10 Most Common Cuban Currency Questions in 2021

Like most things in this country, the dual Cuban currency seems impossibly complicated. How much money should I take to Cuba? Can I use US dollars? Can I use the ATMs in Cuba? What about tipping in Cuba?

I get so many questions about money in Cuba that I wanted to share everything I know about getting money, spending money, and losing money.

I’ve been based in Havana for a year so I wanted to share what I’ve learned about the Cuban currency. It’s not as complicated as other people make it appear.

Cuban Currency 101

There once was two official currencies in Cuba, the Peso Cubano (CUP), which is sometimes called Moneda Nacional (MN) and the Peso Convertible (CUC), or the Cuban convertible peso pronounced cooke or say-ooh-say.

1 CUC = 24 CUP

Two decades ago only Cubans used CUP and tourists used USD and CUC. But then everyone started using both and the government finally moved to a one currency system – the CUP.

When they did this people also started using USD in Cuba. In fact, there were “dollar stores” in Cuba that only accepted American dollars.

But in June 2021 the Cuban government announced US dollars would no longer be accepted anywhere and you couldn’t even deposit them to Cuban bank accounts.

This means tourists coming to Cuban resorts who want to tip in international money should use Canadian dollars, British pounds or Euros. Bills only, not coins.

CUC vs CUP? Why Were There Two Cuban Currencies?

If you’re nosey like me. I always want to know, but WHY was the Cuban currency this way? 

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, which had been Cuba’s biggest source of revenue, Cuba entered a special period.

This is a nice way to say the country was broke and the average Cuban lost 12 pounds because there were massive food shortages.

The country didn’t have money and went back to what it knew well – tourism. It invested in infrastructure and opened to foreigners.

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However, the Cuban government didn’t want to return to the time before communism when Americans ran the country. So the intent was to keep tourists separated and the outside would not contaminate Cuba.

Because of this, Cuba was accused of “tourism apartheid.” Cubans were not allowed to enter hotels or tourist areas like Varadero. In fact, Cubans were not even allowed to be seen with tourists.

Cuban Money Was Once Different From Tourist Money

Initially, the US dollar was also used in tourism. It was technically an illegal Cuban currency until 1993. But then in 1994 the CUC was introduced and Cuba pegged 1 USD = 1 CUC, no matter what was happening with the Cuban economy.

In theory, CUP was used to buy things Cubans could afford. CUC was used to take advantage of the wealthy. Things were priced in CUP or CUC, but not both.

Products quoted in CUC were more expensive and only available to tourists and rich Cubans. It was essentially a luxury tax against the rich. There were special stores where you could buy household items like a pressure cooker or toaster, not available elsewhere.

But the price was always several times more than it would cost outside Cuba. But it was also a way that the government would regain some money from tourists and affluent Cubans.

Today, everyone agrees there should only be one Cuban currency. The Cuban government long has promised to do away with the dual currency system as there is no longer a need for separate tourist currency in Cuba.

But combining two systems of money in Cuba isn’t easy. It’s similar to Germany when they combined the West German and East German Mark. It is a logistic nightmare to remove one currency, printing more of the second currency and to deal with converting debt.

Where to Get Cuban Currency

Cuba has a closed currency. It is illegal to take Cuban currency out of the country.

You also cannot get Cuban money outside Cuba in advance of your trip.

If you’re flying into Havana or Varadero there is a CADECA or Cuban currency exchange office in the airport.

The CADECA at the airport is open until well after the last flight at night and before the first flight in the morning.

In Havana there are two CADECAs outside arrivals, but if there is a long line head up to departures as the line is usually smaller.

You can exchange these currencies at a CADECA:

• Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Swiss Frank (CHF)
• Euro (EUR)
• Pound Sterling (GBP)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Mexican Peso (MXN)
• US dollar (USD)

You can also exchange money in Cuba here:

• Banco Metropolitano or BFI Banks: You’ll need basic Spanish to tell them where you are staying. You will also need your passport.
• CADECA in town: If you don’t speak Spanish just hand them your money and your passport. They will give you a receipt and make sure you count the money.
• Hotels:  The rate isn’t as good but it can be done in English and you probably won’t wait in line.
• Black Market: International dollars always get a better rate on the street. However, the risk is higher for counterfeit or Cuban currency out of circulation. Many AirBNB or casa particular hosts will offer this service, it’s much safer than a stranger approaching you on the street.

Some CADECAs and banks have long lines as Cubans also use them to exchange Cuban currency. Do not wait until the last minute to change money.

Should Americans Bring US Dollars, Euros or Canadian Dollars

All foreign exchange in Cuba has a 3% exchange fee. So you’ll lose an additional 3% on top of the official exchange rate.

The exchange rates for all foreign currencies is posted here daily.

NEW RULES ON US DOLLARS AS OF JUNE 2021

It is no longer beneficial for Cubans to use US Dollars as they cannot deposit them into a bank account or use them at stores.

The only way they can use it is when they go abroad. Some Cubans go to Panama to buy clothing and other goods to return to Cuba to sell on the black market. But this is a small group of people.

So if you are Canadian, European or from the UK tip you can tip in your own currency but USD is not useful.

Using an ATM in Cuba

My first visit to Cuba I had no idea what the country would be like. Everything I read made it seem like a country frozen in time wouldn’t have ATMs.

But Cuba isn’t frozen in time. They have banks and ATMs. My second visit I brought money but also tried using my ATM card and it worked!

When I travel to Cuba I do not bring money and exchange it. I use ATMs.

Most ATMs in Cuba only allow a 40 bill max withdrawal. So that means if the ATM is dispensing 5s you may only be able to get 200 at a time.

However, machines dispensing 20s could give you 800. The airport ATMs often use higher bills and you can avoid the crowded CADECAs.

ATMs in Havana

Getting money mid-week is best as I find many run out of CUC on Fridays and Saturdays. But overall, I have discovered some ATMs work for me and others don’t.

The ATM in the FOCSA building in Vedado works for me, as well as the one around the corner at Street M and Linea. For some reason others don’t even though they are the same bank. 

In Old Havana, Obispo street (main tourist street) has 2 ATMs, I go to the one attached to a bank. Across from the free Pharmacy Museum.

However, using the ATM doesn’t mean you bypass the 3% currency exchange fee at the CADECAs. Cuba ATMs charge a 3% fee on top of what your bank charges for international withdrawals.

Also I would never visit a city outside Havana without bringing lots of Cuban money. My debit card may work in Havana but there’s always a chance in won’t work in another town.

Unfortunately American debit and Visa cards do not work in Cuba. It’s not Cuba’s fault, it’s the American embargo blocking the transaction.

Canadian Bank Cards that Work in Cuba

Other Canadians have told me that the following bank debit cards have worked in Cuba:

• RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)
• TD Bank (Only Canadian accounts. US Dollar Credit Cards issued by TD Canada Trust can no longer be used in Cuba.)
• Scotiabank Visa Debit
• CIBC debit and Visa card
• BMO Mastercard
• Desjardins prepaid Visa debit card but not regular debit cards
• PC Financial Mastercard
• Triangle Canadian Tire

Note: Both CIBC and TD Bank have a fraud prevention system where a transaction is first declined and then you will receive a text confirming whether it was you or not.

You’ll need to have your phone roaming in order to either confirm the text or call the bank to confirm it was you.

British Bank Cards that Work In Cuba

There are no reported problems using bank cards from the UK. Others confirmed that these banks work in Cuba.

• National Westminster
• Halifax
• Barclays
• Lloyds
• HSBC
• Revolut
• Metro Bank
• Starling
• Monzo

Australian Bank Cards that Work in Cuba

For some reason not all Australian bank cards work in Cuban ATMs. It’s reported that St George/Westpac does not work; however, the following do:

• NAB (some travelers have had issues)
• ANZ
• CBA
• Qantas
• Myer 
• ING Direct
• Commonwealth

Other International  Banks that Work in Cuba

The following banks has been confirmed:

• Bunq (Netherlands)
• Norwegian Bank (Norway)
• DNB (Norway)
• MBank (Slovakia)
• ČSOB (Slovakia)

Using Credit Cards in Cuba

Cuba is a cash-based country. Most places do not have the capacity to take credit cards. Visa is the most common, then Mastercard. American Express does not work in Cuba.

Often hotels and resorts will accept credit cards but you will need to show identification.

Instead of carrying your passport out when you travel just take a photo of it on your phone and show it when presenting identification.

How Much Money Will You Need in Cuba

Despite all of the economic problems in Cuba, it is not a cheap country. It’s not cheap for Cubans and it’s not cheap for tourists.

While Cuba is known to have some of the cheapest all-inclusive packages in the Caribbean, it is quite expensive to travel independently.

Remember tourism was introduced in the 1990s and independent travel is developing with the possibility of casa particulares, paladares and independent tour operators.

The rule of thumb is $100 per person per day. Of course you can spend much more than this on luxury hotels and restaurants. 

And on the flip side you can stay in cheap casa particulares, drink rum at the malecon and eat peso pizza.

Basic Costs in Cuba

Transportation is one of the most expensive aspects. My friend is a taxi driver who owns a modern SUV and charges $140-180 to drive from Havana to Varadero.

On the flip side the Viazul bus takes twice as long but is only $10/person.

You can eat traditional Cuban food at a local joint for under $5 or you can eat lobster tail in a restaurant in Old Havana for $20.

The most famous paladar is La Guarida in Havana, which costs roughly 40 CUC per person. This is why you rarely see Cubans eating here.

The same is true for drinking. A bottle of rum at a store costs $5 and beer are $1.25-1.50. At the stunning Hotel Packard bar beer is a whopping $6, whereas most other hotels sell it for $3-4.

Old Havana has the most tourists and is the most expensive to get the famous Cuba Libre cocktail, something I’ve never seen a Cuban actually drink.

I hate it when I’m there and I have to buy water as it can be double the price of my neighbourhood, Vedado. It also tends to have the pricest drinks unless it’s happy hour.

If you want to follow Hemingway in Cuba you’ll find overpriced mojitos and daiquiris.

Step out a bit farther to Vedado or Centro and you’ll still find nightlife. But with more Cubans and a cheaper price. Plus some of the best bars in Havana are in Vedado. 

What if You Run Out of Cuban Money

The biggest fear for Americans is not budgeting enough money and running out.

Without access to Cuban ATMs, it’s a possibility that you could run out of money. There are three ways around it.

1. Western Union. Americans can send money online (you’ll need a VPN, more here). Other travelers will need a loved one to do it. One hitch: it can only be sent to a Cuban. So you’ll need someone you trust to put it in their name.
2. AirBNB. Hosts can charge you for additional services. The fee appears on your credit card and they can give you the cash.
3. Find a foreign friend who you can either send money by electronic bank transfer, Venmo or Paypal and then ask them to take out money. You’ll need to download these apps before you arrive in Cuba.

Tipping in Cuba

• Standard tipping is 10% at restaurants. In tourist restaurants feel free to tip more. In Cuban restaurants my friends usually just leave whatever change is left from their bill.
• At resorts tip your maid $1 per person per day.
• Ten cents is acceptable for washroom attendants. Some people have issues paying to go to the bathroom but it’s a voluntary tip. If you don’t want to pay don’t take the toilet paper. However, keep in mind these people aren’t employees. They usually buy the toilet paper themselves and keep the bathroom clean. Instead of looking for a handout they have found a way to earn money.
• You likely won’t be driving but Cubans pay parqueadores, or parking attendants. My friend usually pays 25 cents to $1 depending on where we are, to make sure no one steals his electric motorcycle.
• Musicians. You’ll find them in bars, restaurants, on the streets and along the malecon. They’ll take a few song requests and giving them $1.

Should You Bring Gifts for Cubans

This is a very complicated topic. Most travelers are told to bring baseballs, hats, cookware and toiletries to give to Cubans.

There are two issues with this:

• Most of the Cubans that tourists encounter (waiters, AirBNBs owners, taxi drivers) are the most well off in Cuba.
• You can buy most of these items in major cities. The best thing to do is give Cuban money instead of gifts. Tip well so people can buy what they want.

People in rural areas do not have the same access to every day items but you likely won’t encounter them.

To ensure your gifts are sold, leave them at a place of worship. Both the Beth Shalom synagogue in Vedado on Calle J and Linea will distribute to needy families as well as St. Elvira’s Church in Varadero and Ministerio Jireh Cuba in Holguin.

Money Scams

Always count your change. When I’m with Cuban friends they always check the restaurant bill and they always count their change. About 25% of the time there is a mistake.

Make sure to check your bills and or coins to ensure that you’re getting the right Cuban currency as change.

I had a mental block when I first arrived of not wanting to offend people by counting change in front of them. That was stupid, everyone does it.

Paying for Drinks and Food

If you’re ordering a drink at the bar get a menu or first ask how much it is. Sometimes bartenders like to take advantage of this.

It happened to me once at a really nice bar, two drinks cost me $10. When I gave my Cuban friend my drink and complained about the price he was furious I was charged so much.

He immediately went to see the bartender who did not give us money back, but did give us each a second cocktail.

Although tipping is generally 10%, some tourist restaurants include a mandatory service charge. Yet, at the famous semi State-owned restaurant Los Nardos, our server told us that they don’t get those tips.

I don’t know if that was true or not, regardless I would not recommend Los Nardos for its food alone.

Finally I have heard some restaurants have tourist menus and local menus with different prices. If you understand Spanish always ask for the Cuban menu.

I always just say I’m trying to learn more Cuban Spanish, which is true.

The Ché Banknote

In less than a day you’ll notice that Ernesto Ché Guevara is everywhere.  He was a hero of the revolution and he was also briefly in charge of the central bank.

For this reason he is also on the three Peso Nacional banknote and the three peso coin.

Although it is technically worth 15 cents, it has a higher street value as tourists love to have them as souvenirs.

Many vendors sell them for $1-3. It’s not a bad price for a souvenir.

However, if you’re somewhere that has CUP just ask if they have one and you can get it for much less.

Cuban Slang Words for Money

Dinero. Moneda. Dolars. There are always a million ways to say Cuban currency. But on top of that Cuba has so many slang words for money that do not exist elsewhere.

You may also hear these Cuban slang words for Cuban currency:

• devisa one of the most common terms for CUC, the only currency
• fula but sometimes it means someone is crazy or “esta fula” so it depends on context
• plata, which means silver
• baro refers to CUP specifically
• caña refers to one CUP peso, so 10 pesos would be 10 cañas
• chavito refers to CUC specifically
• melon
• menudo refers to small change
• moni

Pin It For Later: Cuban Money

Still confused about Cuban currency? Or exchanging money in Cuba?

If you have any Cuba money questions let me know in the comments below and I promise to answer!

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