What currency should I take to Cuba?

[sean-1966]

I'm off to Cuba in January and don't know wether I should take CDN dollars down and try and convert them there or should I get some Cuban money here? Normally, when I travel I just get US dollars but in Cuba apparently they're no good.

 

[jtdl]

Apparently they have now switched to the peso. When we were there 3 years ago it was the US$. Here's a link www.mycubatrip.com/info/pesos.htm.
It looks like you'll be better off to get the Cuban pesos before you go or pay the extra fee to exchange CND $.

 

[talicskai]

As a TA I always advise my clients to travel with US Cash. If you decide to take traveller's cheques or credit cards make sure they are not drawn on an American bank or they will not accept them. This means, American Express, MBNA or disney visa (heehee) they want the American money but not the Americans.

The convertible pesos is equivalent to the US Dollar so if you take American cash then they will exchange at the front desk of the hotel for you. I am not sure if you can purchase it here from our banks anyway.

 

[twinz]

DO NOT take US money. You can take Canadian, they should be able to change it at your hotel. I was there in April and if I had brought US money they would have charged an extra surcharge for changing the money, and it was harder to find a place that would change it...you had to go into town to the bank. Cuba now uses the Cuban Convertable Peso...which is different from the Cuban Peso. Only Cubans can use the Cuban peso and not the convertable one.

 

[talicskai]

DO NOT take US money. You can take Canadian, they should be able to change it at your hotel. I was there in April and if I had brought US money they would have charged an extra surcharge for changing the money, and it was harder to find a place that would change it...you had to go into town to the bank. Cuba now uses the Cuban Convertable Peso...which is different from the Cuban Peso. Only Cubans can use the Cuban peso and not the convertable one.

I'm glad you posted this ~ I have had several clients go with US Cash in the last month and no one mentioned the service charge. That must be new since the Convertible peso came on the scene. this is just another reason I love the DIS boards!

 

[twinz]

No problem, they do us the US rate though when cashing in your Canadian...which I find a little weird, since they "don't like" the US! Oh well...have fun!

 

[wdwr]

I didn't see this part mentioned in the previous posts..if it was, sorry for the duplicate info.

You CANNOT get the Convertible Cuban Peso before you leave. They can only be bought in Cuba. Same thing in reverse if you have any left when you are done. If you have them left over they must be converted back into Canadian BEFORE you leave Cuba. (unless you plan on going back again then you can keep them)

I took American in May when I went and noticed the charge so it was not a straight dollar for dollar like one of the other posters mentioned. Then I needed just a few Pesos more one day and exchanged Canadian.

One more important thing...don't take RIPPED OR TORN bills with you. They won't take them. I had a corner missing off of a $5 Canadian bill and she told me she was not able to take the bill.

Have a great time in Cuba!

Shelley

 

[mbb]

and don't plan on doing "much", ie, skipping the traditional island tour type things..how much cash should one bring along?

Can you use a Canadian bank cc to reconcile any additional front desk charges?

TIA!

 

[twinz]

I am not sure where in Cuba you are going? They have a web site... gocuba.ca
try it out and see if that helps. Also if you booked though a travel agent they should help you with any further questions, even if you booked on line you should have been given the name of an agent and phone number. Make sure you reconfirm your flight.
Cuba also has a consulate here in Toronto here's the address and phone number. Toronto:
5353 Dundas St. West, Suite 401
Etobicoke, ON M9B 6H8
Tel: (416) 234 8181
Fax: (416) 234 2754
Email: cubacon@on.aibn.com

I had to call at work once (I worked for a travel wholesaler for a little bit) and they were very helpful on the phone. Good luck and have fun in Cuba!