Is Cuba safe to travel to? If you’re planning a trip to Cuba, this is probably one of your burning questions, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. This may be especially true if you visit Cuba from the US, where there is little to no information about travel safety on the island.
Although Cuba is generally a safe country to visit, a trip to Cuba may expose you to “minor” crimes such as currency scams, pickpocketing, and theft. You should also be aware of threats to your health, like contaminated tap water, COVID-19, mosquito-borne diseases, and terrible road conditions if you are driving.
- Is It Safe to Travel to Cuba Right Now?
- 16 Things You Must Know About Travel Safety in Cuba
- 1. Get travel health insurance
- 2. Write down the emergency numbers
- 3. Protect against COVID-19
- 4. Pack your medications
- 5. Protect your luggage
- 6. Avoid currency scams
- 7. Don’t carry too much cash on you
- 8. Don’t drink water from the tap
- 9. Bring mosquito repellent
- 10. Avoid slums
- 11. Steer clear of fake “local guides”
- 12. Be aware of beggars
- 13. Blackouts happen
- 14. Drive carefully (road conditions are bad)
- 15. You won’t be hit by sonic attacks
- 16. Use your common sense
Is It Safe to Travel to Cuba Right Now?
According to the latest report from the US Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), Cuba is generally a safe country to travel to, including its top destinations, Havana and Varadero. It is rare for travelers to experience safety issues in Cuba, although minor crimes like pickpockets and currency scams are not uncommon.
However, despite its relative safety, Cuba shares many of the same safety threats for travelers as other developing countries. This includes safety risks associated with the country’s crumbling infrastructure, such as unsafe water and mosquito-borne diseases.
Like many other countries, the island was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite having more than 90% of the population vaccinated, the island still poses a high risk of infection according to the CDC.
If traveling to Cuba during the pandemic, follow the current Cuba travel restrictions.
With that in mind, follow our tips below for cautious travelers who want to stay safe and healthy during their Cuban adventure.
16 Things You Must Know About Travel Safety in Cuba
1. Get travel health insurance
Along with the Cuba Tourist Visa, travel medical insurance is an entry requirement to Cuba, and it makes sense. Cuba’s healthcare system may be free for its citizens, but not for tourists. Therefore, in case of a serious emergency, you’ll want a solid travel health insurance plan with a travel-geared provider like Insubuy.
If you’re involved in an accident, get sick, or even run into travel issues like lost luggage, you’ll be well taken care of.
2. Write down the emergency numbers
When preparing for an exciting journey, we often don’t think about or plan for the bad things that could happen.
If you find yourself in an emergency in Cuba, you will want to know who to call for help. Write down important phone numbers in a travel notebook like this and always keep it with you.
Emergency contacts:
- Police: 106
- Fire Department: 105
- U.S. Embassy in Cuba: +53 7839-4100
- For Canadians traveling to Cuba, Canadian Embassy in Cuba: +53 7204-2516
3. Protect against COVID-19
Travel has dramatically changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Traveling to Cuba is no exemption. As a cautious traveler, you don’t want to leave home without these essential items to protect you against getting COVID-19:
4. Pack your medications
Cuba’s healthcare system is known worldwide for its high-quality doctors. However, shortages of over-the-counter medicines and medical facilities in poor conditions are the common denominator throughout the island.
If you get injured, you don’t want to be caught unprepared. Bring all the essentials like bandages, aspirin, and bismuth in an all-purpose first aid medication kit small enough to fit into your backpack.
5. Protect your luggage
It’s no secret that you’ll sometimes have to leave your luggage behind when traveling. Even in a safe country like Cuba, personal belongings can be taken from bags left unattended.
This is especially true in hotels and major Cuban airports. Since most theft in Cuba is done as an easy crime of opportunity, putting a TSA lock on your bag is a great way to deter any would-be thieves.
6. Avoid currency scams
Is Cuba safe from currency scams? Quite the contrary. The currency scam is one of the most common scams in Cuba and specifically targets tourists.
To understand how the scam works, you first need to know the basics of the Cuban currency system. Cuba had a dual currency system: the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) and the Cuban Peso (CUP). However, since January 2021, the CUP has been the only official currency on the island. In the past, you could buy both CUC and CUP from the exchange offices called CADECA.
CADECA remains the official currency exchange office in Cuba. Still, you can get more money for your home currency if you exchange it for CUPs with street vendors instead of buying directly from CADECA. The currency scam can go one of two ways: 1) you receive forged currency in exchange for your money; or 2) you get change in CUC instead of CUP.
Although not everyone who approaches you has bad intentions, please, be aware that he or she might be a scammer.
7. Don’t carry too much cash on you
To cover most of your trip to Cuba costs, you’ll have to use cash CUPs. Don’t expect many stores or restaurants to have the infrastructure to accept credit or debit cards, and don’t plan to find any ATMs while you’re there.
When carrying cash, be smart and use common sense, especially if you are backpacking in Cuba. Pickpocketing is problematic in Cuba, especially in large cities like Havana or popular tourist destinations where thieves hope to encounter wealthy, distracted travelers.
Fortunately, you have a lot of control regarding protecting yourself from pickpocketing. So, don’t carry all your cash with you at once, and don’t put your wallet in your back pocket. Keep your wallet and valuables in a zippered inner pocket, and carry the bag in front of you.
To best protect your cash while traveling in Cuba, we recommend using a travel money belt like this one from Peak Gear or an anti-theft bag.
8. Don’t drink water from the tap
Drinking tap water in Cuba is not recommended. The problem of accessibility to potable water is a widely known fact about Cuba.
Like every other country, Cuba is home to its unique waterborne bacteria. While consuming this bacteria isn’t necessarily harmful, your body is not used to it and could react negatively.
This could result in nausea, upset stomach, and other unpleasant gastrointestinal issues you would rather not deal with while trying to have fun and explore a new country!
To avoid any water-related problems, many travelers recommend drinking only bottled water. While that’s helpful, bottled water may not be available everywhere you go in Cuba.
That’s why you should bring your own reusable water bottle, like this one from LifeStraw. Pour tap water into the bottle, and the 2-stage activated carbon filter will purify 99% of waterborne bacteria and parasites, so you don’t have to worry about getting sick.
9. Bring mosquito repellent
Anywhere you encounter mosquitoes, you also risk contracting the Zika or Dengue virus.
Cuba is no exception. With its tropical climate, mosquito activity is intense. Since Cuba is warm all year, mosquitoes are active regardless of the travel season.
To protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases (in addition to lots of itchy bites), pack a powerful mosquito repellent with you like this OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent. The aerosol spray provides maximum surface coverage, and the value pack will protect you during your visit.
It’s an easy way to ensure you stay happy and healthy!
10. Avoid slums
Is Cuba safe enough to visit non-cliche places? Like any country, some areas of Cuba are more dangerous than others. Some places are even outside the law, where a tourist may be easy prey for muggers and robbers.
Be cautious if you visit the capital city! Havana is more dangerous than other cities. Your safety might be threatened if you visit some neighborhoods in Centro Habana, Marianao, and Guanabacoa. It would help if you only went there with a trusted local friend.
You may want to carry a travel whistle like the NOOPEL Emergency Whistle or a keychain that doubles as a personal safety alarm. If you run into trouble, make a lot of noise, and the police will come running!
11. Steer clear of fake “local guides”
Nowadays, you can find many people who claim to be tour guides in Cuba.
Unfortunately, most of them are not reliable guides prepared to show you the authentic Cuba.
You may reach out to a professional guide listed on our marketplace. Choosing the wrong tour guide can cost you more money and even put your safety at risk. Respectable guides will know which areas to avoid!
12. Be aware of beggars
Tourism is a big industry in Cuba. While most Cubans find legitimate ways to profit from tourism, others resort to less savory tactics like begging, hustling, or panhandling. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don’t accept anything someone attempts to push into your hands (unless you want to pay for it).
- If someone offers to sketch you, sing for you, or take a picture with you, they’ll expect payment.
- If a “helpful local” approaches you and offers (often unsolicited) tips, advice, or directions, they’ll expect payment for it.
Tipping is encouraged in Cuba, but begging can become problematic. However, a polite but firm “no” should be enough to de-escalate any uncomfortable situation.
13. Blackouts happen
Due to Cuba’s infrastructure, power outages and blackouts occur semi-regularly.
While many tourist resorts are equipped with backup generators, that isn’t always the case, so you want to be prepared or risk getting caught in the dark.
A flashlight or a small travel lantern will come in handy during a blackout. They’re small and easy to pack in your suitcase or slip into your backpack. Plus, some are solar-powered, so you don’t have to worry about batteries.
14. Drive carefully (road conditions are bad)
Cuba’s roads have a reputation for being rough. According to the U.S. Department of State, “accidents involving motor vehicles are the leading cause of accidental deaths in Cuba.”
Lack of regular maintenance, potholes, and inadequate street lighting contribute to hazardous road conditions. If you are driving a rented car in Cuba, be careful, especially at night or during inclement weather when visibility is low.
For short rides, it’s better to hire one of those colorful classic American cars in Cuba.
For your safety and ease of travel by motor vehicle, it’s highly suggested to bring a road map like this StreetSmart Map of Cuba.
This map is designed especially for tourists. It is easy to use and contains an expertly drawn map of Cuba’s roads and marked cultural and sightseeing locations. Internet and cell phone coverage are sporadic, so it’s best to have a paper map on hand.
15. You won’t be hit by sonic attacks
Is Cuba safe to travel to after all these sonic attacks happening over there? Recent news stories about sonic attacks had many people asking, especially those going to Cuba from the US.
News of the attacks spread quickly because of their brazenness and a sense of intrigue that seemed right out of a spy movie. While reports of these attacks are real, you don’t have much to worry about as a traveler.
Although unknown in origin, the attacks appear to have targeted only members of the U.S. government, like diplomats and CIA agents. They also took place in a few particular locations where these diplomats were staying.
As of the writing of this article, there have been no reported attacks against tourists.
16. Use your common sense
Because Cuba is generally a safe destination, you have a lot of control when protecting yourself from common crimes against tourists on the island. Use your common sense and follow a few helpful ground rules:
Keep original documents safe
You should always be ready to show a photocopy of your passport or any other important document if the police or other service providers ask for them. Keep the originals in a safe place and carry the copies all the time with you.
Dress modestly
Cuba is not a country where people are used to many luxuries. If you dress in a way that signals your wealth, you may attract the attention of someone who would like to invite themselves to your nice, expensive belongings.
Don’t wear valuable jewelry, carry designer bags, show off your money, or use expensive electronic devices like your phone while in public.
While most Cubans don’t mean you any harm, you have no control over exactly who is taking notice of you and what they might do if they see the right opportunity to strike.
Don’t get drunk alone
While in Cuba, at some point, you’ll want to cut loose with some of Cuba’s legendary rum or a refreshing Cuba Libre.
While there are no laws or restrictions against drinking alcohol in Cuba, safety can be an issue. Therefore, it’s best not to get drunk unless you’re traveling with a group of companions you know and trust.
Even if you’re not drinking to the point of drunkenness, be sure to exercise other common-sense rules too. If you go to a nightclub, never take a drink from a stranger unless it was prepared before you. Likewise, don’t finish a drink left on the table unattended while you leave to use the restroom.
Don’t walk alone at night
Is Cuba safe to walk around alone at night? Only at your own risk!
Being alone after dark makes you an easy target for muggers. Exercise the same caution you would while walking around a big city in your home country after nightfall.
If you’re traveling solo, try to do all your sightseeing during the daylight and be safely back in your hotel by dusk. If you’re with a group of travelers, you should be fine regardless of the time of day. Opportunistic thieves will rarely approach a group of people.
Don’t invite strangers into your room
Despite Cubans’ reputation for being extremely friendly, we don’t recommend you invite people you just met into your room. If you do, inform your host beforehand or ask visitors to your room to be registered. Generally, hotels, casas particulares (private rooms), and Airbnbs in Cuba allow you to receive guests.
You can further protect your room with a temporary, portable lock like the Addalock.
Buddy up with fellow travelers
There’s safety in numbers, especially when traveling to a new and unfamiliar place. However, there may be times when you and your companions want to go your separate ways for a while.
Staying in long-distance contact with people can be challenging in Cuba, where cellphone service and wi-fi access are dodgy.
Luckily, there are off-grid communication devices designed especially for travelers in these situations. Devices like ZOLEO connect your phone and let you communicate GPS and SMS messages with your travel buddy’s ZOLEO device without wifi or cell service.
You Will Be Fine
You can have an awesome time in Cuba by following these basic safety tips. In no time, you’ll be walking the cobbled streets of Old Havana or skimming your feet along one of Cuba’s pristine beaches with a cold glass of rum in your sun-kissed hand.
So, do you think it is safe to travel to Cuba in 2023? Let us know in the comments!
Essential Travel Logistics For Cuba
Cuban Tourist Card – If your Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa) isn’t bundled into your airline ticket or travel package, buy it only through EasyTouristCard.
Travel Health Insurance – Travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you can’t skip it. Travelers can get travel health insurance for Cuba via Insubuy. Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required.
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 Skyscanner, 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.
Since 01.01.2021 there is no cuc anymore I’m Cuba just cup. In official change rate is 1$=25 cup at the black market 1$=100 cup
Dec 1/21 Just returned from 2 weeks in Cuba.
Covid vaccination rate for their Cuban produced Soberea vaccine is about 85% for people 2 years + and masks in public places are mandatory. Most Cubans appear to support their country’s vax and max campaign and we neither saw or heard complaints about it. We did hear complaints about how C19 was impacting tourism as it was pretty much shut down until early November. Increased US sanctions also very evident and people complained about things getting even these past two years. As Canadian tourists, we were seen as part of the solution, rather than the problem, and at no time felt unsafe. In particular, it is worth noting that resorts in Cuba are required to follow Covid protocols similar to those in Canada. As in Canada there is variance between resorts, so where ever one goes it is a good idea to get the lay of the land before assuming all is good. We were far more comfortable in the second resort we stayed in than the first, though both were 4 – 5 star facilities. As anywhere, if you are not happy with what you see, it is appropriate to complain to management and/or your travel provider.
Regarding currency scams, the convertible Cuban Paso no longer exists. Apparently the US is imposing a 13% surcharge on USD coming out of Cuba and as a consequence the Cuban government has cut the USD/Paso tie. The official currency remains the Paso and the official exchange rate is about 20 Pasos to a USD. The unofficial street rate is 40 to 50 Pasos per $, maybe higher elsewhere. The problem is that Pasos are almost worthless with purchasing anything but government services and maybe water at a government store.
The current currency moves appear to be to tie the Paso to the Euro, but there are not many Euros floating around and the are few direct flight to Cuba from Europe these days. The USD and Canadian dollar can be used for local most market purchases in most places. If you want to go to a restaurant, either have a non-US credit card or maybe cash in Euros or maybe US or Canadian dollars. You will see prices in USD, but in officially approved restaurants, the only currency/cash accepted will be Euros. Everyone takes tips in whatever currency it is offered with USD/CAD $ being preferred in resorts. With that said, there is a very limited supply of many common commodities in Cuba and as a result what we were told was a very appropriate tip for maids at the end of a stay were things like tooth paste and other consumables. We took first aid kits and some canes which we passed to a trusted local for distribution at the beginning of the trip. We left some clothing and cash for different resort staff when leaving.
Cuba is probably one of the safest places in the world right now from a Covid perspective. They do no get many travelers from anywhere but Canada these days. Both Canada and Cuba have vaccine rates well above 80% and are used to basic Covid safety protocols. Cuba does not have flight connections to Africa (Omnicon variant) and anyone coming into the country is subject to vaccination confirmation and can be quarantined if sick. In the even you do get sick or injured, Cuba has designated clinics and wards for tourists which are better equipped than those available to its citizens. It also has one of the highest ratio of MDs to population in the world. Worried about crime? ….. It has never been a serious issue in Cuba…. Just take normal precautions.
Been to Cuba 5 times, 4 times on my own and I have NEVER had any problems there. I walked around Havana in all hours and felt safer there than I do in London and I live in London. I would say stay in a casa than a hotel, but that is down to you. Also, it is true I only found 1 place that accepted credit cards, so you will need cash, and it can be a pain when all ATMs go down, which happens on occasions. But apart from that, don’t let the media fool you or put you off. Enjoy and have fun. Trinidad and Cienfuegos worth a visit too. Can’t wait to go back when travel restrictions are lifted here in UK. So if you are going..enjoy folks!
Thanks Adam, this was helpful. What I read above really surprised me.
I am also trying to find out how Cuba is doing with Covid infections. Any idea?
Thanks,
Nuvit
Hi Nuvit,
Sadly, Cuba is experiencing an important spike in coronavirus cases for the last three weeks. Hopefully, its vaccine candidates will be successful. Here is some interesting information about it: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/31/americas/cuba-vaccines-covid-phase-three-intl-latam/index.html
I AM A U. S. CITIZEN AND I AM VISITING CUBA FROM 2-3 YEARS BACK AND FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, CUBA AND LA HAVANA IN GENERAL I NEVER EVER HAD ANY TYPE OF PROBLEMS; EVEN WITH THE NEEDS OF ALL THE CUBANS THEY CARRY ON A DAILY BASIS, CUBANS NEVER EVER WILL HARM ANY PERSON BELONGINGS… I LOVE CUBA MORE EVERY TIME I GO TO SEE MY WOMAN….EVEN WITH ALL RESTRICTIONS THAT COME WITH THE COVID 19 PANDEMIA….
To put this helpful advice into context, Cuba is the least dangerous country on the planet, and Habana has to be the safest of capital cities on the planet. Yes – if you are reckless you can get into trouble, but the consequences will likely be much less than almost any other city which has genuine ‘no go’ areas, organized crime, access to guns and drugs, etc.
Is president Briden going to start letting cubas come into usa???
I been going to cuba holguin for 21 years i live inland i am married to a cuban lady have 2 step daughter…i have never had any problem with anybody…i can walk on the streets day time night time better to have someone with you..in the city been there many time no problem…and with buying anything i rather pay someone on the street they need money badly….in the last couple of year its had for cuban people to find food…my wife has to line up for sometime 10 hour for bread or chicken and shampoo that if they have any left when its her time to buy sometimes she get lucky sometimes nothing terrible
People are starving many people dieing from hungry or they get sick no medince most of the time ….Thing should change for the better no Joe Biden in office
I been going to cuba for 21 years and the poverty is always bad for the people hard for me to get used to it after all these years it’s sad terrible terrible terrible
C’est très juste comme commentaires.
Étant moi-même marié depuis 7 ans à une cubaine, je passe la majorité de mon temps à vivre ici à Cuba. Je suis à la retraite et franchement, sur une échelle de 10, vivre à Cuba vaut un 9 pour la sécurité (comparativement à 5 pour Montréal , Canada) , un 2 pour l’acces au besoin de base si l’on vit ici comparativement à un 9 à Montréal., Les touristes auront accès à des 8 et +).
Il y a 2 types de Cubain, les riches, eux tu ne les rencontreront pas, et le peuple cubain., Et il y a de grande culture et de variétés de gens , car Cuba est un pays axé à l’immigration internationale.
Espagne, francais, russie, italie, canada, et maintenant, un flo incroyable d’immigrant americano – cubano revenant investir dans leur pays. Il n’y a pas de taxes ici.
Les voleurs sont plus des occasions de faire un peu d’argent rapide ..
En 2021, il y a un manque ahurissant de besoin de bases, de nourritures et de médicaments.
Que Dieu nous protèges, embargo, bloqueo, coronavirus..
I have been in Cuba for over a month. It probably is the safest and nicest country in the world. Don’t let the media fool you.
Question?If you got involved in an accident they have 911 or emergency system available?
I went with an inexpensive tour company for 10 days and spent another 3 days on my own in Havana two years ago, and would do it again – although not so sure with current US political situation. The tour was fabulous because they organized transportation, we stayed in casas, and we had some free time, and after the tour I felt comfortable exploring on my own as a single 58 year old, with rusty high school Spanish. The only downside was that the tour had us in casas spread apart, and without cell service, it was difficult to meet up with my other tourmates. So I spent a few evenings dining on my own in new cities, walking around in the dark. It was slightly uncomfortable, but I felt safe enough.
Been to Varadero 7 times and once to Santa Clara. Didn’t like Santa Clara. Will return to Varadero again and again. Love Playa Alameda. Didn’t like Grand Memories. We go for sun, the beaches and the people. Food gets better each time we go but we can always find something to eat. Been on excursions to Havana and Mantanza and on a boat to scuba dive. We love Cuba and have never had any problems with theft or scams or any other crimes.
Hi there any suggestions of where to stay in Varadero please and what was the weather like in May please. Thanks.
It needs to be said that many problems within Cuba can be directly related to challenges for the Cuban people and government from the US embargo of 60 years duration. Not every problem in Latin America is caused by US policy, but if we took responsibility to understand the policies that we are responsible for, we would not only make the lives of Cubans easier, but life as a tourist would be easier as well.
Hi!
I think your blog is very informative, it is a good resource for travelers who want to be safe. Things like how to deal with people there, are very useful. I think that if you now that you are safe, you can enjoy your trip much more.
I think it needs more information about the weather. Cuba is an island in the Caribbean, that means it’s warm, and because the warmth there are mosquitos and you can contact with the Zika virus, that’s very important, but there is another problem; hurricanes! I think that your blog needs more information of how to be prepared in the case that a hurricane hits. I researched a bit and found out that because of the climate change there are even more hurricanes in Cuba. Did you now that the whole population of Havana knows how to be prepared from a very early age, and that every neighborhood in Cuba has an elected official who goes from house to house warning of the danger of the approaching hurricane?
What could I do as a tourist if a hurricane hits?
I’m going to Havana in January and I will try to follow all your safety recommendations to be safe and enjoy the trip!
Hi Isabel, I’m Cuban myself. I landed on this blog looking for something else and scotched reading comments :). Please, font worry about what to do in case of a hurricane. If you are staying in resort, you will be taken care very well and safely. If you are staying in a ” casa particular”, the landlord will know where to send you for you to be in a safe place. I bet you will be put in a place where turists from resorts are sent. Enjoy your travel and always use common sense!
I have been to Cuba 4 times and am going back next week. Beautiful country and lovely people.
I wandered around in downtown Havana in the evening with a friend and felt safer than downtown Ottawa or Toronto. People will approach you with trinkets or food to buy or to play some music, but if you are not interested, say so and they will leave you alone.
The concierge (a Canadian expat) at our hotel told us a few things. First, the government wants tourists (about 90% on the resorts are Canadian). So all of the government sanctioned restaurants and hotels (some are privately owned) are required to use filtered water for ice, food prep, etc. So fresh fruits and vegetables are safe to eat. Eating foods from street vendors could be a problem. I wouldn’t drink the water out of the taps but did brush my teeth with it on the resorts. Never got sick. Second, if a Cuban were convicted of a crime against a tourist it carries a 20 year prison sentence. Could explain the safety aspect.
Of course people will try to make extra money so buyer beware when it comes to street sold goods. All in all, a very safe place to visit and relax. Cubans are passionate about their country and love to share it’s delights.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Yvonne! Definitely very helpful tips!
Where did you stay in Cuba? I’m planning for Dec and you’ve made your experience exactly what we are hoping for.
Yvonne, in addition to my last question, can you share the names of hotels/resorts and area of Cuba? Thanks! 🙂
I went to Havana last year and have never observed or experience any safety issues or problems. I stayed in a casa (superhost airbnb) and intentionally spent & enjoyed days in company of cubain people. Best experience ever!!! While I am vigilant, I believe Cuba is the safest of all of the many islands I have visited. There is much police everywhere to assure order and security. Re: money.. exchanged money to cuc at exchange bureau or bank (Canadian based credit card) as I needed. Strongly suggest, you find out what time bank opens and be in line 30 minutes before opening. Only 2 or 3 people allowed in bank at one time. I also discovered that some high end hotels can accomodate guest for a credit card withdrawal but to a maximum amount.
Thanks for the great tips, Jap! We are thrilled that you had such a great time in Cuba 🙂
what if you have an American based debit or credit card? Do have to get all of the cash you need before flying in to Cuba? What about a traveler’s card? I am thinking about going here for a medical mission. Thanks so much!!!
Hi Graver,
Unfortunately, if your credit/debit card was issued by an American card, it won’t work in Cuba :(. For more tips on how to deal with money in Cuba, please check out our Cuban currency article. Hope it helps!
We are travelling from havana to trinidad then onto matanzas over a period of 10 days. i was told i would have to take spend money as cash and exchange it for CUC when i get there. but its not safe carry all your money around with you as cash, so is there a way of using my santander bank (or any other bank) to withdraw money in a bank in cuba as and when i need it
Hi Jimmy,
If your credit card is not issued by a US bank, you shouldn’t have problems getting cash in Cuba. However, keep in mind that the country’s outdated technology makes it difficult to use credit cards in shops, restaurants, etc.
Very safe, thank you