Re: Holguin Airport

[flopnfly]

We've never been to Holguin airport before.
 
 Does anybody have any tips or suggestions to make our arrival and departure a little less painful?
 
 Is there duty free on departure?
 
 Where is the money exchange booth located?
 
 
 thanks,
 Heather

[Gambitt]

Been there twice...
 
 Money exchange is on your immediate left, as you pass through the last of customs/immigration, right across the room, from the baggage carousel.
 
 As usual in Cuba, it is one at a time thru immigration, unless your child is on your passport, or very young.
 
 Smokers, will be happy to know, that you can light up, as soon as you walk into the terminal building.
 
 Duty free is located in the departures area, and there is lots there.  Prices are not too bad either.  There is a VIP lounge in departures, but we found the "common folk" lounge to be just fine for us.  
 
 Re VIP on departures... Don't book it through the rep at the hotel.  If the airport isn't busy, it's not worth it.  Because it wasn't busy, and we had a "small child" with us, the airport guy pushed us into the VIP line anyway.

[millybess]

Hi Heather:
 
 Re Holguin airport, the money exchange is right by the baggage carousel.  When we were there at March Break there was no line up.  I was waiting for the bags and before they came off, Mike was back from the money exchange.
 
 Many people get the VIP service from their tour rep.  We did that once, but I don't think it's worth it IMO.  The last time we went, there was nobody in the VIP lounge and when my daughter and I walked by, they invited us in.  We didn't go in as we were on our way to the observation deck to catch the last rays of sunshine.
 
 They have a small duty free shop after security, but I didn't see any deals in there besides coffee.  However, my sister has purchased Cuban liquers there and she says it's a good deal.  We're going to keep our eye out for them this trip.

[Gambitt]

Well, at least we agree on everything milli!
   :)

[millybess]

I noticed that Gambitt and at the exact same time too!

[flygt]

Originally posted by Gambitt:
  Smokers, will be happy to know, that you can light up, as soon as you walk into the terminal building.

Hi Gambitt,
 
 generally there is no smoking allowed in any public buildings or offices, signs have been put up to the effect since about Feb 8th of this year.
 
 cheers
 flygt

[flopnfly]

oh well, we don't smoke inside at home anyway.
 
 In Toronto you're not allowed to smoke in any public areas.  We don't even smoke in our home, we go outside.  Yes even in the freezing cold of winter, and every winter we swear we are going to quit.
 
 Heather

[Judie]

While there in February, there were people smoking in the lineups before immigration. I'm not a smoker and we had our children with us, so I guess thats why I remember it so well.That was the first week of February.

[flopnfly]

We wouldn't smoke in there anyway.  Especially around kids, I just don't understand people that do that.     :mad:

[flygt]

 Last Updated: Monday, 7 February, 2005, 04:02 GMT  
 
 Cuba's smoking ban takes effect  
 By Stephen Gibbs
 BBC News, Havana  
 
 Bars and restaurants are not sure how to enforce the new rules
 Cuba - the home of the fine cigar - has brought in tough new regulations on tobacco smoking in public places.
 
 It is now banned in most work places, cigarette machines are being removed and it will be illegal to sell tobacco products close to schools.
 
 Almost half of all Cuban adults smoke, and tobacco and cigar exports are vital to the country's economy.
 
 The inspiration for the ban is said to have come from President Fidel Castro, who has given up smoking cigars.  
   

cheers
 flygt

[Sandy]

When we were there in mid-March people were still smoking pretty much everywhere including the Cubans.
 
 I would wait until you get to the airport as well before deciding on VIP.  It was a wall to wall chaos when we were there so we went VIP and it was the best thing we could have done.  We automatically did it again in Varadero but found it wasn't necessary crowd wise.

[Tuss]

The duty free in the airport and no cigars at all.  None, zero!  I waited until the  airport to by mine, and i had to go home with none!!!
 
 The regular lounge was quite nice.  There was only our flight there and lots of room.  I found a sofa in a quiet corner and had a nice nap for an hour!  People were smoking in the airport -- there was a section available for nonsmokers.