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For the time being, shop-aholics 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 jewelry 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.
Benetton, 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.
However, for now you are better off picking
up what you need while in the States, Canada,
Europe or a neighboring country like the
Dominican Republic.
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.
While shopping in the states or a neighboring
country it will be a good idea to stock
up on cotton clothing. The more cotton clothing
you has the more comfortable you will be.
In tropical areas cotton is the coolest
type of clothing you can wear. We also recommend
hats if you intend to walk under the hot
tropical sun. Don't forget to have several
pairs of cool walking shoes. You might think
about waterproofing them for the rainy season.
Don't forget a good umbrella, since tropical
rain is warm and raincoats will keep you
dry but make you sweat like crazy.
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