Currency in Cuba

Cuba is a beautiful and unique island nation located in the Caribbean, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. The country has a complex history and its own distinct way of life that makes it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.

One of the main draws of Cuba for travelers is its history and culture. Visitors can explore the colonial architecture and historic sites of Havana, including the Old Town and the Capitolio Nacional, or take in a performance of traditional Cuban music at one of the many venues in the city. Additionally, Cuba is home to many museums and art galleries, which showcase the country's rich history and vibrant art scene.

Another popular attraction for visitors to Cuba is the island's natural beauty. From the white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Varadero to the lush greenery and waterfalls of the Viñales valley, there are many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Cuba is also famous for its lively nightlife, with a variety of bars and clubs that offer live music and dancing, as well as for its good food. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of local dishes, such as traditional Cuban food like ropa vieja, moros y cristianos, as well as seafood.

While traveling in Cuba, it's important to keep in mind that the country has a state-controlled economy and a U.S. embargo that affects the availability of certain goods and services. Access to the internet is also limited, and travelers should also be aware that certain areas of the island are off-limits to foreigners.

Overall, Cuba is a fascinating destination that offers something for everyone, from history and culture to natural beauty and nightlife. Visitors should be prepared for a unique and different experience and make the most of it while being aware of the restrictions and challenges.

What currency to use in Cuba?

Bring cash on your vacation. And lots of it. American travellers should note that credit cards and debit cards issued by American banks are not accepted anywhere on the island.

If you’re coming from Europe or elsewhere, there’s a good chance that the ATMs at the airport and major tourist destinations will accept your card, but it’s best to doublecheck with your bank before travelling. Beware that ATMs in Cuba have massive fees.

Some hotels, car rental agencies, and instutitutions run by the government accept credit cards (again, non-American), but it’s best not to count on it. None of the paladares (small family-run restaurants), casa particulares (home-stays), or small tourism businesses accept credit card.

ATMs and credit card machines are notoriously finicky in Cuba and you don’t want to be stuck with $US100 for a two-week vacation.

The best plan is to carefully budget how much money you think you will spend on your trip and add 10% – just in case anything goes wrong. If you can, bring the cash in euros. While Cuban currency is pegged to the U.S. dollar, the government charges a 10% penalty when converting dollars to pesos.

How to get around in Cuba?

Bus travel is a dependable way of getting around Cuba, at least in the more popular areas. Víazul (www.viazul.com) is the main long-distance bus company available to non-Cubans, with fairly punctual and reliable air-conditioned coaches going to destinations of interest to travelers.

Renting a car in Cuba is easy, but once you've factored in gas, insurance, hire fees etc, it isn't cheap. Prices vary with car size, season, and length of rental. Bank on paying an average of CUC$70 per day for a medium-sized car. It's actually cheaper to hire a taxi for distances of under 150km. Driving here isn't just a different ballpark, it's a different sport. The first problem is that there are no signs – almost anywhere. Major junctions and turnoffs to important resorts or cities are often not indicated at all. Not only is this distracting, it's also incredibly time-consuming. The lack of signage also extends to highway instructions. Often a one-way street is not clearly indicated or a speed limit not highlighted,

Cuba is a cyclist's paradise, with bike lanes, bike workshops and drivers accustomed to sharing the road countrywide. Spare parts are difficult to find – you should bring important spares with you. Throughout the country, the 1m-wide strip of road to the extreme right is reserved for bicycles, even on highways. It's illegal to ride on sidewalks and against traffic on one-way streets and you'll be ticketed if caught.

The most important ferry services for travelers are the catamaran from Surgidero de Batabanó to Nueva Gerona, Isla de la Juventud, and the passenger ferry from Havana to Regla and Casablanca. These ferries are generally safe.

Travel tips for Cuba.

The vast majority of Cuba's tourists gravitate to the attractive arcs of white sand that pepper the country's north coast and offshore islands. But, explore beyond the beaches and you’re in a different domain, a land of fecund forests and crocodile-infested swamps, abandoned coffee plantations and rugged mountains as famous for their revolutionary folklore as their endemic species.