Question 1

What is the "Fake Premium Cigar Sales" scam in Varadero?

Accepted Answer

Street sellers and individuals in Varadero town approach tourists offering genuine Cohiba, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta cigars at "factory prices" or claiming a relative works at the state factory. The cigars are invariably counterfeit — poor quality tobacco rolled in professional-looking packaging. Some sellers present official-looking boxes with fake government hologram stickers. Cuban customs also limits the number of genuine cigars tourists can export legally. Genuine Cuban cigars are only reliably purchased from official LCDH (La Casa del Habano) shops and official state tobacco stores. Any street offer of branded cigars, regardless of how convincing the story, is almost certainly counterfeit. Be aware of Cuban customs export limits even for legitimately purchased cigars (50 per person without receipt, more with).

Question 2

What is the "Beach Vendor Persistent Solicitation" scam in Varadero?

Accepted Answer

Despite Varadero's resort-dominated beach being more controlled than other Caribbean destinations, vendors and informal sellers still operate along the public beach sections of the strip. They sell trinkets, corn, coconut drinks, and craft items at inflated tourist prices and use persistent follow-up approaches after initial refusals. A firm, polite "no gracias" without extended eye contact is usually sufficient. Do not handle goods unless you intend to buy. For food and drinks, buying from the resort beach bar is safer and generally not significantly more expensive. The eastern public beach sections near Varadero town see higher vendor density.

Question 3

What is the "Baby Milk Sympathy Scam" scam in Varadero?

Accepted Answer

A woman — sometimes accompanied by a young child or pram — approaches tourists near resort exits or in Varadero town claiming her baby urgently needs powdered milk or formula. She steers the tourist to a nearby kiosk that conveniently stocks the product. The price (typically $15–25 USD equivalent) is only disclosed after the package is in the tourist's hands. After the tourist leaves, the milk is returned to the shopkeeper — who splits the proceeds with the scammer — and the routine repeats throughout the day. Children in Cuba receive milk through the state ration system, so the appeal to charity is fabricated. Decline politely and walk away. Do not enter any shop with a stranger who has approached you on the street. Real charitable needs in Cuba are addressed through NGOs, not roadside solicitations from strangers.

Street Scams in Varadero

Fake Premium Cigar Sales

Beach Vendor Persistent Solicitation

Baby Milk Sympathy Scam

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