AS a Canadian tourist travelling to Cuba, needing to know what kind of money to bring. I kno two years ago when I was there it was USD but apparently not anymore.... So what, do I convert my canadian dollars in Cuban Pesos??? Please help!!! Thanks
2007-10-15 16:09:08 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Caribbean ➔ Cuba
There are two currencies in full circulation in Cuba - the convertible peso (CUC, also referred to as chavitos) and the national peso (CUP, also moneda nacional - MN).
Most tourists will only need CUC. You can change your cash at banks, cadecas (exchange bureaux) and some hotels. Also you can draw cash on non-US issued visa and mastercard at banks and cadecas, and visa cards in ATMs.
Some areas also accept euros - Cayo Coco, Varadero.
You should be able to change money in the airport when you arrive.
Some hotels apply very poor exchange rates - if you are only changing a small amount for tipping, and to buy a few things, that may not matter. But check the rates if you are changing more. (It may be that the next door hotel gives better rates).
It is not recommended to change money on the streets - it is illegal, and the unwary risk being conned.
The Central Bank website had images of the different notes - but I can't find them at the moment.
http://www.bc.gov.cu/Espanol/default.asp
2007-10-16 07:58:50 · answer #1 · answered by Beardo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Currency Used In Cuba
2016-10-13 09:20:33 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beardo has the best answer so far.
American dollars are charged a premium on top of the exchange so you will lose big time using US dollars. Canadian currency can be exchanged readily into CUC's, the official tourist money. Cuban peso's are not for tourists so do not get into those.
Only exchange your money once, otherwise you will lose on the exchange every time you convert.
Rumour has it the peso will be changed in the near future - see Debbie's Caribbean Reviews - so there is no point in exchanging more than you need. Remember you will also need 25 CUC's to leave Cuba.
2007-10-16 09:04:29 · answer #3 · answered by Bearman 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi
To Cuba the convertible weight Circulates in equivalent tickets to 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 dollars, valid only inside the country.
The official coin is the Cuban Weight but the only coin in circulation it is the Convertible (CUC) Cuban Weight. Cash American Dollars are not more approved for any transaction and man it measures it is applicable both to the Cuban citizens and to the visitors or foreign residents.The Convertible Cuban Weight maintains to today the parity with the American Dollar. For the purchase of Pesos Convertibili with Dollars USA is applied a tax del10%; for the change with the other currencies it is not anticipated some type of tax.
I am sorry for my little English.
Kindest regards From an Italo-Cuban girl
2007-10-17 00:40:58 · answer #4 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just got back a couple of days ago from Cuba.
OK, best currency to have is Euro. Forget the Dollar, it'll be difficult using there. Exchange your Euro to Convertible peso , CUC(pronounced KUK). At banks you'll get about 1.27 CUC per Euro. That's the money you'll be spening there as a tourist.
Don't let any one change money for you. Go straight to the bank. Your hotel will give you about 1.17 CUC per Euro.
One more thing, Cuba is damn expensive. A small eco car will cost you 60 CUC per day. Gas is 1 CUC per liter. Food will cost you any where from 4-10 CUC per meal.
But it is such a beautiful country. Be sure to visit Trinidad and while there at nite, go to Casa De La Musica.
Have fun
2007-10-18 13:27:58 · answer #5 · answered by Almost freeee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are safe taking Canadian dollars, UK sterling or Euros into Cuba, you can still change them at either the airport on arrival though I wouldn't do that with all my money, or you can wait until you get to your hotel, have a fantastic time.
2007-10-19 01:48:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Change your money into Convertible Pesos (This is the currenct used by tourists)...Do not get confused with normal Cuban Peso as this is currency used by Cubans, and is worth a LOT less( approx 25:1)
2007-10-16 00:44:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Situation with currency in Cuba is absolutely strange and difficult. The best way is to have EUROs, as you will need to buy CUC (Convertible Unit of Cuba), and the rate is almost 1:1. (In shops they count 1 CUC for 0,8 Euro!!!!) It's better to change in hotels lobby. As to another currency, almost all currency exchanges acept US dollars, CHF, UK pounds and some other STRONG money. Not sure about Canadian Dollars, sorry :(
As to rates of USD to CUC: for 100 US dollars you will get 80 CUC in hotel lobby. It differs in shops. Anyway, you can still tip in US dollars and pay for some services (privat taxi cabs, horses cabs etc., but not municipal). And always remember, that Convertible Peso for foreigners differ from Cuban Peso for Cuban people, that's why, never change money from strangers.
P.S.: It's much cheaper to buy Rom in Duty free shops in Airport, but as to sigars - better to buy it somewhere in town. (We were in Cuba in August - information is quite fresh :)
Have a nice trip! And a good experience!
2007-10-16 03:37:39 · answer #8 · answered by Belka 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
As an experienced traveller there I would recommend only CDN, British Pounds or Euro. Never USD! You will get robbed by the exchange rate & the tax on the conversion.
2016-03-12 23:48:47 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your Canadian money. You can change it into convertible pesos upon arrival at the airport or at your resort. Check the site below for approximate conversion rates
2007-10-16 05:52:49 · answer #10 · answered by Richard K 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋