For British people travelling to Cuba, it pays to know a thing or 2 about the right type of travel money to take with you.
A debit card is definitely the way to spend in Cuba, as you shouldn’t have any problem using it to withdraw cash from a bank — though you may have issues using ATMs on the street. Mastercard and Visa will typically work for over-the-counter cash withdrawals, but be aware that some card brands won’t work at all. Generally speaking, credit cards will not work in Cuba.
Although no prepaid travel cards currently support Cuban pesos, preloading a currency with a good history against the Cuban pesos could be beneficial. While there are travel cards that don’t charge for currency conversion, it is important to consider the back-end fees, exchange rate and if you want to manage an extra account.
As we mentioned before, cards can work in some places and not in others. This is why it’s important to spread your funds across a couple of different types of travel money options. Take as much cash as you can to Cuba and use a debit card when you need more money.
Here are some benefits and disadvantages of using different types of travel money products in Cuba.
Where credit cards are accepted, Visa and Mastercard credit cards will give you no problem making purchases or withdrawals from ATMs in Cuba. Look for a card that waives foreign transaction fees. Generally, not many places accept credit cards in Cuba, so you’ll want to focus more on access to cash.
If you’re going to use a debit card when you’re on vacation, paying the extra fee for currency conversion may be unavoidable.
No travel cards support the Cuban peso, so look for a card that waives the currency conversion fee. It won’t charge for currency conversion when you spend in pesos, which can be higher than what you’d pay if you use your regular debit or credit card. The downside is these cards charge a couple of pounds for international ATM withdrawals in Cuba.
Take as much cash as you can, as it will be easy to exchange when you go to Cuba. Make withdrawals from your debit account and use your credit card for big purchases. We’ve heard different cards will and won’t work in different places, which is why it’s important to have as much cash on you as possible.
Don’t worry about traveler’s checks in Cuba, as there are fewer places than ever to get a traveler’s check cashed. Card providers can give you a full refund if you get your credit or debit card scammed.
Old Havana is infamous for its share of pickpockets and bag-snatchers. Watch out while in busy marketplaces and on public transport, nightclubs and tourist attractions. Beware of misdirection schemes, where one person distracts you while another takes off with your wallet, bag or purse.
Cuban banknotes are quite different, so you may want to familiarize yourself with them before heading there:
| Banknote | Cuban Peso (CUP) | |
|---|---|---|
$5 |  | |
$10 |  | |
$20 |  | |
$50 |  | |
$100 |  |
You can’t buy Cuban pesos in the UK, so you’ll have to wait until you get there to obtain local currency. When you arrive in Cuba, you can get your cash changed at the airport or look for cadecas (money changers).
All prices are in British pounds.
| Budget (Cheap) | Midrange | Luxury (High-end) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hotel room per night £16 | Casa Particular (double room) £25 | Hotel Nacional de Cuba Havana (standard room) £106 |
| Meals | Real Cuban restaurant Meal for 2, no alcohol £4–£11 | Meal for 2 with one alcoholic meal £24–£37 | Meal for 2 with a bottle of wine £41–£81 |
| Activities | Wa-Wa – local bus £2.00 | Taxi (public) £4–£16 depending on length of journey | Tourist Bus: Viazul: Havana to Varadero £8 |
*Prices are approximate and are subject to change.
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