What is the most cost effective way of exchanging currency in Cuba?

I am travelling to Cuba in the next couple of weeks and understand I can only convert my currency (GBP) once I have landed in Havana. What is the way of doing this which offers the best value? Is this normally done in the airport itself in order to pay for the taxi?

EDIT I am arriving independently of any tour companies/operators. I would be interested to know if most travellers arrive just with a wad of cash (seems risky in my opinion).

money cuba hav

Best Answer

I've only ever done all-inclusive in Cuba, where the best way to exchange money is at the resort - more because it's the only reasonably simple way to do it than because you get the best rates. Cuba likes to keep control of the exchange process. I doubt that exchanging money at the airport is substantially worse than exchanging it at a hotel.

Cubans really like foreign currency, and I would expect that you could find a taxi willing to take GBP, though I couldn't answer for the exchange rate.

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What is the most cost effective way of exchanging currency in Cuba? - Gold and Silver Round Coins

Should I exchange money before going to Cuba?

As for type of currency, tourists are encouraged to use Cuba Convertible Pesos (CUC). You can exchange or buy them at the airport or resort. Cubans are also happy accepting Canadian dollars and Euros, too.

Should I bring USD or CAD Cuba?

US dollars are not accepted in cash anywhere in Cuba, while Canadian currency is widely accepted. At the hotels and resort areas payments are accepted only with Debit/visa or Visa credit cards from Canadian banks.

Can you still exchange CUC in Cuba?

On 10 December 2020, it was announced that monetary unification would take effect from 1 January 2021. From that date, the CUC was no longer accepted in many Cuban businesses; it could only be exchanged in banks or CADECAs (casas de cambios), or used in certain shops, for a six-month period.

WHAT CURRENCY TO USE IN CUBA 2021 | Travel money | Cuba travel | Travel tips

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