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Currency & Related Matters

On Using US Dollars and AirBnB in Cuba

May 29, 2016June 2, 2016

We are planning a “people to people” five-day trip for a family of three, departing from the US the last week of June 2016. Things are changing so fast; would appreciate some up-to-date information about two topics regarding currency and lodging.

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Should I bring my British Pounds to Cuba or another currency?

January 16, 2016January 16, 2016

Dear Havana Times, I am travelling to Cuba on my own arriving 3.2.16. I am coming from the UK. Do I bring UK notes and is it best to change them at the airport.

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When Tipping, Do Cubans Prefer Regular Pesos or CUCs?

October 13, 2013October 13, 2013

Question: On certain occasions, and to certain persons (ex.: like to room maids) is it more appreciated if you leave

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Should I take US Dollars or Mexican Pesos to Cuba?

July 29, 2013July 29, 2013

Would it be wiser to exchange US Dollars to Mexican pesos prior to traveling to Cuba, and then Mexican pesos to CUC, or should I just exchange US Dollars to CUC when arriving in Havana?

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Should I take Euros or US Dollars to Cuba?

October 26, 2011October 26, 2011

When exchanging U.S. dollar banknotes a 10% tax is STILL applied plus an exchange commission. The 10% tax is NOT applied to other currencies, bank transfers, or credit card payments.

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Should I change my money at the airport?

October 14, 2011October 14, 2011

Should I change my money at the airport?

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Are American Express travelers checks accepted in Cuba?

June 23, 2011June 23, 2011

In a June 2011 phone consultation with Cuba’s Banco Financiero Internacional, S.A. (BFI) – one of the country’s main banks with branches located throughout the country – they said that American Express Travellers’ Cheques are accepted in Cuba as long as they are payable against banks that are not based in the United States.

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What exactly is the new exchange rate in Cuba for USD?

March 23, 2011March 23, 2011

Under Cuba’s new exchange rates, which went into effect on March 14, 2011, the 10 percent fee for buying CUCs with U.S. dollars in cash remains in place. For example, the exchange rate for today (March 22nd) is US $1.03360 to buy CUC 1. This means that for US $100 you will receive just under CUC 90.

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How does Cuba’s new exchange rate affect the Pound Sterling?

March 23, 2011March 23, 2011

How have the new exchange rates (March 14, 2011) affected the Pound Sterling?

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What’s appropriate for tipping in Cuba

December 16, 2010December 28, 2010

I’m travelling soon to Cuba and would like to know the norm for tipping at hotels or restaurants. Is it legal to tip with gifts such as certain hygiene products (toothpaste, shaving product, makeup) or school supplies (pencils, notebooks)? Is this appreciated or insulting? What constitutes an appropriate gift?

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