Experience Cuba: Private & Public Tours

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1950s chevrolet in Havana used for tourist trips.
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air

Money guidelines for visiting Cuba

How much cash do I need in Cuba?

Cuba’s currency is the Cuban peso (CUP) and is only good in Cuba. It is not possible to buy or change Cuban pesos outside of Cuba. If you purchase CUPs, know you will not be able to exchange them for USD or any other currency.

The Cuban government offers a special visitor rate of 110 Cuban pesos for $1 USD and can be gotten at the CADECA (Casa De Cambio – Currency Exchange). There is a CADECA at the airport. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Cuba, and you really do not need CUP.

ATMs in Cuba do not allow withdrawals from U.S. banks, and for the most part, U.S. credit cards are not accepted in Cuba.

Your tour is quite comprehensive with lodging, most meals, entertainment, and group transport. You will want cash for optional entertainment, meals not included, additional libations, and souvenirs. A minimum of $100 USD per day is suggested for incidentals. Prices in Cuba are like the United States. If you are interested in Cuban art or professional photography, plan accordingly.

How do I obtain Cuban pesos, and what is the exchange rate?

  • At banks. Cuban pesos can be purchased at Cuban banks.
  • At CADECA (Casa De Cambio – Currency Exchange). CADECAs are available in Havana, including the airport. At a CADECA, you will receive a special tourist rate of 1 dollar for 110 pesos. You will not be able to exchange CUP back to USD or any other currency.
  • On the street. This is not advised as scams can happen.
  • At major hotels. This option is limited and should not be depended upon.

Cubans welcome payments in USD

Cuban girls enjoying rum cocktail.
Cuba money guidelines.

Small private businesses welcome payments in US dollars. Most honor the visitor exchange rate of one USD for 110 Cuban pesos, and some better it.

Most display prices in CUP and USD. You will know accurate costs and pay the same as Cubans.

Pre-paid Cuban Debit card

The Cuban government sells pre-paid U.S. dollar debit cards called MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible- Freely Convertible Money). Pre-paid MLC cards are the only way visitors can make purchases and pay fees at Cuban government stores and institutions.

Hotels do not accept cash or U.S. credit cards for drinks and incidentals. They accept MLC cards. For visitors, other than hotel incidentals the cards have limited use (most visitors do not buy refrigerators from the government store).

Why would I want a pre-paid visitor card?

Pre-paid MLC cards are the only way to make purchases and pay fees at Cuban government stores and institutions. In Cuba, there is an extensive network of grocery stores that sell products in MLC not otherwise available to Cubans. Likewise, many small private businesses, including restaurants, are beginning to accept MLC card transactions. However, most visitors do not consider these cards worth the time and hassle.

How do pre-paid visitor cards work, and where do I get one?

The cards can be purchased at CADECAs (Casa De Cambio – Currency Exchange) in denominations of $50, $100, $200, or $500. There is a one-time new card fee of $5, and cards can be re-loaded. There is a CADECA at the airport. MLC cards can also be purchased at the Grand Aston Hotel.

MLC cards are valid only in Cuba. Your name is not attached to the card. No replacement or refund is provided if you lose the card or forget your PIN. The card balance is good for two years after purchase. If you get a MLC card for drinks, snacks, and incidentals, I suggest it be a low dollar card. Do not forget the PIN. I use the last 4 digits of the card. You should consider the MLC purchase a part of your budgeted discretionary spending.

Remaining MLC balance

If there is a balance left on your MLC card when you return to the States, you can mail it to Global Relations with the PIN and the balance will be used to purchase needed items for your new Cuban friends. Other options are to keep the card for use on a return trip to Cuba or give it to a friend going to Cuba before it expires in two years.

Travel with Global Relations means fewer money worries in Cuba

Major expenses on your tour are prepaid: accommodations, island transportation, day excursions, and most meals. You only need cash for optional evening entertainment, extra libations, souvenirs, and meals not included in your trip package.

Tips from seasoned travelers and Cuba travel advisers

Don’t be overwhelmed. Make a simple plan before travel. Here’s a summary of what our travelers say worked best for them. Cuba travel advisers concur.

  • Budget a minimum of $100 per day in US dollars. You can bring more for hiccups or larks.
  • Keep your money in US dollars, which you’ll have no problems spending while in Cuba.
  • If you do purchase a MLC card, buy a low-dollar one for hotel incidentals only. Use a 4-digit PIN you will remember,
  • We are happy to answer money questions and assist with Cuba’s money matters. Feel free to email us.