Exchange your cash for CUPS — Cuban pesos

The CUP or peso (also locally known as “moneda nacional”) is the primary Cuban currency. It is used by both residents and visitors alike. However, you can use dollars or euros to pay for goods ands services in many of the restaurants, crafts markets and privately-run enterprises. However, you usually receive change in pesos.

TAKE CASH ONLY.  CREDIT CARDS DO NOT WORK IN CUBA (unless your bank is outside the U.S.).  Previously, folks on our trips have taken U.S. dollars, British pounds, Euros, or Canadian dollars.

For international exchange purposes, 360 CUP = $1 U.S. CUCs are no longer used.

There is a CADECA at the airport. So it is possible to obtain CUPs immediately upon arrival in Cuba. However, we get better exchange rates from our hosts and hostesses who are willing to buy dollars. 

CUPs can be obtained in a place called a CADECA, an exchange house, which are found in every city in Cuba. CADECAs provide the following services: 

Exchanging cash between foreign currencies and CUP. Many foreign currencies are accepted, however Euros, US$, Canadian Dollars, and British Pounds are recommended in Cuba.

Providing cash advances with credit cards (Visa and MasterCard). These are widely accepted throughout Cuba and are valid from accounts in every currency, except for cards linked to banks in the U.S.  Cards in US$ from banks outside the U.S. can be used; however, an extra fee may be applied.

EXCHANGE RATES (these are no longer accurate due to inflation in Cuba)

1 Dollar – 24 CUP
1 Euro – 27.90 CUP
1 Canadian – 19.40 CUP
1 British Pound – 33.10 CUP
 

CADECAS (money exchanges)

• Obispo street, #257, between Cuba & Aguiar streets (in Old Havana)

• 23rd & J streets in Vedado

• 19th & A streets in Vedado

• Corner of Oficios and Lamparilla streets (in Old Havana)

HOTELS WITH EXCHANGES

Islazul Colina
Habana Libre
Hotel Nacional de Cuba
Bella Habana
Gran Caribe Vedado
Bellvue Deauville