Havana Travel Forum

Hi all. I'm going to Cuba on Saturday (yippee!) but am getting increasingly confused about the money. Most guide books are out of date. I have read in a couple guide books that ATMs are sparse and some need a 6-digit PIN and therefore UK cash cards won't work. I spoke to my bank who advised me to take a credit card in case (although if a debit card won't work then neither will a credit card!). So, was just wondering, what is the current deal with Cuban ATMs - how common are they? (probably covering Havana, Trinidad, Santa Clara and Cienfuegos). I'd rather withdraw cash as I need it, instead of taking over all my UK pounds and exchange over there and carry a fortnights worth of money with me. Presumably ATMs give out convertible pesos?

Take a non US visa card and make withdrawals with it. prepay it to elimination the interest charges, bank or debt cards are not accepted.
The ATMs give out CUC but the last time I used one in Havana I thought it ate my card and while I was looking where to get help, it spit out 200 5 CUC notes!
I make my withdrawals in the major Hotels and Cadecas (money exchange outlets).
The reliable ones will give you a receipt and carefully count out the $$, if they don't give you a receipt don't pick up the money and ask for one. they will take the money back and recount it, give you some more with a receipt!
Hotel National is one to watch. The exchanges in the Melia Cohiba and the two on Obispo st. I have had no problems with. The Hotel Seville personel act as if they don't want your business!

last i heard USDollars were charge 10% extra on the exchange, so it was better to bring Euros. and of course, do not bring any US bank cards, they dont work ::)

Cadecas is the Cuban govt official exchange houses ,and they are in all tourist areas you mentioned. this is exchange houses.

Other with better exchange rates are at Banco Metropolitano branches
http://www.banco-metropolitano.com/

As well as the other bank ,BANDEC (Banco de Credito y Comercio).at Amargura 158 esq. Cuba, Municipio Habana Vieja, La Habana ; these are in about 6 other locations in Havana.Another is Banco Financiero Internacional(BFI)Calle Línea n° 1, Vedado, Plaza, Ciudad de La Habana Less effective than the others but ok.

the banks will give you better exchange than the exchange houses. Hope it helps

last i heard USDollars were charge 10% extra on the exchange, so it was better to bring Euros. and of course, do not bring any US bank cards, they dont work ::)

Cadecas is the Cuban govt official exchange houses ,and they are in all tourist areas you mentioned. this is exchange houses.

Other with better exchange rates are at Banco Metropolitano branches
http://www.banco-metropolitano.com/

As well as the other bank ,BANDEC (Banco de Credito y Comercio).at Amargura 158 esq. Cuba, Municipio Habana Vieja, La Habana ; these are in about 6 other locations in Havana.Another is Banco Financiero Internacional(BFI)Calle Línea n° 1, Vedado, Plaza, Ciudad de La Habana Less effective than the others but ok.

the banks will give you better exchange than the exchange houses. Hope it helps

last i heard USDollars were charge 10% extra on the exchange, so it was better to bring Euros. and of course, do not bring any US bank cards, they dont work ::)

Cadecas is the Cuban govt official exchange houses ,and they are in all tourist areas you mentioned. this is exchange houses.

Other with better exchange rates are at Banco Metropolitano branches
http://www.banco-metropolitano.com/

As well as the other bank ,BANDEC (Banco de Credito y Comercio).at Amargura 158 esq. Cuba, Municipio Habana Vieja, La Habana ; these are in about 6 other locations in Havana.Another is Banco Financiero Internacional(BFI)Calle Línea n° 1, Vedado, Plaza, Ciudad de La Habana Less effective than the others but ok.

the banks will give you better exchange than the exchange houses. Hope it helps

last i heard USDollars were charge 10% extra on the exchange, so it was better to bring Euros. and of course, do not bring any US bank cards, they dont work ::)

Cadecas is the Cuban govt official exchange houses ,and they are in all tourist areas you mentioned. this is exchange houses.

Other with better exchange rates are at Banco Metropolitano branches
http://www.banco-metropolitano.com/

As well as the other bank ,BANDEC (Banco de Credito y Comercio).at Amargura 158 esq. Cuba, Municipio Habana Vieja, La Habana ; these are in about 6 other locations in Havana.Another is Banco Financiero Internacional(BFI)Calle Línea n° 1, Vedado, Plaza, Ciudad de La Habana Less effective than the others but ok.

the banks will give you better exchange than the exchange houses. Hope it helps

sorry for the doubling ,there seems to be a problem with VT.