Comparer le mode de réception, le montant final, les frais et les délais avant chaque transfert vers Cuba.
Money planning
Cuba Currency Guide: cash, cards, CUP and exchange
Travellers should treat cash as the primary payment method in Cuba. International Visa and Mastercard transactions have been suspended since June 2026, and ATMs remain unreliable. Bring enough money for the full trip, divide it between two secure places and keep small bills for taxis, tips and emergencies.
Version française : Quelle monnaie apporter à Cuba?
What money is used in Cuba?
The official currency is the Cuban peso, or CUP. Travellers may also encounter prices or payments requested in foreign currency. Conditions can vary between hotels, private businesses, taxis and government services, so ask which currency is accepted before ordering or boarding.
Cash versus cards
| Method | Best use | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | Daily spending, taxis, tips, private restaurants and emergencies | Loss, theft and poor exchange rates |
| International credit card | Do not rely on it while Visa and Mastercard transactions remain suspended | Payment refusal, terminal failure, sanctions and power or network outages |
| ATM | Emergency option only | No cash, network failure or incompatible card |
How much cash should you bring?
Build a trip budget before departure and add an emergency reserve. Separate money for transport, food outside the resort, tips, medical needs and an unexpected hotel or flight change. Keep the reserve apart from daily cash.
Safer exchange practices
- Count money before leaving the counter or private exchange.
- Confirm the rate and currency before handing over cash.
- Avoid displaying your full travel budget.
- Keep a note of what you exchanged and where.
- Use small amounts first when dealing with an unfamiliar person.
Payment plan for outages
Power and Internet failures can stop card terminals and ATMs. Carry small bills, keep a charged phone, save accommodation and insurer contacts offline and maintain a separate emergency envelope.
Common mistakes
- Bringing only one card.
- Keeping all cash in one wallet.
- Exchanging the entire budget at once.
- Assuming Canadian debit cards will work.
- Depending on hotel WiFi to access banking apps.
Related English guides
- Backup payment methods in Cuba
- Send money to Cuba from Canada
- Cuba power outages
- Varadero travel guide
- All English Cuba guides
Money, payments and shopping guides
More money and family-support guides
- Cuba Prepaid Cards — MLC, Tropical, Clásica, fees and cash backup.
- Supermarket23 Cuba — delivery, address and payment checks.
- Send a Package to Cuba — customs, restrictions and delivery planning.
Large financial commitments in Cuba
Buying Property in Cuba explains ownership limits, title checks, nominee risks and why travellers should obtain independent legal advice before transferring money.
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