Question 1

What is the "Jinetero Cigar Factory Hustle" scam in Trinidad?

Accepted Answer

Locals near Plaza Mayor approach foreign tourists offering an "exclusive" tour of a private cigar workshop where they can buy at "factory prices." The cigars sold are counterfeit — typically used Cohiba bands wrapped around banana leaves and lower-grade tobacco. Real Cuban cigar factories do not sell to walk-in tourists. Buy cigars only from official La Casa del Habano or Habanos S.A. retail shops, which always issue a printed receipt with hologram. If anyone offers cigars on the street or invites you to a "cousin's workshop," walk away.

Question 2

What is the "Plaza Mayor Fake Cohiba Cigar Seller" scam in Trinidad?

Accepted Answer

Around Plaza Mayor and the cobblestone streets leading to it, men approach tourists offering genuine Cohiba or Montecristo cigars at a fraction of official shop prices, claiming they come from a factory worker relative or state surplus. The cigars are invariably counterfeit — poor tobacco pressed into convincing packaging with no actual quality or traceability. Cuba has a severe anti-counterfeiting problem in tourist towns and Trinidad is a known hotspot. Buy cigars only from official government-run Casa del Habano shops or ARTEX stores in Trinidad. The prices are fixed and the product is genuine. Reject any street sale no matter how credible the backstory.

Question 3

What is the "Craft Market Two-Tier Tourist Pricing" scam in Trinidad?

Accepted Answer

The craft and arts market along Calle Simon Bolivar operates on a two-tier pricing system where tourists pay significantly more than locals for the same items. Vendors use high opening prices to anchor perception, then make minor concessions that still leave the final price well above fair value. Some stalls use the same items at multiple price points depending on the perceived wealth of the buyer. Research typical prices for Cuban craft items including wooden carvings, embroidered linens, and papier-mache art before visiting the market. Start negotiations significantly below the asking price. Walk away if the final offer still seems high — the same items are available at multiple stalls.

Street Scams in Trinidad

Jinetero Cigar Factory Hustle

Plaza Mayor Fake Cohiba Cigar Seller

Craft Market Two-Tier Tourist Pricing

Experienced a scam here?