Scam in CubaFood and drink
Refilled and resealed drinking water in Cuba
How it works
A seller refills a bottle with local tap water and reseals it to look like bottled water. The tampering may be visible, but not always.
Warning signs
- The cap or seal looks disturbed.
- The price is unusually low.
- The water tastes noticeably different from bottled water.
How to avoid it
- Buy water from an established shop.
- Inspect the cap and seal before paying.
- Reject bottles that appear tampered with.
- Stop drinking if the taste seems wrong.
If it happens to you
Stop drinking the water and replace it with a trusted supply. Seek medical help if you become unwell.
- 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 refilled and resealed drinking water scam in Cuba?
A seller refills a bottle with local tap water and reseals it to look like bottled water. The tampering may be visible, but not always.
How can I spot it early?
The cap or seal looks disturbed. The price is unusually low. The water tastes noticeably different from bottled water.
How do I avoid refilled and resealed drinking water in Cuba?
Buy water from an established shop. Inspect the cap and seal before paying. Reject bottles that appear tampered with. Stop drinking if the taste seems wrong.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop drinking the water and replace it with a trusted supply. Seek medical help if you become unwell.
Where in Cuba does this happen?
Water sales around tourist areas
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: friendly invitations that lead to an inflated bill, 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