Travelling To Cuba From Canada Money

This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.

Cuba currency is changing. From January 2021, locals and tourists say goodbye to the so-called dual currency system and hello to the reactivation of the historic national currency, the Cuban Peso (CUP). This guide will detail everything you need to know about Cuban currency, answer whether you can use your credit card in Cuba and discuss the rumoured USD tax AND exchange fee! Keep reading so you can prepare before you go and enjoy your stress-free trip from when you arrive.

» You may also like | First timer's guide to Cuba

What Type of Cuba Currency Is There?

There is now one unified currency in Cuba, the Cuban Peso (CUP).

The CUP will trade at 24 pesos to the US Dollar.

Previously, there were two currencies.

The CUP, outlined above, which tourists only really used for street food, and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC).

The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC pronounced Cook), was the so-called Cuban tourist currency, used daily by foreigners to pay for accommodation such as casas particulares, buses, taxis, tours and food.

The CUC will be phased out, making way for the CUP.

Here is how to tell the difference between the two notes.

CUP = Pesos, pictures of people on the bill/note. Che on the 3 CUP note
CUC = Convertibles, pictures of monuments on the bill/note
1 CUC = 24 CUP, check the up to date rates here

The 3 peso note is popular with visitors as it has Che Guevara face on it!

It is worth taking note of the difference between the two types to avoid getting short-changed. Uncommon but has happened.

» Read next | 10 scams in Cuba that actually happen

Cuban Currency Cuban Convertible Peso Bills/Notes (CUC)

Can I Get Cuban Currency in the UK/US/Etc?

No, I'm afraid you can't exchange your native currency for Cuban in your home country or anywhere in the world apart from Cuba.

However, we have handy advice below to help you get the most out of the exchange.

What Currency to Take to Cuba?

You can't buy CUP in other countries like you can buy euros for your trip to, say, Paris.

As a workaround, it is recommended* that you take either of the following three currencies to Cuba in cash:

Pound sterling (GBP)
Euros
Canadian dollars

You can see today's Cuba exchange rate here as well as other currencies accepted and their exchange rates.

Once you are in Cuba you can exchange the above with a 3% conversion fee.

* Taking GBP, EUR or CAD is only recommended if the exchange rate is good for you at home and you don't have to go miles out of your way to make the exchange. Shop around online to see what the best rates are before deciding if you are going to exchange your native currency for either of the three.

What is the Cuba Exchange Rate for USD?

Up until July 2020, there was a 10% conversion fee on the US "greenback" dollar.

This meant visitors were charged the 3% conversation fee discussed above and a further 10% fee so 13% fee in total.

Previously, this would have meant:

$10 USD – 13% (1.30) = $8.70
$100 USD – 13% (13) = $87

According to many news outlets, as of July 2020, the 10% tax has now been scrapped. Do you have experience of this? Please leave us a comment or email gemma(at)twoscotsabroad(dot)com.

However, the official Banco Central De Cuba still shows GBP, EUR and CAD to offer better conversions than the USD.

CUC I Cuban Currency

How to Get Cuban Currency

The official Cuba money exchange is called CaDeCa (Casa de Cambio). They can be found everywhere in Havana and the bigger cities but less so in smaller towns.

We were caught out in Caleton by Playa Larga as the bank hours were limited. Luckily new friends lent us some CUC so we could go diving at the Bay of Pigs the next day.

To exchange money at CaDeCa you need:

An early rise
Your passport
Patience

Be prepared to wait in long lines.

I read that CADECA shops close at 3pm so get there early, at opening times is recommended. Although changing money in Cuba is not impossible, it can be taxing on time.

There are two CADECA at Havana airport, check upstairs for the quieter one which had no line when we arrived.

It is recommended to exchange as much as you are comfortable with at the airport.

The airport ATM did not work during our departure.

Cue panic as we were not aware that there was a tax you have to pay to leave. Luckily our airline had already covered it. Read our guide to Cuba to avoid the silly mistakes we made.

Should I Exchange Dollars at my Casa?

So this is an update as of 2017, a reader asked on our scams in Cuba post whether to exchange USD for CUC at their casa found through Airbnb.

I asked around and fellow bloggers who have recently been to Cuba said that they were offered this too and declined, opting to order euros instead and exchange some at the airport.

Have you exchanged money at your casa? Please share your experience in the comments below.

Bank in Havana I Cuban Currency_

What about ATMs in Cuba?

There are 'hole in the wall' ATMs in Cuba and we used them after our cash ran out. You can expect to pay a 3% exchange fee.

Non-US Visa is the preferred card. Others may not work.

Again, there may be lines and there are instances when the money runs out. ATMs also max out so you may have to return for more.

Cash may come out before your card so remember to lift it out the machine or it will get swallowed. We had a swallowed card incident in Peru and it sucked, boom boom!

Overall, getting cash in Cuba is relatively easy if you have a non-US card that works, can beat the crowds and don't mind making a few runs.

Can You Use Credit Cards in Cuba?

Overall, Cuba is a cash country and the easiest way to get around is by carrying currency.

Increasingly, there are some places that will accept non-US credit cards but this is not the norm.

It isn't certain whether your credit card will work in Cuba either.

So How Much Does Cuba Cost?

The total budget for 3 weeks in Cuba came to 1903.50 USD. That's 90 USD per day for two people with limited activities and one week in an all-inclusive resort. You can read the full details here in our breakdown guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What money is used in Cuba?

The currency used in Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) and the Cuban Peso (CUP).

CUC v CUP?

Tourists were able to use both but CUC was used more frequently to pay for accommodation (casas), taxis, tours and meals. CUP was used for street food.

What is the currency in Cuba for tourists?

Now, there is one currency, CUP.

Previously, tourists used both CUP and CUC.

Can I use USD in Cuba?

On the whole, no, you can't pay with USD in Cuba.

Should I exchange my USD before I go to Cuba?

You can't actually exchange USD to CUP outside of Cuba.

Should I exchange my USD to another currency before I travel?

This very much depends on what exchange rate you can get for GBP, CAD or EUR.

If the rate is poor, it may be worth you taking USD.

If it involves you having to drive for miles and eats into your time, just take USD and be prepared to wait in line.

Final Words

I hope this has helped answer your question – what currency do you use in Cuba?

To recap, the best currency to take to Cuba is either GBP, EUR or CAD which you exchange for CUP at the airport or city.

Did you find this useful?
Why not over image and pin to Cuba travel board?

Planning a trip to Cuba in the future? You need to know about Cuba's currency changes. Gone is the so-called tourist currency, the CUC. Click to find out more.

Any questions or comments?
Have the experience to share?
Please leave below.

Gemma is an award-winning blogger who loves to plan trips and publish travel guides and packing lists so you don't have to! Owner of Two Scots Abroad Travel Guides, married to Craig, the other Scot, and dog mom to Bowie the Shepsky. Loves cities, road trips, skiing and karaoke. Hates coriander.