Hustler referrals with hidden commissions in Cuba: how to avoid it

How it works

Hustlers called jineteros or jineteras offer restaurants, bars, city tours, cigars and other goods or services. Following their recommendation can leave you paying a high price that includes their commission. Some keep approaching after you decline.

Warning signs

An unsolicited guide insists on taking you to a particular business.
Someone keeps offering different goods or services after you say no.
The person avoids explaining prices or their commission.

How to avoid it

Ignore unwanted approaches or politely refuse.
Keep walking if the person persists.
Choose restaurants and tours independently.
Agree the full price before accepting any service.

If it happens to you

Stop the interaction and move to a busy place. Seek help if the person follows or threatens you.

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.

Questions

What is the hustler referrals with hidden commissions scam in Cuba?

Hustlers called jineteros or jineteras offer restaurants, bars, city tours, cigars and other goods or services. Following their recommendation can leave you paying a high price that includes their commission. Some keep approaching after you decline.

How can I spot it early?

An unsolicited guide insists on taking you to a particular business. Someone keeps offering different goods or services after you say no. The person avoids explaining prices or their commission.

How do I avoid hustler referrals with hidden commissions in Cuba?

Ignore unwanted approaches or politely refuse. Keep walking if the person persists. Choose restaurants and tours independently. Agree the full price before accepting any service.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stop the interaction and move to a busy place. Seek help if the person follows or threatens you.

Where in Cuba does this happen?

Larger cities, particularly Habana Vieja It has been reported in Havana.

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.

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.