Cuban Currency

[teacherbride]

Okay, I'm in the middle of trying to create a pre-wedding brochure. I'd like to include some tips about what to bring as far as money goes.

 

I know that we will need to change our money to CUC's but should we bring cash? travellers cheques?

 

Is visa and or mastercard accepted?

 

Where is the best place to change money?

 

Please pass on any advice you can give me

[sarafish81]

I had the same questions! I went on a website called cubajunky.com and found some info on currency that I in turn included on our wedding website. It answers a few of your questions. On the cubajunky.com website, under the tab "Travellers Info" go to "FAQ" and then scroll down to "Currency". Anyhow, I grabbed some info off there for our website that is below:

 

Currency

 

In Cuba, there are two different currencies:

 

-Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC's)

-Cuban Pesos

 

1 CUC = 24 Cuban Pesos

 

You may exchange Canadian dollars for both CUC's and Cuban Pesos. The exchange rates are set in accordance with the exchange rates on the international market.

 

You can acquire CUC's at the airport, banks and at the money exchange offices, called "CADECA" (you can find these offices everywhere in the country). You can obtain Cuban Pesos also in the CADECA's or at any local bank.

 

You will need Cuban Pesos to take buses (guaguas), to buy vegetables and fruits at the local market, perhaps some juice or a pizza in the streets. There are places that accept only CUC's and other places only Cuban Pesos.

 

In tourist facilities and other service units, prices are set in CUC's.

 

You can exchange your left-over CUC's and Cuban Pesos at the airport when you leave but it is expensive, and many times they’re short of foreign currency. A better way to handle it is to budget wisely during the last few days of your trip so you don’t arrive at the airport loaded with useless CUC's. Remember, you need 25 CUC per person for airport departure tax.

 

As always, credit cards are also welcome!

 

 

Hope that helps - cheers!

[teacherbride]

Wow, thanks a lot! I was thinking about you today and how I am excited to share all sorts of info about the resort when we get back from our wedding! If there's anything you need after January 22, please let me know:)

[sarafish81]

I definitely will! Thank you!

[Virg]

Hey ladies,

I was told by a few people to be very carefule with credit cards. If they are issued by an american bank, Bank of america, MBNA, American express, they will NOT be accepted. This I have seen on a few websites.

 

I also heard that Mastercard is an american corporation, and is not accepted, I have seen anything to back up this claim.

 

However travellers cheques are not accepted as they are drawn on american express.

 

Hope this helps!

[JulieG]

There is an exchange place in the lobby. We brought some cash and credit cards and you can also use your ATM card. You can use Visa and MC but they have to be from Canadian banks. Do not use travelers cheques, those are American and not accepted.

[teacherbride]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieG There is an exchange place in the lobby. We brought some cash and credit cards and you can also use your ATM card. You can use Visa and MC but they have to be from Canadian banks. Do not use travelers cheques, those are American and not accepted.

Great news that there is an exchange place in the lobby. I've also heard that exchanging money at the airport is pretty easy.

Can I ask how you paid the resort for your wedding ceremony and reception? that's a lot of cash to bring along.

p.s. your baby is the cutest thing ever!

[JulieG]

We paid with Visa, there was a small fee, I can't remember how much, but when we got the bill we didn't think it wad a big deal. We did not want to carry that much money.

 

Thank you, I think she is pretty cute as well, but I am kinda biased

[sally]

Quote:

Originally Posted by teacherbride Okay, I'm in the middle of trying to create a pre-wedding brochure. I'd like to include some tips about what to bring as far as money goes. I know that we will need to change our money to CUC's but should we bring cash? travellers cheques? Is visa and or mastercard accepted? Where is the best place to change money? Please pass on any advice you can give me

You will be able to exchange money in your hotel and this will be to the Convertible Peso. The locals have a different currency to tourists and are not allowed to spend ours and vice versa

Anything linked to America is not accepted and bank cards are also not widely used.

[DWbride09]

We have always used our credit card where we could, and it can be used for just about everything but local shopping. Its true, it CANNOT be american issued.

 

For everything else we have exchanged money at the front lobby as we needed it so that there was nothing left over at the end.