Havana-guide : Cuba Aid

Havana-guide : CUBA AID

How to send food, money and gifts to Cuba ?

Several tourists travelling to Cuba ask : How can I help the Cubans ? What's difficult to find in Cuba?

Remark : don't give money, this practice attracts beggars. Cubans are a proud people and most of the time they try to sell their (illegal) service such as recommending a Casa Particular (a private room) or a Paladar (private restaurant) or a box of phoney cigars instead of begging. Only give money to eldery people they have a hard time to survive on a small pension.

Having said this , there's a need for decent toiletries and hygiene products such as :

- tooth brushes , tooth paste
- Kleenex, condoms, sanitary towels
- soap, shampoo, deodorants and fragrance

Gladly accepted are :

- chewing gum, chocolates,
- toys for children, color pencils,
- Pens, pencils, notepads, ballpoints
- Magazines (Spanish language)

STAY IN TOUCH

You had a great time in Cuba , made new friends, and want to stay in touch. Best way and less expensive is to use email and internet.Cubans have an intranet (not internet) access via the Cuban Post offices (Correos de Cuba) Read more about the Cuban internet >>>

SEND PARCELS AND LETTERS TO CUBA

Don't send letters and parcels by regular Post Services, the majority never arrives at destination. You can try registered post, but a better option is to use DHL courrier services. DHL is the only foreign courrier service in Cuba. http://www.dhl.com , very reliable, fast, with internet tracking service , but not a cheap solution.

SEND MONEY TO CUBA

Keep in mind due to the embargo it's not possible to send money through US bank services. However you can use Canadian companies

Duales website : http://www.duales.com

Transcard website : http://www.transcardinter.com

SEND FOOD AND GROCERIES TO CUBA

Quality food, especialy meat, beef and cheese are difficult to find in Cuba, and not affordable for the average Cuban citizen. You can send food and groceries with the online shop: EnvioRegalos ( send gifts) a Spanish company http://www.envioregalos.com
Most popular items are beef, cheese and chicken, don't send products like rice and rum , they are cheaper in Cuba.

CARIBBEAN MEDICAL TRANSPORT

Caribbean Medical Transport is a non-profit and non-political humanitarian organization that sends medecines and medical equipment to Cuba.
For a DONATION or HELP >> READ MORE http://cubacaribe.com

CUBAN AIDS PROJECT

The Cuba Aids Project is a non-profit,non-religious and non-political organization that directly supports Cuba HIV-AIDS patients.
>> READ MORE http://www.cubaaidsproject.com

THE SPANKY PROJECT

aid to dogs and cats in Havana Cuba
READ MORE >>> http://www.spankyproject.org