For the time being, shopaholics will be disappointed if they expect to find shopping areas like Beverley Hill’s Rodeo drive or large U.S. or Canadian style malls in Cuba. Havana does have its share of open-air markets, cigar stores, souvenir shops, art galleries and upscale jewelery stores. Cimex operates stores all over Havana which sell all kinds of Western products. Galerías de Paseo in Vedado also has imported goods.

The seeds of American suburbia have begun to take root. The Plaza Carlos III Mall, four stories of shops and fast-food outlets around a central atrium, opened up in the center of Havana, within blocks of the Plaza of the Revolution. Galerías de Paseo, across the street from the Hotel Meliá Cohiba, is an upscale shopping center catering to wealthy Cubans and Americans.Benneton, the trendy clothing company, already has representation and retail stores in Havana. It is only a matter of time before other lines of brand clothing are available in Cuba.

As the country enters the world market things are bound to change. More and more foreign goods are available in Cuba today. As you know, one of the advantages of living in Cuba is its proximity to the United States. Eventually shopping will be almost as convenient as living on the Mexican or Canadian borders where foreigners cross frequently to shop. On a short shopping trip to Miami you will be able to buy essentials as sundries, medicines, clothing and other products you can’t live without or which can’t be purchased in Cuba.