Currency in Cuba | Payment methods (2024)

The national currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP). One Cuban Peso is equivalent to 100 cents. There are bills of 1, 3, 5, 10, 10, 20, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos, as well as fractional coins of 1, 3 and 5 pesos and 5 and 20 cents.

Currency in Cuba | Payment methods (1)

MLC Prepaid Cards

Currency in Cuba | Payment methods (2)

  • You can purchase prepaid cards in the network of CADECA offices, airports, hotels and ports.

  • It is acquired in the currencies listed by CADECA: Canadian dollar, pound sterling, Swiss franc, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, euro and USD for values of 50,100, 200, 500 and 1000.

  • Valid for the payment of goods and services in the commercial network such as hotel reservations, excursions, purchases in stores, purchase of airline tickets, car rental, restaurant and cafeteria services, among others.

  • At the request of the client, the balance of the card is reimbursed by the Exchange Houses (CADECA) to the tourist in freely convertible currency, upon leaving the country, at international airports, in any of the foreign currencies accepted by the country.

USEFUL TIPS
Book with CubaTravel in multiple currencies.
Online booking available now through Enzona and Transfermovil apps.
We recommend exchanging your money with official institutions for that purpose.
Stay connected to the official cuba.travel channels for information during your stay.

Where to exchange money?

The exchange of freely convertible currencies (foreign currency) for Cuban peso (CUP), is carried out at airports, banks, hotels, exchange houses (CADECA) and shopping malls; always respecting the current exchange rate of the different currencies according to the fluctuation in the world market.

There is also a large infrastructure of banking services throughout the national territory that includes the network of Banks and Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), as well as the Exchange Houses (CADECA), which have a wide network of commercial offices, duly located in:

All international airports in Cuba, both in the passenger arrival halls, as well as in the departure halls, prior to immigration control.

- All ports where international cruise ships operate.

- In 60 of the main hotels in all tourist areas.

- In the areas of greatest affluence or access of tourists.

At the exit of the country, in the CADECAS of the international airports you can make the reimbursem*nt of the balance of the MLC Prepaid Card in freely convertible currency in one of the foreign currencies of those that are quoted in Cuba.

To know the location of the Banks, CADECAS, ATMs with contact information, you can select one of the destinations shown below.

Currency in Cuba | Payment methods (3)

Pinar del Río Artemisa
Havana Mayabeque
Varadero, Matanzas Cienfuegos
Cayo Largo, Isla de la Juventud Villa Clara
Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus Jardines del Rey, Ciego de Ávila
Camagüey Las Tunas
Holguín Granma
Santiago de Cuba Baracoa, Guantánamo

Exchange rates

👉Click here to know the current rates.

What currency to bring to Cuba?

To travel to Cuba, the traveler or tourist may enter in cash any foreign currency accepted by the Central Bank of Cuba to be exchanged for Cuban peso (CUP), which are only accepted through transfers.

Currency in Cuba | Payment methods (4)

The Cuban Peso is neither valid nor exchangeable outside Cuban territory, so upon your departure you must exchange it to the currency you deem convenient.

Magnetic cards that can be used

Debit or credit cards accepted in Cuba are: Visa, Mastercard, Union Pay, Ocean Card, CABAL,American International Service (AIS) and MIR. However, travelers interested in traveling to Cuba are advised to check with the bank where they have their bank account to see if they will be able to use their card in the national territory.

No card issued by U.S. institutions works in Cuba, so it is recommended that you verify beforehand that your card is not associated with a U.S. banking institution and secondly, and of great importance, that you always have a cash backup to avoid setbacks.

Currency in Cuba | Payment methods (2024)

FAQs

Currency in Cuba | Payment methods? ›

Depending on the restaurant, store, or service, one might pay with the Cuban peso, the dollar, the euro, or the MLC, a virtual currency launched in 2019 by the government. The MLC is used by loading dollars onto a magnetic card which can only be used to buy goods in state-owned stores.

What payment method does Cuba use? ›

In Cuba you can pay in several ways either in cash in Cuban peso or with national or foreign bank cards. In Cuba most transactions are carried out using cash in the national currency which is the Cuban peso.

What is the form of currency in Cuba? ›

The national currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP). One Cuban Peso is equivalent to 100 cents. There are bills of 1, 3, 5, 10, 10, 20, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos, as well as fractional coins of 1, 3 and 5 pesos and 5 and 20 cents.

How do you use currency in Cuba? ›

Travelers can bring any type of currency to the island and exchange it for pesos upon arrival, though most travelers choose to bring U.S. dollars or Euros. CADECA – the official, state-run money changer in Cuba – will accept many types of currency, including the Mexican peso, Canadian dollar, and more.

What is the best way to pay for things in Cuba? ›

Make sure you bring cash to spend. Keep in mind that some businesses, especially those in rural areas, only accept cash. If you choose to use a debit card abroad, check with your bank to learn how much of a fee they will charge for an overseas withdrawal.

What are the 2 currencies used in Cuba? ›

The CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) has gone and the country now has a single-currency economy. Until 1st January 2021, Cuba had spent nearly 20 years living and working with 2 currencies, the CUP ( Cuban Peso ) and the CUC ( Cuban Convertible Peso ).

What is the best currency to use in Cuba? ›

EUR or USD are the most desirable currencies in Cuba. CAD is easy to use only in resort towns like Varadero.

Why does Cuba use two currencies? ›

The Cuban peso, used mostly by Cuban nationals, could not buy imported goods. The goal of the dual economy was to create one economic sphere designed to use foreign investment, while keeping it separate from the other economic sphere of domestic activities.

How much is $1 US in Cuba? ›

Currency Table USD / CUP
USD$ 1$ 5
CUP23.96119.78

How much does a dollar equal in Cuba? ›

1 USD = 25.75 CUP Apr 21, 2024 00:03 UTC

Check the currency rates against all the world currencies here. The currency converter below is easy to use and the currency rates are updated frequently. This is very much needed given the extreme volatility in global currencies lately. Sending money abroad is as easy as ever.

Where is Cuba currency to dollar? ›

Download Our Currency Converter App
Conversion rates Cuban Peso / US Dollar
1 CUP0.04169 USD
5 CUP0.20843 USD
10 CUP0.41686 USD
20 CUP0.83373 USD
8 more rows

Is Cuba a rich or Poor Country? ›

According to a 2022 report from the Cuban Human Rights Observatory (OCDH), 72 percent of Cubans live below the poverty line. 21 percent of Cubans who live below the poverty line frequently go without breakfast, lunch or dinner due to a lack of money. Pensions are among the smallest in the Americas at $9.50/month.

How do Americans pay for things in Cuba? ›

CASH is king in Cuba. Both local CUP and FX such as USD$ + EURO +GDP£. Most CREDIT CARDS will work in Cuba, except those issued by banks in the USA as they don't function in Cuba due to the ongoing embargo. So remember to always check with your bank first to see if your credit card will work in Cuba.

What if you run out of cash in Cuba? ›

You may also visit the U.S. Embassy in Havana to request assistance. The Embassy cannot give loans, but Consular Officers can help destitute Americans contact their family, bank, or employer to arrange for transfer of funds. In certain circ*mstances, these funds can be wired through the Department of State.

Did Cuba change their currency? ›

Banco Central de Cuba (Central Bank of Cuba)

200, 500, and 1000 peso notes were (re-)introduced in 2015. Banknotes currently in circulation are 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 pesos. This banknote series is the only valid currency after the 2021 monetary unification when the convertible peso was retired.

Does Cuba use Zelle? ›

Understand that Zelle did not transmit your money to Cuba. It is domestic only which is why Zelle has no fee. You sent the money to someone in the US who then arranged for their Cuban partner to deliver the money and collected your fee. Sending money that way usually works well.

Do they have PayPal in Cuba? ›

No, PayPal is not available in Cuba.

The same is true for any online or app-based money transfer service headquartered in the US, due to federal restrictions on direct financial transactions with Cuban entities.

Does Cuba use venmo? ›

Those sanctions make it illegal for people to use Venmo to send money to places -- like Syria and Cuba -- with which the U.S. has decided not to do business. If users do make illegal payments, Venmo and PayPal can end up paying hefty penalties.

Can you use debit or credit in Cuba? ›

Do Credit/Debit Cards work in Cuba? YES, most CREDIT CARDS (apart from those issued by US banks) will work in Cuba but only for VISA Mastercard and American International Service (AIS).

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