One of the biggest questions about visiting Cuba has to do with money — what's the Cuban currency? What's the best way to pay for things in Cuba? How much money should travelers bring?
This handy guide covers it all. Below, we discuss the importance of cash in Cuba, why you should leave your American credit card at home, and what to know about Cuba's two different currencies.
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There are 2 Cuban currencies: the Cuban Peso Nacional (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Here's what travelers need to know:
The Cuban Peso Nacional (CUP) is the national Cuban currency, used primarily by locals in Cuba.
The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is the currency used in the tourism industry and the currency travelers will need the most.
If you're still confused about the difference between CUC and CUP, send us a message or ask one of our Cuban travel experts.
To get the best exchange rate and avoid getting ripped off, be careful where you exchange money in Cuba. Cuban travel experts recommend that you only exchange money at the following places:
And here's what locals say travelers should know about the exchange rate:
When it comes to how much money you should bring to Cuba, our locals say it depends on what kind of experience you're looking to have. They provided these tips (but can help with more specific questions):
Locals tell us that the biggest mistake travelers make has to do with credit cards, debit cards, and traveler's checks. So, read these tips carefully:
For credit cards:
For debit cards:
For traveler's checks:
Have more questions about money in Cuba? Here is a list of our local Cuban travel experts who can help—feel free to send them a message!
And check out our other Cuba content, including: