Wearing Canadian logo clothes in Cuba?

Question

You guys have been great helping me plan for my trip! Thank You!

So my question is: In my travels to Jamaica and Guatemala, wearing clothes with a Canadian flag got me special treatment in both countries by the locals. (In fact I met a Texan in Negril who pimped himself with Canadian logos to get better treatment. kinda funny)

So what I've noticed in my travels is that both Canadians and Aussies "wear their flag" on their shirt of backpack when they travel and other countries' locals read this as "I'm a friendly person". Do you believe this to be true in Cuba? Or does the lack of an American presence in Cuba change this whole unwritten rule?

Answer 1

By all means wear our flag, Cubans love us the same as most people wherever we travel.

Answer 2

Jes is 100% right about all said. Cubans love Canadians whether you wear anything with a logo or not. They're genuine and will treat you well irregardless of what you wear. But if your attitude sucks, they won't hang around you much whether Canadian or not.

The thing is that they know that most Canadians try to meld in with the people and their surroundings....not try to take over and change them.

It's true, take a lot of little souvenirs from the dollar store with you that has stuff like that and they'll appreciate it. If you have extra t-shirts, baseball caps (which they LOVE wearing in Cuba), they would make nice gifts for whomever you choose to give to.

And.........yes Tryp Cayo Coco is one of the best places with the most amazing people there!! I have made such wonderful friends there and they truly never forget you...even if you haven't been able to go back in a long while.

But I know you're going to Havana, yet you'll still find the same excellent treatment there too...truly anywhere in Cuba.

As for the lack of American presence creating this better treatment? Maybe, maybe not...I know in other countries such as Europe and elsewhere, once they know you're from Canada, you are treated extra special. Most have said that they don't find 'an attitude'.

If you give a little gift to anyone you meet and have especially befriended, guaranteed they will NEVER forget your face. They're very gracious. And if you get to correspond with whomever you befriend via email, writing, or phone, you won't be forgotten either (in a good way).

You'll have a great time there. They'll know where you're from with or without a logo and they'll treat you well just because you're genuine with them...that's just how it is.

Answer 3

It's been my experience that the Cubans like Canadians because we are nice people as a rule. Let's face it. If you're on vacation you're probably in a good mood! The Cubans like everyone else respond well to being treated with respect and courtesy. Plus Canadians are known for being the best tippers. I would bring Canadian paraphernalia to give away as gifts, not to use as an identifier because once you start speaking, they'll know where you are from.

Answer 4

Cuba LOVES Canadians.  If you can, drop by your local dollar store and pick up small items like toothpaste, make-up, shampoos, body lotions.. you can get ALOT of stuff for just $30 or $40 to take there.  The Cubans are more than willing to make trades with you for these items, and they are good as little tips and such.  I usually take a few things with me as well, and they trade for souveniers.  Saves you a loads of money.  Those items are a luxury to most who work at the resorts, as they are very expensive for Cubans to buy.

I usually go to Cuba once a year... I stay at the Tryp Cayo Coco.  BEAUTIFUL place, and the most friendly people you will ever meet.  Enjoy your trip :o)

Oh, and to answer your question... most of the people at the resorts are Canadian as the US has the travel restrictions.  The treatment you get there from the locals is the same friendly treatment you'd get with or without the Canadian logos.  There is 1 thing though... be prepared for lots of offers for any clothing you are wearing with the Canadian logo on it lol.  They are not beggars and do not harass you in anyway, they just really love that stuff.