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Etiquette
Cubans are friendly, open, and expressive people, touching and gesturing while they talk. Before you know it, they start chatting with you. Often this is out of genuine interest, friendlyness and hospitality. However, be aware that as a foreigner, many Cubans who start a conversation with you are hoping in some way to get some economic gain out of it. Jineterismo it is called and it is a way of life in Cuba. This may involve anything from offers to take you to somewhere, to provide you a service (for a commission), to direct appeals for money or goods.
While handshakes are used in more formal settings, in almost all other situations, the typical greeting in Cuba is one kiss on the right cheek. Cubans generally address each other as compañero, but visitors should use señor or señora. Some Cubans have two surnames after their Christian name; the first surname is the correct one to use. Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting someone's home, and you may bring a small gift if you are invited for a meal.
Dress is generally very informal, in large part due to the tough economic times. Still, Cubans, all classes included, like to dress up for an evening out. Suits are limited to businessmen and governmental officials. A simple, light, short-sleeved cotton shirt with a tie, or the tipical guayabera (a loose-fitting shirt with two or four outer pockets on the front and usually a few vertical bands of pleats or embroidery), are more common. Shorts, notwithstanding the warm climate, are rarely used by Cuban, except on or near the beach. However, it is totally acceptable to wear them. Yet, women should cover legs and shoulders if visiting churches.
Perhaps the greatest etiquette concern is about what you say. Open criticism of the government or of Fidel or Raúl Castro is a major taboo. Do not bring these issues up, especially in open public places. The police, community revolutionary brigades, and reprisals for vocal dissent are an ongoing legacy of Cuba's political reality. One effect of this is that while Cubans you meet will often be very open and expressive with you, even on political matters, but they tend to immediately clam up the minute another Cuban unknown to them enters the scene.
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