Scam in CubaFood and drink
Friendly invitations that lead to an inflated bill in Cuba
How it works
A friendly stranger invites you for food or drinks. The venue charges you two to three times the normal price and shares the extra money with them. In Central Havana, a person or couple may offer to practise English and suggest drinks while waiting for a supposed Buena Vista Social Club performance. Some also demand payment for their company.
Warning signs
- A new acquaintance quickly steers you to a particular bar or restaurant.
- An invitation to practise English turns into a plan involving a paid venue.
- Someone promises a Buena Vista Social Club performance and suggests drinks while you wait.
How to avoid it
- Choose the venue yourself.
- Check the menu and prices before ordering.
- Make clear that you are not paying for anyone else's drinks or company.
- Leave if the person pressures you to enter or order.
If it happens to you
Ask for an itemised bill and question charges you did not agree to. Avoid a heated argument and seek help if you feel threatened.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or argue with someone who threatens you.
- If a card is involved, contact the issuer immediately. Freeze or block it and report unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, contracts, messages and booking details. Write down the time, location, amount lost and a description of those involved.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance purposes.
- Contact your insurer if you may have a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/TravelCuba2026Experience from a Tourist in Havana right now (11th of February)A traveller reports following a friendly local to a supposedly traditional restaurant where tourists received unexpectedly high bills.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/cuba2024Polite shopliftingA commenter recounts being befriended near the Capitolio, taken for drinks, and pressured by another man to pay an inflated bill.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/travel2025How Were You Scammed While Traveling?A commenter recounts being abandoned by a local acquaintance with a $200 restaurant bill in Old Havana.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the friendly invitations that lead to an inflated bill scam in Cuba?
A friendly stranger invites you for food or drinks. The venue charges you two to three times the normal price and shares the extra money with them. In Central Havana, a person or couple may offer to practise English and suggest drinks while waiting for a supposed Buena Vista Social Club performance. Some also demand payment for their company.
How can I spot it early?
A new acquaintance quickly steers you to a particular bar or restaurant. An invitation to practise English turns into a plan involving a paid venue. Someone promises a Buena Vista Social Club performance and suggests drinks while you wait.
How do I avoid friendly invitations that lead to an inflated bill in Cuba?
Choose the venue yourself. Check the menu and prices before ordering. Make clear that you are not paying for anyone else's drinks or company. Leave if the person pressures you to enter or order.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for an itemised bill and question charges you did not agree to. Avoid a heated argument and seek help if you feel threatened.
Where in Cuba does this happen?
Bars and restaurants; a specific performance story is reported in Central Havana It has been reported in Havana.
How much can it cost me?
Two to three times the normal food or drink price; some people also demand a few pesos for their company.
How common is this scam in Cuba?
Common. Cuba is generally safe, but scams targeting tourists are common. The main risks are inflated taxi fares, costly invitations from strangers, dubious cigars, money-changing tricks and card fraud. Theft is also possible, including night-time muggings in parts of Havana.
Are there similar scams in Cuba?
Yes: refilled and resealed drinking water, higher tourist menu revealed after eating.
Who can I report it to?
National Revolutionary Police: call 106 in an emergency. For a non-emergency theft or fraud report, seek help from a police station and ask for a report or reference number. Card issuer: use your issuer's official app or published contact number to block a compromised card and dispute unauthorised transactions. Business management: for disputed restaurant bills, missing change or rental surcharges, show your receipts or written agreement and ask a manager to resolve the charge. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report. Your embassy or consulate: contact its official consular service if your passport is stolen or you need urgent consular assistance.
What number do I call in an emergency in Cuba?
National Revolutionary Police: 106, SIUM ambulance services: 104, Fire Department: 105.
Reviewed by @snuck