Money in Cuba

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.