MONEY IN CUBA
Cuba prepaid cards: MLC, Tropical, Clásica and cash backup
A Cuban prepaid or MLC card can be useful in a specific situation, but it should never replace a cash and outage backup plan.
Products travellers often confuse
- A Cuban bank account or card holding an MLC electronic balance.
- A locally issued prepaid card promoted for compatible terminals.
- A product marketed under names such as Tropical or Clásica.
- A foreign Visa or Mastercard.
- A Cubacel mobile recharge.
- Cash delivery or a direct product-delivery service.
These products are not interchangeable. A balance may be received successfully while remaining difficult to spend in the recipient’s municipality.
Questions to ask before funding a card
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Who issues it? | Conditions and support depend on the bank or provider. |
| What balance is received? | The displayed amount may not function like cash. |
| Where is it accepted? | Nearby stores may not have compatible or working terminals. |
| What are the fees? | Compare the final amount received, not only the sending amount. |
| What happens during an outage? | Power, Internet or banking interruptions can block payments. |
For travellers
Carry sufficient cash, divide it between secure locations and keep small denominations. Treat a local card as a supplement, not the only payment method.
For helping family
Ask what the recipient already uses and which stores currently accept it. A small test transfer is safer than sending a large amount to an unfamiliar product.
Security checklist
- Verify the recipient’s legal name and bank or card details.
- Use the provider’s official website.
- Review the amount received before paying.
- Keep the receipt and tracking number.
- Never post a full card number in a public group.
Related English guides
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