I am arriving in Holguin late at night and will need to convert canadian dollars to cuc?

Question

I land at bout 2230hrs, (1030pm) then must go through custums. Will there be a place to convert money at that time so I can pay for a casa particular. And can I pay for taxis with canadian dollars.... I only have a Bank of Nova Scotia debit card.

Answer 1

The cash exchange at Holguin airport will be open when you get there, don't worry. It's on the left when you exit out of customs. Go ahead and head there to get your cash first. Then, go ahead and find the lady (near the front door) that has the fridge with the beer in it. Buy a couple Crystal. And then wait for your bags.

You can exchange money at the hotel as well, but you will have to wait for the next day if you arrive late at night. The cheapest place is to banks, but unless you are going into Holguin city then you won't be seeing a bank near any resorts.

Leave your bank card at home - it won't be necessary.

You can pay for things in Canadian Dollars, but it is better to have the cuban peso.

IF you are bringing gifts - don't bother with t-shirts - if you do, bring small and medium only (they aren't fat). bring baby/todler socks, onsies, diaper pins, booties. Also a very good thing to bring is tampons, and nail polish/acetone. I swear.

Answer 2

There will be conversion kiosks at the airport, local banks and the hotels. Just watch that they give you the correct amount. I have heard that the locals(even in the banks!) make a big fuss about converting to CUC. They will make it look like they are doing a lot of calculations and to distract you and then they short change you. So count your pesos.
Also the government frowns on tipping. In fact when we were there in 2005, we were told it is illegal. because they are a Communist country , the gov wants everyone to have a controlled income. The tourist industry workers can make A LOT more than the gov gives them with tips. It is best to tip your chamber maid or anyone you need to tio with inexpensive trinkets. We brought candy and Tylenol, batteries, pens and pencils-stuff like that to give them. And whereever you go, bring your own toilet paper. The locals charge you by the square, and then want a tip for allowing the use of the bathroom.

Answer 3

You will want to change some money. Trying to pay with Canadian Dollars and even if you do you will so get ripped of. In the airport there is a currency exchange. But often the lines are huge and the rule of thumb worldwide is to find somewhere outside of the airport to get a better exchange rate. Many of the hotels have their own kiosk in the reception area.

But you will need some local money to start. I do remember that if you bypass the one inside with the line go out and take a left toward departures. There is a kiosk there that generally has no line at all because it basically for people just trying to get rid of what little they have left.

On another note keep your bags tight. There are a zillion people trying to snatch your bag onto a cart to help you so you can pay them. If you can carry them yourself, keep them tight.

And yes, make sure you get some actual coins for tipping.

Answer 4

You can exchange your money at the airport. Don't take US dollars with you - they charge extra to convert it and no one accepts it. When you tip, make sure its in Cuban pesos. I don't know if you can use your debit card down there - I just took cash (cargo pants were invented for this).

Be ready for mass confusion when you get there. Go and exchange your money first before looking for your luggage - it takes ages to get it. The flight attendants can tell you where it is at the airport (I can't remember because we exchanged ours at the resort).

Have a great time.

Answer 5

First ,yes always be care full no matter where u go, Cuba ,new york ,Italy be care full there"s always people trying to take advantage of u,and don't worry the exchange stand is open they know u don't have chavos that's the new Cuban currency,and please just because u are going to a place where people is in need that doesn't mean u should tip them coin ,be kind toward them they are lovely happy very friendly people.
enjoy your trip.