Varadero Travel Forum

which currency should I get for cuba CUC or Peso or is it one in the same?
Are visa cards ok?

Visa cards are okay so long there not amertican. you can get CUC..and maybe change later a little into pesos butthere realy is no need for it. check out my pages for more info if you like:)

In Cuba there are two currencies; CUP (National Money) which is the currency in which Cubans are paid their salary, this is the local currency- there are about 26 Pesos to 1 CUC (do not exchange CUC for CUP in the street,always in a bureau de change or bank) CUC is a second, stronger currency geared towards the tourist economy; many goods and services are priced in CUC

You need to get CUC, and maybe 5 or 10 CUC worth of CUP with which you can pay for buses, fresh fruit, street pizza etc- but CUC is the currency you will be using 95% of the time.

This is a little confusing at first,lol, but i hope it helps.

Only the locals use pesos, so if you're not planning on purchasing anything from local vendors off the resorts in non-touristy areas, then there is no point in getting pesos. We never needed them, even at the markets in Guardalavaca.

I am leaving from Toronto next week. Can I get CUC's in Toronto? I don't want to get in a long lineup at the Varadero airport. Thanks

Are you staying at a resort or travelling independently? Most resorts will have currency exchange booths. I don't think you can exchange Cuban money in Canada or US.