| Cuba has two official currencies:
the Cuban convertible peso (CUC) and the national peso (moneda nacional
or MN). Transactions involving foreigners almost always take place
in CUC. However, visitors should familiarize themselves with the
moneda nacional, since it is a common scam for merchants to give
change in moneda nacional instead of CUC. CUC is worth substantially
more than the MN.
Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at Cadeca
exchange houses, found in Cuba’s international airports and
in urban areas, as well as in banks and major hotels. Australian
dollars cannot be exchanged anywhere on the island. Canadian currency
(cash and traveller’s cheques – with the exception of
American Express Travelers Cheques, which are never accepted) may
be exchanged for CUC without fees. Keep receipts for traveller’s
cheques separate.
Canadian dollars and other currencies (Euros,
UK pounds, etc) might be exchanged without any tax. US dollars may
be exchanged at 10% tax. US-issued credit cards and travelers cheques
are not accepted in Cuba. All fees are subject to change.
Credit cards are not widely accepted. Credit cards
issued by American financial institutions, such as American Express
cards, and some credit cards issued by certain Canadian financial
institutions, are not accepted. Other credit cards are generally
accepted at major establishments such as state-run hotels and restaurants,
and international resort chains. Private restaurants (paladares)
and private guest houses (casas particulares) do not accept credit
cards of any kind. Credit card cash advances (in CUCs) may be obtained
at banks, hotels, or Cadeca exchange houses.
ABMs are few and do not always work in Cuba. In
Havana, cash advances in CUCs from Visa cards can be obtained from
the ABM machines located in the Miramar Trade Centre and in some
hotels. In Varadero, ABMs are located in the Plaza America and at
banks. If you use an ABM, do so during business hours at a location
inside a bank or large commercial building. Leave copies of your
card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
Foreign vacationers or Cuban residents can have
any amounts of US dollars or any other currencies.
Departure tax will be paid in Cuban convertible
pesos which at present is $25.00 CUC. This is paid at the airport
and must be paid in cash.
Habanasol provide this information but does not
participate in any kind of remittance of money to Cuba.
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