As a first-time traveler to Cuba, you probably have many questions about the Cuban currency: What’s the official Cuban currency? Can you use US dollars in Cuba? Can you pay with a credit card or debit card? Does Cuba still impose a 10% tax on US dollars? Do they even have ATMs in Cuba? In this article, we answer these questions and more.
Right off the bat, we can tell you that the Cuban currency system is super complicated to deal with as a traveler. But don’t panic. We will cover absolutely everything you need to know about using money in Cuba.
Cuban Currency: Your Burning Questions Answered
- What is the Currency in Cuba?
- What Cuban Currency to Use as a Visitor?
- Can You Use the US Dollar in Cuba?
- Where to Exchange Cuban Currency?
- The Cuban Currency Exchange Rate
- Avoid Currency Scams
- What is the Best Currency to Bring to Cuba?
- Can You Use Credit Cards in Cuba?
- Prepaid Cards in Cuba
- ATMs in Cuba
- Using CUPs at Airports in Cuba
1. What is the Currency in Cuba?
The first thing you should know about the Cuban monetary system is that Cuba used two official currencies until December 31st, 2020: the CUP (Cuban Peso) and the CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso). However, it all changed in January 2021, when Cuba eliminated the CUC and left the CUP as the only official Cuban currency. Therefore, as a traveler, you will use the CUP.
The (Eliminated) Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC)
The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was one of Cuba’s two official currencies and most frequently used by visitors. However, contrary to what many outdated articles say on the Internet, you can no longer use the CUC in Cuba.
This is because Cuba eliminated the dual currency system on January 1st, 2021 when the Cuban Peso (CUP) became the only official currency in Cuba. If you travel to Cuba before mid-2021, you may still see some CUCs in circulation because Cuban residents have until July 2021 to exchange their remaining CUCs into CUPs.
The Cuban Peso (CUP)
The CUP (also locally known as “moneda nacional” or MN) is the primary Cuban currency. It is used by both residents and visitors alike.
The CUP is available in bills of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000.
Please stick with us because we will talk a lot about the Cuban Peso. But first, let’s point out the physical difference between the CUC and CUP.
The tangible difference between the CUC and CUP
You’ve never been there. Never used Cuban money. So, how are you supposed to know the difference between the CUC and the CUP and avoid getting scammed?
Here is the secret: the CUP bills have faces. If you expect to receive CUP in a transaction and don’t see a face on the bill, you will be getting CUC instead! The CUC bill also says “pesos convertibles” right at the center.
2. What Cuban Currency to Use as a Visitor?
For most of your expenditures on the island, you must use CUP. All resorts, hotels, airports, restaurants, and tourist attractions will accept CUP.
It would help if you always had the lower denomination CUP bills at hand to cover small expenses such as street food, bus fare, flea market finds.
With that said, if you are traveling with Euros or Pounds, we suggest you take some to Cuba. This is because hard foreign currencies are welcome at private facilities, such as “hostales” (private rooms) and “paladares” (private restaurants). Additionally, while you can tip in CUP, we suggest using your home currency for tipping in Cuba.
3. Can You Use the US Dollar in Cuba?
Only Cuban residents are allowed to spend US dollars at the so-called “dollar stores” (“tiendas MLC”). As a traveler, you cannot use US dollars in Cuba since the Government is pushing for the de-dollarization of the economy. Even the currency exchange offices in airports are no longer exchanging US dollars for CUPs. You can’t use credit or debit cards issued by US banks either.
Therefore, if you are traveling to Cuba from the US, you will be better off exchanging your US dollars for Euros or Pounds before landing in Cuban territory.
4. Where to Exchange Cuban Currency?
Travelers can exchange Cuban currency at banks, hotels, and government currency exchange houses (CADECA). CADECA offices are located in airports, hotels, resorts, and shopping centers. CADECA offices are the safest and most reliable places to exchange currency.
Keep in mind that, as part of the travel restrictions enforced by the Cuban Government to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, CADECA offices may experience limited capacity and reduced hours.
Please, be aware that it is very unlikely that you will get Cuban currency in advance. If you manage to do it, keep in mind that you can import up to 2,000 CUP, according to a recent resolution from the Aduana General de la República de Cuba (customs).
5. The Cuban Currency Exchange Rate
The exchange rate depends on whether you want to buy or sell CUP and on the foreign currency you are using for the operation. The international exchange rate determines the value of international currencies against the Cuban Peso.
At each CADECA office, you will notice a TV screen displaying the daily exchange rates, like this:
Please, keep in mind the above table may be outdated. Consult CADECA’s website to check the current exchange rates. The column Compra/Buy indicates the exchange rate at which CADECA buys the currency. In contrast, the Venta/Sell column shows the exchange rate at which they sell the currency.
Whatever currency you want to sell to CADECA, you will need to multiply the amount of money you want to exchange by the exchange rate listed on the Compra/Buy column.
For example, if you want to exchange 100 CAD to CUP, the math is 100*18.3451 ≈ 1,835.5. Yeah, that’s right, you will get around 18.35 CUP for 1 CAD… exactly how it says in the table.
You should also know that the Cuban currency exchange rate may be slightly more expensive at CADECA offices in hotels, ports, and airports. The exchange rates are also updated twice a week.
6. Avoid Currency Scams
Aside from official currency exchanges, there are a few unofficial ways as well.
You can often stumble upon these “opportunities” just outside of currency exchange offices and local shops. Often, people willing to make unofficial exchanges will pitch you on attractive offers.
Although Cuba is a relatively safe country, currency scams are not uncommon, and tourists are typically the victims. The currency scam can go one of two ways: 1) you receive forged currency in exchange for your (legitimate) money; or 2) you get change in CUC, which was eliminated, instead of CUP.
You could lose a lot of money this way!
With that said, if you trust your host, you can ask him/her to exchange your home currency at CADECA’s rates. Certain hosts and private restaurants may also accept foreign currency.
Finally, be aware that pickpocketing is common in large cities like Havana. Thus, a travel money belt may be handy to protect your money and small valuables while walking the streets of Cuba.
7. What is the Best Currency to Bring to Cuba?
It all boils down to bringing the foreign currency that has the highest possible conversion rate in Cuba. In terms of conversion value, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro are the best currencies to bring to Cuba.
You can also exchange the following foreign currencies in Cuba:
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Euro (EUR)
- Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Mexican Peso (MXN)
- US Dollar (USD)
8. Can You Use Credit Cards in Cuba?
In most cases, yes. Unless they were issued by a US bank or a subsidiary of a US bank.
However, one of the most important travel tips for Cuba that must know is that Cuba is primarily a cash country. So, plan on paying for most of your expenses with hard currency!
9. Prepaid Cards in Cuba
On June 15, 2021, the Cuban Government launched prepaid cards exclusively available to foreign visitors. BANDEC (a Cuban bank) issues these cards, and you can use them to pay for goods and services at facilities that accept credit cards, such as hotels, state-operated restaurants, and certain retail stores.
The Cuban Government hasn’t said much yet about how these prepaid cards work, but here are a few facts you must know:
- The prepaid cards are valid for two years.
- You can buy prepaid cards in CADECA’s offices.
- You will need your passport to acquire a prepaid card.
- There is a 5 USD processing fee, and you cannot pay for it in USD (lol).
- To make things even more complicated, the prepaid cards are printed with denominations in US dollars (!) in the amount of 200 USD, 500 USD, and 1,000 USD.
- The card won’t display your name on it.
- You will need to set up a PIN.
- You cannot transfer money to prepaid cards from other cards or bank accounts.
- You can withdraw money, but only in CUP.
- The bank wouldn’t replace your card if you lost it.
We will keep this section updated as we gather more information about using prepaid cards in Cuba.
10. ATMs in Cuba
If you want to get cash, you can withdraw money from Cuban ATMs using either a debit card or a credit card.
You may be charged a bank commission fee that can cost anywhere between 3 to 12% per transaction.
ATMs in Cuba are not as common as they are in other parts of the world. Currently, Cuba has 780 cash machines with plans to install another 200 ATMs in the coming year. Most of Cuba’s ATMs are located in large cities and popular tourist destinations like Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Matanzas (Varadero).
11. Using CUPs at Airports in Cuba
UPDATE: As of May 21, 2021, CADECA offices will no longer offer currency exchange services in Cuban airports. Due to the low influx of tourism amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the company lacks enough funds to sell foreign currencies. This may be a temporary measure; we will keep you updated.
Although you can use CUPs in facilities at Cuba airports, we recommend you exchange your leftover Cuban pesos before checking in at the airport because:
- The long lines at the airport’s CADECA office will make you cringe.
- Some travelers have reported that CADECA offices at airports won’t exchange certain amounts of CUPs because they might not have the equivalent amount of your home currency available.
- You are not allowed to export more than 2,000 CUP anyway. Airport authorities will likely confiscate any amount over that limit.
Perhaps, you will want to keep 25-50 CUP to buy the NAUTA card to get Cuban WiFi at the airport.
Here some other crazy facts that you should know about using foreign currencies at Cuban airports:
- Depending on how much of your home currency is available at airport facilities, you might get change in a different currency!
- Many attendants won’t take coins (!). (They said that Cuban banks might have an issue with it when depositing the coins later).
- Some travelers have reported that the airport facilities won’t take bills with tears or writing on them.
Mission Accomplished?
As you can see, Cuba’s currency system is as unique as the island itself.
While this can catch a visitor off guard if they don’t know what to expect, the currency system is much easier to navigate if you know a few key pieces of information like what kind of currency to use, how to exchange it, and how to use debit and credit cards during your stay.
Keep this guide handy during your stay in Cuba–together, we’ll make sure you have a great trip! At least, that’s what we hope.
So, what do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Essential Travel Resources For Cuba
Cuban Tourist Card – If your Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Visa) isn’t bundled into your airline ticket or travel package, buy it only through EasyTouristCard. Learn more about the Cuba Tourist Card or Cuba Visa.
Travel Insurance – Travel insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you can’t skip it. US travelers can get travel insurance for Cuba via RoamRight.
Essential Items to Pack – Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba:
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks
- Water bottle with filter
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Pin adapter (for Europeans)
- Travel guide
- Spanish-English phrasebook
- Suggested Reading: The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times
Read our complete packing list for Cuba.
Find Accommodations – Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Expedia, which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba.
Book Your Flight – Book cheap flights to Cuba on Skyscanner, our favorite flight search engine to find deals on flights to Cuba.
Article needs updating for the June 21, 2021 changes…
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for the heads up! We just updated the article to reflect the major changes announced in June 2021:
– Bringing US dollars to Cuba is now useless.
– Tourists can buy prepaid cards to pay for goods and services at certain hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.
Hope it helps!
I’m not replying to Sandra, but can’t see any other way of making a comment.
1. The smallest GBP or EUR notes available are 5 – far too much for regular tipping. So are £ or € coins acceptable as tips? But a large bag of coins is very heavy to carry around!
2. Your info is confusing – your reply to Sandra says it’s now totally useless to bring USD to Cuba. I didn’t see that in the article, which says that USD can be exchanged in the Cambios, and that locals can spend them in the dollar shops. We used to tip in dollar bills several years ago – so are these still welcome or not?
Hi David,
Thanks for your comment.
USDs are useless in Cuba because they are not accepted at any tourist facility. CADECAs are not buying USD dollars either. Only Cuban residents can spend US dollars to buy from the so-called “dollar shops”. This is true as of today, July 2021. We updated the article to reflect that fact. I know, it’s confusing 🙁
So again, please clarify:-
1. Are GBP or EUR coins acceptable as tips, since £5 note is too much?
2. Are US dollar bills advised/acceptable as tips, as the locals can spend them in the dollar shops?
David,
1. Yes, coins are acceptable. I suggest tipping at least one pound or one euro. Read our tipping guide for Cuba for more details.
2. It’s better not to tip in US dollars. Local cannot use USDs in cash at dollar stores. They can only buy from those stores with a card in USD denomination, and they can’t even load cash money onto those cards. That’s why, currently, the US dollar is the foreign currency with the lowest value in Cuba. Keep in mind that this can change at any point. The Cuban monetary policy is very “fluid”.
Hope it helps.
To author: On June 15 the Cuban government extended the date by which the CUC needed to be converted to CUP. See: https://www.cibercuba.com/noticias/2021-06-15-u1-e199370-s27061-gobierno-cuba-extienden-180-dias-plazo-canje-cuc-sucursales. Now you have until December 31 to make conversions.
Your information and this article/comments are very helpful. I plan to return to Cuba before the end of the year.
Hi Benita,
Thanks for the information. Keep in mind that this is only applicable to Cuban residents that need to exchange CUC to CUP. Visitors can no longer use CUCs in Cuba.
I have been to Cuba many time, but with Covid wont be going till 2022. Now I see residents will have till July 2021 to exchange their cuc’s. What about out of country people. I have some at home maybe 150 cuc what do you recommend I do.
Hi Mary,
Unfortunately, only Cuban residents will have until July 2021 to exchange their CUCs. Besides, the Cuban customs wouldn’t have allowed you to bring your CUCs anyway.
You legally werent allowed to take cuc out of cuba, so i doubt theyd have any allowances … yur stuck with them.
Hi All, I am Canadian and have be to Cuba 14 times before 2019. I have always brought Canadian dollars and usually I would keep a few CUC from my last trip (not suppose to but I do). It is hard to tell what rate is better (the airport, the hotel or the bank). One thing that I am sure of is that the hotel rate was usually a little higher than the bank rate (if you have a bank near you (don’t forget your passport if you use the bank)). I would spend my CUC from my last trip on beer and snacks while waiting for the bus to the hotel to leave (especially if you have a LONG ride to the hotel…..hehe). Very important to buy something to drink for a long bus ride EX: Santa Maria is a 2.5 hour bus ride. I usually, stay in all inclusive hotels and tip in CUC or dollar store items for maids. I also bring used clothes that don’t fit as gifts for staff that takes care of us. I usually tip the first day and mention that if they give me good service that they will be awarded at the end of my stay, this is where you see if the servers, bartenders…etc give us a good service during my stay. Before I leave, I make sure that those who treated us well are rewarded by tips, hats or clothes. This usually shows me who is real in being nice and serving us and who is all about the money.
This is my experience in going to Cuba
Good to know that the CUC is no longer accepted in the airports, it was accepted when I last went.
I love Cuba, the music, the culture and the old cars.
Denis
Thanks for sharing your tips, Denis! There is actually a major change to the currency system in Cuba underway. We will update this article shortly.
So, if I read your article correctly, in section 4, there had been a 10% tax on conversions from US$ to CUCs but that has been eliminated as of July 2020. And in section 5, you state there is a 13% fee (including bank fees) for conversions from US$ to CUCs. So before July 2020, there was effectively a 23% additional charge (the 10% tax & the 13% fee) on US$ conversions? Just trying to budget, to include additional currency conversion costs. Thanks for the helpful tips.
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for pointing this out. I just updated section 5 🙂 There was a 10% tax on the US dollar before July 2020. That tax was eliminated. You can use the calculation method in section 4 to have an idea of the conversion costs. You can also use the currency convertor on Cadeca’s website.
Hope it helps!
Back when they were charging the additional 10 percent to Americans. I would change a minimal amount upon arrival then when checking in to my casa paticular check with the owner and they almost always would know a reliable money changer to get a better rate. I have changed money in the street in Holguin before without problem I tend to seek out a woman or older man and stay away from the younger guys not sure it made a difference but was not scammed. My preference was always to get help from my host at the casa paticular some of them I would give money to and they would get it changed for me others would invite the person to the house and we did it there never have been cheated doing this.
My flight arrives in midnight. Exchange points still open in airport
Are counterfeit foreign coins a problem in Cuba? 2 or 3 percent of large value coins like Canadian loonies, Euros and British pounds are counterfeit and I have heard a large percentage of them are imported by tourists who innocently buy them from locals where they are travelling.
Hi John,
There is always a risk of getting counterfeit foreign coins in Cuba, but this is definitely not a widespread problem, especially considering that the circulation of foreign currency in Cuba is limited to certain places such as banks and airports.
As a US traveler, the exchange rate for US dollars to Pounds or EUROs is currently .81 and .92 respectively. Doing the math, one needs to consider these exchange rates as well before deciding which currency to use to convert into CUCs, right? If my math is correct, given the above exchange rates, one would want to use EUROs over Pounds before arriving in Cuba.
Hello,
It seems as though if I’m coming from the US it would benefit me to change my money into Mexican pesos and then into CUC once I get to Cuba. Is this correct or am understanding the conversion wrong?
Hello, we will be visiting Cuba later this month from South Africa and just wanted to clarify 2 things:
1. Any left over CUC can be converted back into EURO at the airport before we leave?
2. Purchase items at the airport, using foreign currency only (except for a Nauta card which can be purchased in CUC) and get only receive US dollars back as change?
Thank you
Hi Lilly,
To answer your questions:
1. Yes.
2. At the time we last updated the article, the Cuban airports were only giving change in US dollars. I would advise you to be prepared for that.
HELLO MY FELLOW CUBANS MY NAME IS HASHIM, I AM VERY FASCINATED AND REALLY LIKE HISPANICS, MEXICAN, LATINO, CHICANO, PUERTO RICANS MY REASON WHY I AM LEAVING THIS COMMENT TO ASK CAN I EXCHANGE A 20 DOLLAR CUBAN BILL AT THE CADECA AIRPORT IN CUBA FOR US 20 DOLLAR BILL
The currency is changing
Going to Veradero
Where’s the best place to exchange my Canadian currency to CUC’s
The airport or my hotel ???
Hi Al,
The exchange rate at CADECA offices located in airports and hotels is the same.
Hi, My husband & I are going to Cuba in a couple of weeks. We live in Canada. He said we should take US money so we have dollar bills for tipping as in Canada we don’t have dollar bills, just loonies & twoonies which Cubans can’t use. After reading your information it sounds like we would be better off to take Canadian money & convert it to CUCs for tipping. Is that the best thing to do? We are staying at an all inclusive resort so will not need money for much else except some cigars for my husbands brother as we don’t usually buy souvenirs. I don’t know if we are okay just taking the US money we already got at the bank or if we should take Canadian instead. We have a US bank account so did not have to exchange Canadian money into US as we just took it from the US account. Your article is excellent & very helpful. Thank you for passing on the information.
Hi Janice,
Thanks for the shout out! It’s more common to tip in USD or CUC in Cuba, although you can do it in CAD too. However, keep in mind that the CAD to USD exchange rate may not be favorable for service workers. I updated the article to clarify that CAD is not one of the best currencies to bring to Cuba, from a conversion value perspective.
I’m going to Cuba from Canada next week. I’ll exchange $CAN for CUC at the airport but I want to buy some cigars at the airport to have while I’m there. Do I pay for the cigars with $CAN? I believe the cigar store is past the security area. Can I use CUC? Do they take credit card?
Hi Robert,
You are right, the cigar store is past the security checkpoint. You will have to pay in CAD. They should take credit card if it’s not issued by a US bank.
Take Canadian money and exchange it at the hotel or at the airport. I’ve been there 3 times and that’s what is preferred by Cubans and Canadian.
Very useful article.
Thank you very much!
also, would there be any issue trying to buy CUC with CAD without a canadian passport, only a US passport?
Thanks for your article and great info!
We are flying from Miami to Cuba next week and want to convert USD to Canadian or Euro before we fly so we dont get hit with the extra 10% tax. Would it be better to buy Euros or Canadian in Miami and to trade those funds to CUC?
Hi Sam,
So sorry for the late response here. It’s better to convert USD to EUR and then buy the CUCs in Cuba. I updated the article to clarify how to calculate how much CUC you will get when you buy them with foreign currency.
Good article, on our way to Cuba for the umpteenth time and just double checking current currency regs. You mention coins, from world wide travel experience they are only good in their country of issue. I’m going to offer to buy all the loonies and twoonies on the bus so new tourists won’t use them for tips. The Cubans are too polite to say they’re no good to them. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked to buy coins from them……
The Cubans “CAN” use the Canadian loonies and twoonies ……. they just wait until they have 10 or 20 dollars worth and then get a Canadian traveler to exchange them for CND bills ( which they can exchange at bank)
I’ve given them $10 and $20 bills many times for loonies and twoonies and then used them to tip them back.
Hello if you can not use cuc in the airport should we use Canadian money to buy something (ex drink, lunch) or a Canadian credit card?
Thank you
Hi Wendy,
You can use Canadian money to pay for services or items once you pass through the airport security check.
Hello I am so confused is Canadian dollars worth more or less than cuc? Is it better to exchange currency at the airport or our resort where will we get a better rate? We are staying at Iberostar Selection Ensenachos Will the resort bus wait for guests to exchange currency if the lines are so long? Is there a fee to enter or leave the country? Thank you
The exchange rate at Cuban airports is the same as that of resorts. I don’t think that the lines to exchange money at resorts is that long., you shouldn’t have any problem with the bus. There is no entry fee to Cuba.
Also, I wanted to clarify that CAD does not worth more than CUC in Cuba. You would get around 0.73 CUC for 1 CAD. I just updated the article to show how to do the math here.
Thank you
One thing if I wait until I get to the resort to exchange money how can I tip the bus driver and bell hop. Can I tip them in Canadian?
Yep, you can tip in CAD, Wendy.
FYI – I went to my local bank and exchanged $800 USD to Euro to avoid the 10% Cuban tax on USD. After paying the exchange rate to get Euros, and then the exchange rate fee from Euro to CUC. I saved a whopping $22.34.
Your best bet would be to switch your American currency at the bank then switch it to Canadian money since US money is worth more. Euros have a higher exchange so you would lose more money that way.
Hi, does the Exchange rate from the example picture – CADECA EUR (sell) 1.13256 means, that I get 113,256 CUC for 100 EUR?
Thank you!
Hi Josef,
Nope. The “Sell” column lists the exchange fees when you sell CUC. In this case, you would get 1.13 EUR for 1 CUC.
You would get 1.07 CUC for 1 EUR (“Buy” column).
Hi,
We have dual Canadian/British citizenship. We are going to Cuba next month and thought it would be good to take Pounds rather than CDN $. However, on visiting Bank of Cuba Website, it looks like the rate for CDN$ is almost as good as for Pounds? Whereas, you get 1.70 CDN$ to the Pound. Is the exchange rate in Cuba skewed in favour of CDN $? Does it not have regard for the wider rate of exchange between Pounds and CDN$? Can you please check this out and let me know whether my information is correct, or not? 1 Pound should get 1.30 CUC. 1 CDN$ should get 0.77 CUC, but doesn’t seem to be the case.
Thanks,
Jason
Hi Jason,
EDIT:
First off, my apologies for giving you the wrong information in my first response. I hope you read my updated answer below before your trip to Cuba.
The exchange rate in Cuba is NOT skewed in favor of the Canadian Dollar. In fact, you would get only 0.73 CUC for 1 CAD. The table above in the article is confusing, which is why I just added an explanation on how to calculate exchange amounts in Cuba. In the case of buying CUC with CAD, you have to divide your amount of CAD by the exchange rate shown in the Compra/Buy column.
The British Pound is definitely the best currency to bring to Cuba.
We plan on going to Cuba in April, 2020 for the first time.
Am I better off exchanging my U.S. dollars to Canadian currency before I go?
Hi William,
Since the Canadian Dollar is not subject to any additional fee other than the exchange fee, it would be better to bring CAD to Cuba. The US Dollar has an additional 10% fee.
Good morning, we are travelling to Holguin in march and i still have some CUC from the last trip to Cuba in 2019. Will i be ok to enter the country with these CUC bills?
Hi Steve,
Unfortunately, you are not allowed to bring CUC into Cuba. We have heard about some travelers who hid the CUCs and passed them through customs. Don’t know if it’s worth the effort, though.
Hello,
Thank you for the article and all this info! Definitely clears up a few things. My only question is, what is a good amount for tips in Cuba, both in Canadian dollars and in CUC? And if Canadian money is accepted as tips at the resorts, wouldn’t it be better to just use it there instead of converting to CUC?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Ilia,
You can tip in CAD, but consider that the exchange rate is unfavorable to locals. For more about tipping in Cuba, check out our guide here.
Thanks for your informative site! I’ve been reading online that the Cuban government is in the process of doing away completely with the CUC and wants only major foreign currencies. Cubans who have saved CUCs are having a hard time getting currency exchanged and are taking losses to get rid of what will soon be entirely useless paper.
My question regards sending money from Spain to adopted family in Havana. In the past I used Western Union to wire to Cuba (low fees from Spain) and the family could retrieve CUCs at any Metropolitan Bank. Now they have a card with a Cuban Bank that will accept anything BUT CUCs. They do not know how money can be sent to their account. Western Union is still converting to CUCs. Any ideas?
Hi Aysha,
Thanks for sharing your experience. These are great questions.
The Cuban card you are referring to is probably the magnetic card associated with the newly opened bank accounts in USD. This is what we know so far about it:
– Only Cuban residents can open bank accounts in USD in Cuba.
– It’s the owner of the bank account in USD associated with the magnetic card who sets the card’s amount and usage limits.
– A minimum deposit is not required to open the bank account. The Cuban bank won’t charge a commission for maintaining the bank account.
– The card can be used in “dollar stores” (home appliances and spare parts for cars) and to pay for bank services. According to the Central Bank, they can also be used in retail stores.
– Cardholders can also get cash in any currency from ATMs and banks, including CUC at the effective exchange rate. There is no limit on the amount of cash you can withdraw.
– The bank account is in USD, but people can deposit money into it in any other accepted currency in Cuba.
– You can deposit money into the bank account in 4 ways:
Transfers from non-US banks.
Transfers from other accounts in foreign currency in Cuban banks.
Money transfers through FINCIMEX S.A, excluding Western Union. The Cuban Central Bank recommends using https://www.enviodinero.es/en
Banks deposits in foreign currencies in Cuban banks.
This type of bank account is new in Cuba and there still is some confusion about how to use it. There is an article from the Cuban Central Bank answering the most frequently asked questions.
Hope it helps!
Really useful information here. Thanks so much.
We always use the VIP Lounge when travelling home from Cuba. We never purchase it at the resort, instead we always purchase it directly at the VIP Lounge and have always used CUC’s. My question is, what currency would we use to purchase the VIP Lounge if we are not allowed to bring CUC’s once you pass through security / customs.
Thank You!!
Hi Nancy,
The Government resolution banning the CUC at Cuban airports does not specify whether you can book the VIP Lounge at the airport in CUC. However, I would assume that you cannot use CUC because you are not allowed to pass CUC through the security checkpoint. Once inside, you should be able to use any accepted foreign currency.
One thing that I noticed at the Havana airport is they would not take any US currency that had any tears or writing on it. I had that issue a few times. Other areas outside of the airport were not an issue.
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for the tip! Actually, you reminded me that coins in non-USD currencies are not accepted in airport facilities. Will update the article to include your insight!
I’m flying into Havana in a couple of weeks and am considering trying to change USD for CUC at a 1-1 rate with people in the Cadeca line. Any idea if this is legal? Thanks.
Hi V,
Technically, it’s not legal even though it happens all the time. However, you should be aware that you might expose to currency scams if exchanging money with unofficial vendors. More here – https://www.tourepublic.com/blog/is-cuba-safe/
Hope it helps!
Hi, I want to buy cigars when I travel to Cuba. I imagine I may be spending around 1000 CUCs. I don’t really want to carry this much cash around. I’m pretty sure I can buy them with my Canadian cash credit card. BUT, my question is – I also have a Canadian US dollar credit card that actually uses US cash – meaning when I receive the bill it is in US dollars, but the card is actually issued by a Canadian bank
Hi David,
If your credit card is NOT issued by an American bank, it should work. However, I strongly recommend you to reach out to your card provider to confirm the fact.
If you want to leave tips in CUP, how do you get CUP’s? As I understood it, you cannot do any transactions in CUP, and the currency exchanges won’t give you any. Do you have to get CUP change from vendors in CUC transactions or is there another way?
Hi George,
You can certainly do transactions in CUP. Actually, you can get CUPs in CADECA too. However, it’s likely that you will do most transactions in CUC. Also, many stores and restaurants have items priced in both currencies. In those places, you can request change in CUP too.
For more details about how tipping works in Cuba, did you check our tipping guide?
Hope it helps!
This has easily been the best thing about Cuban currencies i have read and i’ve been doing research for what feels like hours! Thank you so much for this!
I know there is a ban on the export of CUC, but what about bringing home small amounts of change in CUP?
That’s a great question, Tom. Actually, according to a recent customs resolution, you can export and import up to 2,000 CUP. I will update the article accordingly to include that fact. Thanks!
This was a very helpful article. I will be visiting Varadero Cuba from Jan16/20 untilJan26/20. We will be staying at the Ocean Vista Azul. We are looking forward to are trip. So we are not allowed to bring Cuban money into Cuba, we have to get it exchanged when we arrive @ our resort correct?
Hi Elizabeth,
Yes, you will have to exchange the money either at the airport, the hotel, or any CADECA office in Varadero.
Hope you have a sunny vacation in Cuba!
You confused me with this (Perhaps, you will want to keep 1 or 2 CUC to buy the NAUTA card to get Cuban WiFi at the airport. You will thank us later 🙂), at one point you mention that we can’t use CUC at the airport, at the end you said we can keep 1 or 2 to buy Internet CARD, could you please explain?
Hi Bilel,
I know it’s confusing! The thing is that the NAUTA card is the only product you can buy at the airport with CUC. As of today, the NAUTA booth (called Information) at the airport accepts only CUC. I think that’s likely to change in the next months because, as you pointed out, it does not make any sense.
While at the resort we have booked, is it ok to tip the waiters, housecleaning staff, bartenders, etc. in US dollars?
Hi Mary,
Tipping in USD is ok.
Thanks. I was hoping to ask a couple of questions:
1. You mentioned that you’re not allowed to bring CUC or CUP in or out of the country. Does this mean you can’t go to a bank in the US and exchange money for Cuban currency before your trip?
2. Can US debit cards be used in Cuban ATMs?
Hi Chase,
Unfortunately, the answer to your questions is no. You cannot get Cuban currency out of Cuba. But even if you could, you are not allowed to bringing it into the country.
Cuban ATMs don’t accept debit/credit cards issued by American banks.
Hope it helps?
Actually, according to a recent customs regulation, you can import and export sums of up to 2,000 CUP. (The import/export of CUC is still forbidden)
I’m curious. In the article you mentioned that you aren’t allowed to take any cuban currency out of the country. If I had say a few coins and one or two bills, would they confiscate those at the airport before I head home? I’m going in January and I’m curious as I collect coins and bills from all over the world, and would like a couple for my collection.
Hi Brittany,
Believe it or not, you are not allowed to take a single dime in CUC out of Cuba. It’s hard to know whether the airport authorities will make an exception, but I would not hold my breath 🙁
By the way, I just came back from Cuba and updated the article with impressions and facts after the ban on the CUC at Cuban airports. It’s worth another reading.
Honestly, use your best judgement but my experience is no-one is going to go through your pockets so if you have a few coins and bills it’s not going to be a big deal.
Just to follow up on this, a recent customs regulation states that you can import/export CUP up to 2,000. (CUC is still a no-no).
Hi
Would you happen to know if I can change Australian dollars as I’m being hit twice changing first to Canadian then to Cuban
Thank you so much for all you writing , this was so helpful
Hi Lee,
Unfortunately, I don’t think you can exchange AUD to CUC 🙁 CADECA accepts only Canadian Dollar (CAD), US Dollar (USD), Swiss Franc (CHF), Euro (EUR), Pound Sterling (GBP), Japanese Yen (JPY), and Mexican Peso (MXN).
Thanks to your comment, I updated the accepted foreign currency section to state this fact. I also added new facts about the Cuban currency after the latest ban on CUC at Cuban airports.
Thanks!
OMG, This is so helpful
This information is extremely helpful. About to head to Cuba in two weeks. I’m really excited.
I saw in the post they will exchange Mexican Pesos. Is there a big currency exchange fee if coming from Mexico?
Hi Ashley. The only currency that has an “extra” exchange fee is the US dollar. You will be fine with the Mexican Peso. I hope you have an amazing stay in Cuba!
Is there another 13% tax/fee applied when you exchange the CUC back to USD before leaving?
Heading to Santa Maria in a week, 1st time there but 3rd to the island. Thanks for the refresher on Cuban currency and tipping. The picture distinguishing the 2 currencies is very helpful. My son in law is Portuguese and communicates very well in Spanish which has always endeared him to the locals, they certainly do appreciate the communication.
So exciting, Gary! Cayo Santa Maria is a wonderful place. Have a blast!
I am leaving for Cuba this coming Monday…May 6. We are traveling on a cruise ship. If I bring Canadian money do I still need to convert to Cuc’S ? Also how will I know with the current situation with Cuba and Venezuela if travel to Cuba will be stopped?
We also were looking at a trip to the Tropicana for a night of intertainment ..the price per person is $199.00 ..do you feel that is worth doing ? We are only in port in Havana for an overnight….I would love to get to other small towns and the ocean ..I hear it’s beautiful. How would you travel outside the city? A cab ? The cars rides are very expensive to take for a. Tour…
Thank You
Valerie
Hi Valerie,
I don’t believe that your trip to Cuba will be canceled due to the situation in Venezuela. Last time the US administration imposed travel restrictions to Cuba, it didn’t affect people who had already booked their trip.
Regarding Tropicana, I don’t think that that price is accurate. Here is the official page where you can book the entrance tickets: https://www.cabaret-tropicana.com/en/book/category/espectaculo-cena/
To be honest, it will be difficult to visit other cities in only 1 day. You still have to spend a whole day in Havana! Sometimes, cruisers prefer to spend little time in Havana and visit Viñales or Varadero, which are nearby cities. In this link, you can find some one-day excursions to Viñales from Havana: https://www.tourepublic.com/city/vinales/all_6892511.
Hope it helps!
Thank you. Your page was very informative and helpful in planning our trip.
How do I get 1 cuc small notes for tipping, as it looks like a may be needing quite a few
Stan, wherever you can use CUC you will be able to get change in small notes 🙂
Thanks digsan
Hi
I found this article very useful. May I please ask when I buy something in CUC will I get back pesos or in CUC? And what you recommend roughly how much pesos to exchange if staying in all inclusive for a week but for emails things like bus street food etc.
Hi Annie,
When you pay in CUC you should get back CUC. However, at some places that “officially” sell in CUP (like small cafeterias for locals) the vendor may offer less value for the CUC and give you change in CUP. Typically, local vendors in CUP use an informal exchange rate of 1 CUC = 22-23 CUP (the official exchange rate is 1 CUC = 25 CUP). It is a small fee to pay if you will rarely use CUP. For example, if you pay in CUC for a hotdog that costs 10 CUP, you will get back about 12-13 CUP.
It’s hard for me to say how much CUPs you should get, but it should be just a small amount, especially if you are staying in an all-inclusive hotel for a week. Also, as I mentioned above, keep in mind that you can pay in CUC and receive change in CUP in most places. I think that 100 CUP is more than enough for one person… but again, I just don’t know what is your schedule in Cuba 🙂
Hello, thank you for this very helpful travel advice!
I am a little confused by this response:
“Also, as I mentioned above, keep in mind that you can pay in CUC and receive change in CUP in most places.”
You mentioned in the article not to fall for the ‘scam’ of getting the change in CUP, instead of CUC – do you mean to say that I can expect to possibly get CUP as change “in most placeds”, HOWEVER, I would need to calculate the conversion rate of CUP to CUC to make sure the amount of CUP change is correct?
Hi Kerrl,
The scam is more about receiving CUP instead of CUC when exchanging your foreign currency. That’s why I do not recommend to exchange money with street vendors, despite their better exchange rates. But if you do it, you should be able to differentiate between a CUP bill and a CUC bill 🙂
Thank you for these explications. I feel informed. This tips are very helpful.
Greetings from Luxembourg/Europe
my tips for people from the USA: change your dollars to euros
Hello,
I understand the currency exchange in this article. I will be traveling to Cuba at the end of this month and my travel agent offers an exchange in advance… it seems like i am still dinged for the conversion, but a little better than what i would get if i do the exchanges myself in Cuba…. Just looking for your thoughts on the terms below
Terms offered by the travel agent:
Changing dollars into the local currency can save time at U.S. banks before departure and avoids sometimes long lines at hotels or government exchange offices at a minimal cost difference. Travelers will receive CUC’s at the rate of US $1 : CUC .83. The prevailing government rate can fluctuate and is currently US $1 : CUC .83 – .86).
The service needs to be requested from us at least 10 calendar days prior to departure and in tranches of $500, e.g., $500, $1000, etc. Travelers intending to use this service will either pay by credit card and receive a rate of $1 to .81 CUC or mail a check in and receive a rate of $1 to .83 CUC.
Hi Alberto,
The current USD to CUC exchange rate is USD $ 1 = CUC .87. Generally, the Cuban currency exchange rate is not likely to change often.
That being said, it is true that there may be long lines at some of the official exchange offices (CADECA), which you can find at hotels, airports, some banks, and at the cruise terminal.
I guess that in the end, you will have to consider whether it’s worth it to get less money and avoid the lines 🙂
Thank you Digsan for the fast response… i guess I’m a little confused still (sorry for being so lame). Here is where i’m stuck….
Exchange done in Cuba:
1US = .87 CUC => minus 10% + 3% plus some other fees that are approx. 2% which equals an effective rate of .74 CUC / 1US
– here are the two scenarios playing out in my mind 🙂
Exchange with my travel agent:
1US = .83 CUC => so my thinking i see that my agent is charging me .5 for every US dollar
If I’m thinking correctly here (big if) then doing the exchange with my travel agent is still more cost affective? … not to mention that i don’t have to wait in any lines…
Again sorry for my ignorance….
No worries, Alberto. Happy to help!
The 0.87 CUC that you get for 1 USD is already discounting the 10% currency exchange fee + 3% bank fee. We haven’t heard of any other fee charged by the official currency exchange offices in Cuba. Does it help?
Thank you Digsan! Now i understand 🙂
No problem. Enjoy your trip to Cuba, Alberto!
if you do this tipping for everyone, then how is the average worker getting only 45 dollars per month on average. they should be getting 30 dollars a day based on your advice. also, if i am staying a an all inclusive resort, then why would i need to tip anyone. is it not the reason i am staying at a all inclusive resort operated by the government?
Hi jopar00,
Tipping is entirely optional in Cuba, but recommended. Not all-inclusive hotels are directly managed by the government. Some resorts are managed by foreign hotel chains (such as Meliá) and the government just owns the property. Still, the government defines the wages of the Cuban employees at the resorts. Definitely, the tourism worker gets much more money than the average worker in Cuba. That’s why so many Cubans are eager to get into the tourism industry.
Tks, this info is very important & interesting, I will be visiting in June 2019 for 8 days.
Hope you have a wonderful experience in Cuba!
Thank you for the tips, very helpful !
Thanks, Lisa! So glad it was helpful for you!
“This cycle comes to an end in October 2004, when the government forbidden to make purchases with US dollars, and the CUC appeared.”
Esto sería mejor redactada como tal…
This cycle came to an end in October 2004 when the government forbid payment in US dollars, leaving only the CUC as the official currency of payment until the recent transition permitting payment in CUP at some businesses.
Hi, Larry! Thanks for you suggestion! I think you are right, let’s rewrite it similar as you suggest :), since the CUC and CUP both are Cuban official currencies since 2004.
Either way, I hope you enjoyed the article!
I was told there is a better exchange rate if you bring Mexico Pesos. All the best hotels will exchange your dollars for CUPs. In late April 2019 we were part of Miami’s Pan American Art Tours. Since the embargo things have gotten worse for Cubans counting on American tourists. It is hoped that once Cuba stops supporting Maduro in Venezuela, the embargo will be lifted.
I have been over 20 times in Cuba
For the last 30 years, and the most tourists in Cuba hapen to Be Canadian…Not American!
So believe it or not ,Canadians are the number one tourists there.
Can we tip Maids Bartender and services in Canadian$
Hi Claudette,
Although it’s more common to tip in USD and CUC, you can tip in CAD too.