The Challenge of Withdrawing Money from ATMs in Cuba
Photo Feature by Idania Cárdenas
HAVANA TIMES – In Cuba, performing a routine task like withdrawing money from an ATM has become a daily odyssey for thousands of citizens. Long lines, out-of-service ATMs, and the scarcity of cash are some of the obstacles faced by those who rely on these machines to access their salary or pension.
The images in this report capture the reality of many Cubans who, from early morning, gather in front of the few operational ATMs. With the rise of digital commerce and the country’s liquidity crisis, the demand for cash far exceeds the banking system’s capacity. Complaints are frequent: “I’ve been here for hours, and when it’s finally my turn, the ATM runs out of money or the power goes out,” says a frustrated user.
This is compounded by recurring technical issues, such as connection failures or bills that cannot be dispensed correctly. Moreover, the lack of maintenance on the machines worsens the situation, leaving many people with no option but to go to banks, where the lines are even longer.
While the government is trying to promote the use of electronic payments, the reality is that a large part of the population still needs cash to cover basic needs. This visual report reflects the patience, desperation, and daily struggle of those who rely on ATMs to survive in an increasingly complex financial system.
Batista , was a problem for Cuba, but Castro didn’t help much, neither other countries will either, except the the United States of America. Get with it Cuba, Revolution for Democracy is your answer.
Sam noway should offer that but could use a limited amount of Canada Dollars only if all protesters are freed and economic reform is allowed. I do agree that a special agreement with Canada and Mexico and the European countries but only when the current military gov stepped down and gives up control of all hotels and food production and the police.
Offer to make Cuba territory of Canada,we can then take our holidays if wanted there. Offer Financial help with governance,install a fair Govt system use canadian money system there,many Cubans will be happy, bar all usa tourists,close there occupied territory at first chance
nice
My heart aches for Cuba. I have been fortunate to have been able to visit many times in the past. Such wonderful people and they deserve so much better.
It’s time the population in Cuba simultaneously up and say NO MORE!! Stop talking and just DO IT!!
The regime WILL collapse immediately as did the Eastern Bloc. The police will take off their uniforms as their families are as poor as church mice too.
Keeping the people in lines to get cash from non functioning ATM’s then non existent food, drunk on cheap rum and foul tasting beer doesn’t work anymore.
Cubans are their own worst enemy and don’t seem to be able to connect the dots very well even now with social media.
This gringo lived in Cuba for 15 years and experienced everything at street level the regime could fling at people.
Those gusanos shouting the odds in front of Cafe Versailles in Miami will not change anything. In fact most of them prosper off the back of the Blockade by way of their businesses supplying everything that can be carried by the mulas to Cuba.
Change has to come from within Cuba and the time is ripe right now.
What Cuba doesn’t need is another dictatorship as has been the trend for the last 200 years.
The scarcity of cash, pesos,euros, and dollars, on the streets just keeps the informal exchange rate of pesos for US dollars elevated.
And they line up for hours in the heat. I wish CIBC would open up a bank there which could help these beautiful people.
All that comes to mind are the words of the psalmist:
I will say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me,
While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
His love is everlasting and the suffering of my people will pass.
Donald Trump is to blame for crisis in Cuba.
He added additional sanctions on the Cuban people.
Also the government in Cuba to blame as socialism no longer works.
Been going for last 15 years to Cuba and I no longer can go, as the suffering is to hard to take.
Power shortages a daily occurrence and even government rations cut in half.
The black market is the only way to get many goods.
But you need foreign currency.
We Canadians and our government must do more in aid.
If you tip, please use USA $ or Canadian as peso is so undervalued.
I have many Cuban friends and even spend nights in their homes and leave US$ for them.
I just can’t how inhumane the Trump government and now mark Rubio make them suffer as they are nice people and not terrorists.
High end resorts, somehow have everything and my resort I visit, I couldn’t even get cigars .
Bring whatever you can if you plan to visit as I am in constant touch with my Cuban friends and I just can’t go for now.
Please help and you people from Quebec you have an arrogant problem.
Daniel Acs Hamilton ontario.
Don’t know why Cuba won’t allow a Canadian bank in Havana and Santiago Their banking system does not work.
They cheered for Fidel and nobody opposed him when he declared himself a Communist (Marxist Lenninist)…now they are paying the price of a failed economy – they got what they asked for!
The gov needs to let 3 private companies one from Canada one from Mex and one from Europe that people can take money out in that currency for tourists and those that get money from overseas. These companies should be part of economic reform system and also have put two local currency machines for each foreign currency machine the foreign currency machine charge a 2% machine but the local currency machine a Max of 50 peso on the first 6000 pesos per withdrawal. The current system of large amounts of cash is very unsafe and makes Cuba more dangerous than Canada or Europe or some parts of Mexico in my opinion.
The gov banks need competition from credit unions from other countries and a private company to move currency around in large centers but the current gov will not allow