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Money & currency

Money in Cuba

Updated 2026-08-16

Money & Currency
$

Cuban Peso (CUP)

Currency code: CUP

Practical Money Tips

Cuban Peso (CUP) and MLC — Bring Cash, No US Cards

Cuba operates a dual-currency system for tourists. The Cuban Peso (CUP) is the national currency; the MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) is a digital-only tourist currency used at state-run Cadeca exchanges and certain shops. The 2021 monetary reform abolished the CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) — it no longer exists. The CUP's exchange rate is genuinely two-tier: the official rate at Cadeca offices runs at a small fraction of the widely used informal rate, and the gap between them moves significantly even week to week, so check a current tracker (El Toque publishes daily) rather than any fixed figure. US travelers face a critical restriction: American credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba due to the US embargo. US visitors must bring sufficient cash in EUR, CAD, or GBP. Non-US travelers: bring EUR or CAD in cash for the best exchange rates.

ATMs Exist But Are Unreliable — US Cards Completely Blocked

ATMs in Cuba are limited and frequently out of service or out of cash. Banco Metropolitano and Banco Popular de Ahorro have ATMs in Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba. Non-US Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards may work at some ATMs — but success is inconsistent. US-issued cards of any network are completely blocked. Do not rely on ATMs as your primary cash source. Withdraw in CUP at official Cadeca exchanges where possible. Bring more cash than you think you'll need.

Very Limited Card Acceptance — No Apple Pay, No Google Pay

Cuba is almost entirely a cash economy for tourists. Card acceptance is limited to some state-run hotels (Meliá, Iberostar) and a handful of upscale restaurants. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not supported anywhere in Cuba. US-issued cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) do not work. Non-US Visa and Mastercard may work at ETECSA offices and some hotels, but always have cash as backup. Budget for a fully cash-based trip.

Bring More Cash Than Expected — EUR and CAD Work Best

Cuba is moderately priced for what you get, and most tourist-facing accommodation and transport are priced directly in USD or EUR rather than CUP. State-run hotel (3-star): USD 60–150/night. Casa particular (private guesthouse, strongly recommended): USD 25–50/night, often paid directly in USD or EUR. Restaurant (paladar): USD 8–20 per meal. Street food: USD 1–3. Shared taxi (collectivo), typically paid in CUP for short local hops: check a current exchange-rate tracker before converting, since the CUP figure alone is meaningless without knowing which rate applies. EUR and CAD attract better exchange rates than USD at official Cadeca offices (USD incurs an additional 10% penalty tax there for some transactions). GBP is also accepted but less common.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

What currency should I bring to Cuba?

EUR (euro) or CAD (Canadian dollar) are recommended for the best exchange rates. GBP is also widely exchangeable. USD is accepted at Cadeca exchanges but historically attracted a penalty surcharge. Avoid arriving with only USD if you can — bring EUR or CAD. Convert to CUP at official Cadeca exchange offices on arrival.

Do Apple Pay or Google Pay work in Cuba?

No. Cuba does not support Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any contactless mobile payment system. The country operates on a predominantly cash economy with very limited card infrastructure. Plan for a fully cash-based trip.

Can US travelers use their credit or debit cards in Cuba?

No. All US-issued cards — regardless of network (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) — are blocked in Cuba due to the US embargo. American travelers must bring sufficient cash in EUR, CAD, or GBP before departure. There is no workaround for this restriction.

What is MLC and is it useful for tourists?

MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) is a digital-only currency used at state-run shops (tiendas MLC) that sell imported goods. As a tourist, you can load MLC onto a magnetic stripe card at a Cadeca exchange using non-US cards or cash. MLC shops carry products not available in CUP markets. Most tourist transactions still use CUP cash.

What happened to the CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso)?

The CUC was abolished in January 2021 as part of Cuba's monetary unification reform. It no longer exists. The current system is CUP (Cuban Peso) for most transactions and MLC for state-run tourist shops. Any CUC you may have from a previous trip is worthless — it cannot be exchanged.

Where should I exchange money in Cuba?

Official Cadeca (Casa de Cambio) exchange offices, at airports, major hotels and city centers, use the government's official rate — the only legal rate, and the safest transaction, but markedly less favourable than the widely used informal rate, and the gap between the two moves significantly over time. Weigh that trade-off before exchanging a large sum in one place, and be cautious with any informal exchange offered on the street, since scams do happen.

What is a casa particular and is it cheaper than a hotel?

A casa particular is a licensed private guesthouse (room or apartment) operated by Cuban families. They are almost always cheaper than state-run hotels, much more authentic, and typically breakfast can be included. Most hosts expect payment directly in USD, EUR or CAD cash rather than CUP. Booking via Airbnb or direct contact is common. Strongly recommended over state hotels for value and experience.

How much cash should I bring for a 10-day trip to Cuba?

Budget EUR 800–1,500 (or equivalent CAD) for a 10-day trip covering accommodation at casas particulares, meals, internal transport, entrance fees, and activities. Add more for shopping or rum/cigars. Always overestimate — running out of cash in Cuba is a serious problem with no easy solution.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Cuba overview.

Visaja keeps this page's contact details and visa guidance under continuous review — still, requirements can change at short notice, so confirm the essentials with the mission or the official government portal before you travel.