I’m in the early stages of planning a long weekend in Havana in September. Have any fellow Americans had issues exchanging or getting Cuba currency upon arriving? I am aware that US credit cards don’t work there. I am also going to Europe in April. Would it be wise to pull out a bunch of Euros on that trip and save them for Cuba?
Posted by
california
288 posts
Hi..I was in Cuba for 12 days on a bike trip 2015. Things may have changed. I exchanged my US dollars for cuban dollars at a terminal in the airport...not an issue. I also brought Euros..which I ended up exchanging in Havana at an exchange counter..I brought both..glad I did..as I had an issue where I needed to access more money and had my Euros.. at the time Us credit cards were not accepted. It is a strange feeling to have a finite amount of cash without backup..I have travelled the world and this is the only place I have to deal with this. I don't know your plans or length of time. The people are very kind but have very little. Make certain you have trusted transport from the airport and hotel. I hope you have a great trip...an interesting trip.
Posted by
california
288 posts
Remember..there are two currencies..one for tourists and one for citizens. As a tourist..at least then..I was only allowed tourist dollars..local dollars will not work for you.
Posted by
california
288 posts
I stand corrected..there is only one currency now in Cuba..apologies..
Posted by
OP
77 posts
Thanks for the reply. Since I’m going to Europe in April, I think the wise move is to just pull out extra Euros and bring them to Cuba (I’m aware you can exchange for euros at America airports too). I would not go longer than 2-3 days for this trip.