Real experience of people from chats on «Work & taxes» in Cuba — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
The 'lobster exchange rate' is a colloquial, humorous term used in Cuba to illustrate the volatility of the informal currency market and the significant disparity between official and real exchange rates. It highlights that the actual purchasing power of currency and the value of goods are often determined by unofficial transactions, where prices of high-demand items like lobster can serve as a de facto economic indicator.
On June 18, 2026, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudes announced a broad package of economic reforms aimed at overcoming the economic crisis. Key pillars include: 1. Decentralization and municipal autonomy, granting municipalities control over their foreign exchange income, economic entities, import/export, and approval of investments from the Cuban diaspora. 2. State enterprise reform, allowing 'real autonomy' for export, import, foreign currency holding, and participation in the foreign exchange market. 3. Private sector liberalization, revising the list of prohibited activities to 'responsible regulation' and delegating SME approval to municipalities. 4. Foreign investment and diaspora engagement, permitting Cubans abroad to own private companies and allowing direct foreign investment in the private sector. 5. Agricultural production focus, bringing idle lands into production and granting producers direct access to resources and foreign currency markets. 6. Energy transition, accelerating solar energy adoption and promoting electric mobility. 7. State restructuring, reducing ministries and bureaucratic positions. 8. Social policy shift from product subsidies to vulnerable groups, with the removal of general price controls. 9. Tourism sector opening to 'new players'. 10. Integration of state enterprises, SMEs, cooperatives, agricultural producers, and investors on 'equal terms'. 11. Digitalization and transparency for tracking contributions and outcomes. These reforms are presented in the context of intensified US sanctions, including financial pursuits and oil supply restrictions, with only one oil tanker reaching Cuba in the preceding five months.
During hotel closures in Cuba, local staff (e.g., in Varadero) actively seek alternative employment. The reintroduction of 'serviced transport' (служебная развозка) for hotel staff is an indicator of potential hotel reopenings. Current working conditions for some staff include 6/1 schedules, mandatory on-site living in hotels due to canceled transport, and restricted movement within the hotel premises.
There are rumors circulating about civilian weapon distribution in Cuba. Official sources and Cubans residing abroad have largely denied these claims, suggesting they might be misinformation or related to defense drills. The potential impact on tourism is a concern, but widespread civilian arming is not confirmed.
A method for exchanging currency for travel to Cuba involves using Russian MIR cards for Ruble transfers, with relatives in Havana providing equivalent USD cash at the Central Bank of Russia's exchange rate. This peer-to-peer exchange is confirmed to be functional. Additionally, some individuals are assisting Cuban families by transferring Rubles via MIR cards, with the cash being distributed to those in need on the island.
Internet connectivity in Cuba is highly unstable and unsuitable for remote work. Mobile data (3G/4G) is prone to massive packet loss and outages. Telegram is reported as significantly less reliable than WhatsApp, though both suffer during power grid failures. Local residents often rely on specific, non-public workarounds or niche residential ISPs to bypass the limitations of state-run infrastructure. Starlink usage is technically prohibited and carries legal risks, though users may encounter it.