Question 1

What is the "Restaurant Lobster "Promotion"" scam in Viñales?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants on Calle Salvador Cisneros advertise "lobster special 15 CUC" but the bill arrives at 25-35 CUC after side dishes, drinks, and "service" are added — none clearly priced on the chalkboard out front. Ask for a printed menu with prices before ordering. Confirm what is included in the lobster price and whether sides, drinks, and bread cost extra.

Question 2

What is the "Peso vs CUP Restaurant Overcharge" scam in Viñales?

Accepted Answer

Since Cuba unified its currency in 2021, some restaurant and paladar operators in Vinales still price menus in ambiguous terms that allow them to charge tourists at a higher effective rate than locals. A menu listing prices that appear to be in Cuban pesos (CUP) may be verbally claimed to be in a different denomination at payment, or change may be returned at an unfavorable exchange that quietly inflates the bill. Ask at the start of the meal what currency the menu prices are in and confirm you understand the exchange rate before ordering. Count change carefully. In Vinales, most tourist-oriented paladares near the main square now price openly in CUP — the ambiguity tends to arise in more local-facing spots off the main drag.

Restaurant Scams in Viñales

Restaurant Lobster "Promotion"

Peso vs CUP Restaurant Overcharge

Experienced a scam here?