remember that Casas Particulares are owned primarily by actual Cuban families. They don’t have the means to process credit cards or to exchange travellers’ checks. Make sure you have enough cash available and higher % of the private houses accept that you pay in foreign currency. Be a nice tourist and pay the owner of a Casa Particular where you have stayed in Cash. |
| 22. Cuban Currency Information |
The Cuban convertible pesos is the only currency accepted in business establishments throughout the country, for the purchase of service and goods, so you will need to exchange your Canadian dollars or sterling pounds or any other foreign currency into convertible pesos at the hotel reception or at the cuban banks.
Canadian dollars and foreign currency may be converted with an 8% fee. Canadian (and any other foreign) credit card purchases will be processed with an 11.24% fee. US dollars may be exchanged at 18% commission fee. So, It is NOT recommend that you take USD to Cuba.
Credit cards and travellers cheques issued by American financial institutions are not accepted in Cuba.
You cannot use your Canadian bank card (Debit Cards) at ATM's to retrieve local currency. You can however use your credit card for a cash advance.
There is also a "local" (non-convertible) peso used by Cubans. The banknotes look quite different and do not say "convertible".
The currency exchange service will be provided at the airports, hotels, banks and exchange houses. See here Today rate exchange:
http://www.bc.gov.cu/english/home.asp
International credit (not issued by American banks) will continue to be accepted in Cuba, either to pay for services or to draw cash from ATM machines.
Departure tax will be paid in Cuban convertible pesos which at present is $25.00 CUC. This is paid at the airport and must be paid in cash.
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| 23. Cuba Climate - Weather |
The eastern part of the country has a warmer climate than the western part.
Average temperature 24,6º C (76,3º F)
Summer average 25º C (77º F)
Winter average 22º C (71,6º F)
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| 24. My Question is not answered here |
| If the above FAQ does not answer your question, please Contact us and We will be happy to help. You can reach us by Phone: +53 5 268 7295 or by E-mail: oef@havanacasaparticular.com |
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| Owners Top Frequently Asked Questions |
| 25. Would you like your site to work with HavanaCasaParticular.com? |
If you have a website or manager some service which focuses on the travel or leisure markets you can partner with HavanaCasaParticular.com by joining your product with us and start earning some extra clients today. The HavanaCasaParticular.com booking engine can be integrated to fit into any website and you can then offer your customers online confirmed reservations in over 150 countries worldwide. Our booking engine powers some of the largest travel websites worldwide Sign-up today and start working with us to offer this unique product.
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| 26. Would you like to have your property featured on HavanaCasaParticular.com? |
If you are a Property Owner or Marketing Manager, you should consider featuring your property on the Havana's busiest booking website system. HavanaCasaParticular.com has been in operation since 2009 and currently works with almost 1000 travel agency worldwide. We are an online reservations provider to the travel industry, working with properties, Boat Rentals Company, Activities suppliers, Car Rentals, etc. You can find out more about working with HavanaCasaParticular.com or sign-up your property by filling in all your information on our sign-up form Once you have filled in all your information one of our representatives will be in touch with you within 24 hours to explain how to add availability and information to our site.
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| 27. Tour or Activity Providers: Would you like to have your tour featured with us? |
If you are a Tour or Activity Provider or Marketing Manager, you should consider featuring your product on the Havana's busiest booking system. HavanaCasaParticular.com has been in operation since 2009 and currently works with almost 1000 Travel agency. You can find out more about working with HavanaCasaParticular.com or sign-up your tour or activity by filling in all your information on our sign-up form Once you have filled in all your information one of our representatives will be in touch with you within 48 hours to explain how to add availability and information to our site.
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| 28. What is an annual subscription? |
The annual, or year-long, subscription is FREE. You do not need to pay any cent.
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| 29. I received a suspicious email, what do I do? |
Usually emails with poor grammar, spelling, odd use of capital letters and/or asking you to wire money or participate in an unusual bank transaction is a scam. The sender is usually attempting to obtain money, personal information or your email address. We recommend that you let us know you received this through our service and delete the message without responding.
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| 30. Another owner copied my photo(s) and put them on their listing, what can I do? |
If you believe that your work has been plagiarized, please inform us.
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| 31. How do I report Abuse/Fraud? |
If you are the victim of Fraud/Abuse from a listing found on HavanaCasaParticular.com please report it to us.
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| 32. Can you list or modify my home for me? |
We can help you to list or modify your home for you. Also, you can do by yourself: To edit your listing, simply log in and click Edit on your owner administration that you'd like to make changes to. If you require help with changes or photos, we can help you.
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