Havana Travel Forum

Hi, I will be travelling to Cuba next week and am not sure what currency is best to take with me. I have been advised here in the UK to take Euros and not to take travellers cheques. I have also heard that sterling is also accepted??? I have heard from some people that you can get money from the ATM machines as long as your cards are not affiliated with the US. Can anyone clarify for me?

Many thanks.

Take cash, probably Euros. I used Canadian earlier this year and had no problem changing it at the hotel and the airport. I think Sterling was OK also but Euros were very common. For two people for a week we had $1000 and brought back over $200. At that rate we didn't really worry how much we spent as we were well overfunded. We were in a very quiet area with not a lot of opportunities to spend money but I still think we had more than needed even if we had been in a city.
Don't rely on the idea of getting money from a machine, and don't take any card or currency that is based in the US.

There has been some discussion about this recently in the Cuba forum. I suggest you check that out.

As long as you do not bring any cards (VISA/MC/AE) that are directly or remotely affiliated with US banking institutions, you should be okay. Credit cards obtained in other countries that are associated with a larger US-banking firm will be rejected. In addition, AE traveler's checks are also not accepted.

There may also be continuing problems with using ATM/debit cards throughout Cuba.

Global type credit cards are okay to use for emergencies. There are high fees associated with credit card transactions/withdrawals, so use these cards as a last resort.

I strongly suggest for you to bring Euros (it is widely accepted in Cuba) and bring enough to last you throughout your vacation in Cuba. Wear a money belt in case you're afraid of eventualities. From what I observed & heard from commonfolks out there is that crime is relatively low in Havana compared to other cities in Latin America.

Banks in Cuba and official money changers aka "Cadecas" accept all types of currencies (USD, CAD, GBP, EU, AUD, etc.).

Goodluck & enjoy beautiful Cuba!