What is the best way to take holiday money to Cuba?

Question

I have in the past relied on ATMs but I am wondering if anyone has experience of using them over there. Not with an American bank. Are travellers cheques a better bet?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Take Cash - Canadian Dollars or Euros. At today's rate you get less for American than you do for Canadian as American Dollars are taxed. Yes you can use ATM as some banks in major cities not at resort areas. I have done so in the past. Make sure the Bank you deal with has no ties with American banks as anything American will not work. The same goes with Credit Cards. e.g. I once tried to a TD Canada Trust Visa in Cuba and it would not work. I later found out that it was run through Citibank which is American.

Source(s):

Been there 26 times. Three times in Sept. 09

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Asker's Comment:

xx

Answer 2

take cash-us dollars

Answer 3

playing runescape and selling pwnage accounts.

Source(s):

do it

Answer 4

smuggle it

Answer 5

dsua

Answer 6

I would go with Travellers Cheques but see if they have a travellers or tourism website where you can find out.

Answer 7

I have been hearing issues with travelers checks as well....USD can always be converted I would bring a reasonable amount for tipping as well as the ATM card...Be sure to notify your credit/debit card company you will be leaving the country or you could be in a bind.

Answer 8

I've been to Cuba three times, but it's my Dad who pays for it.
I know their currency is: Cuban Paco's.

Also, American's are not allowed in cuba (In fact, you're not allowed to visit America 8 months after visiting Cuba!), so i would keep well away from doing that.

I would just find somewhere to exchange your currency.
(usually there are all inclusive hotels there, where you may bring your currency, and swap it while you are there!).

I'm pretty sure my Dad simply converted his money while he was there, as it did not cost him anything while we were staying in our villa.

As it's your first time, i must remind you that it costs 25 paco's per person, to leave Cuba. So make sure you have saved some money in order for your family to get out!

Answer 9

With all due respect, those suggesting U. S. are completely wrong, Do not take U. S. dollars, you pay a penalty to have U. S. dollars exchanged, and don't take U. S. traveler's cheques or credit cards drawn on America banks they are just not accepted. Take Canadian cash,Sterling or Euros. Upon arrival you will change into CUC (Convertible Pesos) which have no value outside Cuba and can only be bought in Cuba. Check the approximate rate below. To the best of my knowledge there are no ATMs in Cuba. You can use traveler's cheques however you are far better to take cash put it in your room safe and draw on it. You can use credit cards for cash advances or paying for excursions, Cuba is mostly a cash society.

http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convertible…

Source(s):

10 time visitor, #11 coming up in November

Answer 10

ATMs work for non-US based Visa cards. You can get over the counter cash withdrawals on both Visa and Mastercard.

I have never used Trvellers cheques, but I am not sure they are particularly useful.

Don't bring USD - Euros or Canadian are better.

Answer 11

Use cash, and change it into convertable pesos.
Do it at the airport, you get the most pesos for your money, the hotel rips you off.