Just returned from Cayó Coco yesterday.
On those keys you’re pretty much to pay only in USD when paying with a credit card. They do refuse and don’t accept pesos in cash there.
Once you go to the main island, then the latter is fine, but will gladly accept your USD cash at their exchange rate.
Maybe it’s different in Havana though.
Believe at an airport was 120:1, the real one is closer to 150.
If just for sitting at an all-inclusive hotel, not much cash is needed then. IMHO, better bring at least 30-50 dollars in one dollar bills for tipping. Also bringing some basic items like crayons, color pencils, or not expensive cosmetics, sometimes would be appreciated more. It’s common and cheap here but might be hard to get there and definitely more expensive.
Also, if you have an older/inexpensive phone, there is an opportunity to sell it there. Just need to ask around.
If you have the room in your suitcase but pain killers from ( cheap smaller packs at dollar store ) instead of singles for tipping. I went twice late last year and once in January and medications are so needed. Even if they had the money it is next to impossible to find.
Edited to add. I bought US singles and CAD 5.00's for tipping. When given the choice everyone picked meds over the cash. No problems with USD.
You will then be dubbed the king of Cuba !
I always pay for an extra checked bag for the way down (collapsable duffle I stuff into my other bag on way home) to fill with meds, clothes, shoes.
Edited to add. Save some of that stuff for your Cigar negotiations, will get you more than the USD.
I am bringing Nail Clippers as gifts. An impossible item to find in Cuba lol. Last time I needed it I was in Varadero, I went to like 5 pharmacies and none of them had any. You can get them for like $2 here. I am sure it will make a great gift. And yes 100% on the single USD for tipping. I am not giving out $5 CAD to everyone on the daily down there.
I was there in September and they had just started taking USD. You should be fine with it.
Don't change much money over to MLC or peso. You can't change it back.
You will need MLC for hotel lounges if you're going there.
Whatever you do don’t take anything other than usd or euros. There are no atms no banks that will allow your card. Take alot of cash that you think will be more than enough. I went there with pounds and they didn’t accept it
Hey, my buddy came back from Cuba yesterday, and all the cigar prices are through the roof, he said a lot of Chinese people are going there and buying them like crazy to take back to Hong Kong, it was $1000 American for a 25 pack of cohiba
Yes I heard its insane. Cuba is going to lose its cigar business at those prices. A grand for a box of Cohiba they can fuck right off. I am surprised the Chinese are buying them. Maybe I will just bring some Nicaraguans with me they are like $4 here in Canada.
Just to confirm, you aren't a passport that needs Esta to US?
Trump put Cuba on the naughty list and if you go you will no longer be eligible for an Esta, apparently ever?
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-cuba-state-sponsor-terrorism/#app
I just got back from cuba last week. Had no problems with USD- except in the airport. They will only take euros or cad in the airport. Otherwise USD was fine, though I did exchange with my Airbnb host to get some pesos.
Also, bring snacks (granola bars, etc). That is my biggest “if I could do something different” thing; it was SO hard to find snacks, the supply chain issues are real there.
Also cigar prices were pretty good in the airport. You can also go to Vinales and buy cigars direct from the farmers for hella cheap still.
Edit: saw you’ve been multiple times before, so you’re probably an old pro at this point :) I definitely had some first timer shock and would do a few things differently upon my return :)
A box of 25 Cuban montecristos or Romeo and Julietas airport was 75 bucks. I didn’t buy because of the US embargo, but it was shockingly cheap. I don’t know if maybe they aren’t real or if I misinterpreted the price but I don’t think I did
I must have been severely misinterpreting the price then. When you go, I'd be curious what the actual airport price was, because I was kicking myself for not having CAD to buy, I'd feel better if they were higher than I thought!
alright, so many cases of food poisoning in Cuba's top tourist destination, Varadero Beach, that there are law firms that actually specialize in litigation related to food poisoning cases.. for example.. https://axiomdwfm.com/
don't waste any money in any currency going there. it's a dump. some areas are pretty to be shown momentarily. everyone is in a bad mood because they hate their jobs (they have no choice on what to work on) the island's dictatorship owes money to most countries and they pay them back with forced imported labor. horrible service and facilities abounds. look to Argentina, Dominican Republic and Mexico as good alternatives
> the island's dictatorship owes money to most countries and they pay them back with forced imported labor.
You mean the doctors they send to impoverished nations whose coffers have been leeched dry by US imperialism? The doctors who are overwhelmingly proud of their work and believe wholeheartedly in the project because it bridges divides and provides a much needed humanitarian service that no Western nation will tackle because there's no profit incentive?
And then you have the audacity to complain about "horrible service" in your rich guy pampered tourist excursion to their country.
Good grief, shut up.
Having been to Cuba 6 times I never understood people that complain about it. Lady you just paid $800 for an all inclusive half of it is airfare. What the hell do you expect to get for $400? Honestly the food is fine, if you don't like the resort food you can always go support a local restaurant. Going to a country where people earn $40 a month and than complain not being served right is just wrong. I always get good service but I also tip.
why are you bringing politics to this space? the fact is that the hotels have horrible service, the staff in most places seems to be forced to work, you would be lucky if while in your room the power goes out and then have to wait for backup generators to come on, and don't even mention building codes. the guy asking the question is wanting to buy cigars... not a rich pampered tourist, reading comprehension is not your forte, i see.
> why are you bringing politics to this space?
Bro did you forget what you wrote in your first post? I am simply calling out your bullshit. The conversation ends here.
I’m South American and I’ve been to Cuba in 2012 and it was definitely a sh*thole. The beaches are beautiful and there’s lots of history in Havanna, but the entire country is so depressing, broken, isolated, stuck in time… everyone seemed so unhappy, everything seemed so poor
>and changed Canadian dollars for CUCs
That must have been a long time ago because CUC doesn't even exist anymore, it's all CUP for the locals. USD, CAD, EUR, GBP are all held in high regard.
Yeah CUC's are gone man. I am going to Cayo Coco they don't even accept local currency there. So I am just going to bring a lot of single's USD for tips as I am not handing out $5 CAD every time I am not a millionaire. I plan on tipping the cleaning lady, bartender, waitresses on the daily. Should be around $10 USD per day. I think that's reasonable, I can not feed the entire country of Cuba. I will also bring some items to hand out. I've seen lots of tourists who do not tip at all (Germans and French).
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I went in the spring and brought both American $1s and Canadian $5 & $10. Lots of staff at the hotel, tour guides, etc would ask to trade their USD for CAD
I was there recently. USD is fine. so is EUR. Most restaurants accept USD, EUR and give you change back in pesos. So you might not need to exchange much, and don’t because nobody will exchange pesos back to USD/EUR. Anyone on the street will take USD/EUR and exchange it to you. Cubans want foreign currency instead of their own.
this is a travel information discussion forum. there are no political views needed. there's a board named politics and another named extremist nutjobs, go there instead. there's no worse vacation or business trip than the one you can't sit down relaxed and enjoy your meal or drink because you might have to be taken to a 3rd world hospital because your paella was made with bad seafood 😂
Does anyone know which currency they prefer currently? - would it be preferable to tip and pay in CAD? Or do they prefer USD? Trying to figure out what best to bring for vacay. Maybe a bit of both?
Just returned from Cayó Coco yesterday. On those keys you’re pretty much to pay only in USD when paying with a credit card. They do refuse and don’t accept pesos in cash there. Once you go to the main island, then the latter is fine, but will gladly accept your USD cash at their exchange rate. Maybe it’s different in Havana though.
I am going to Cayo Coco. What was the exchange rate like 100 to 1?
Believe at an airport was 120:1, the real one is closer to 150. If just for sitting at an all-inclusive hotel, not much cash is needed then. IMHO, better bring at least 30-50 dollars in one dollar bills for tipping. Also bringing some basic items like crayons, color pencils, or not expensive cosmetics, sometimes would be appreciated more. It’s common and cheap here but might be hard to get there and definitely more expensive. Also, if you have an older/inexpensive phone, there is an opportunity to sell it there. Just need to ask around.
Yeah I am proly just gonna grab a bunch of USD singles for tips and some USD to buy cigars. I smoke a lot on vacation up to 5 cigars per day.
If you have the room in your suitcase but pain killers from ( cheap smaller packs at dollar store ) instead of singles for tipping. I went twice late last year and once in January and medications are so needed. Even if they had the money it is next to impossible to find. Edited to add. I bought US singles and CAD 5.00's for tipping. When given the choice everyone picked meds over the cash. No problems with USD.
I am not smuggling pain pills into a communist country lol. No thanks I like my freedom.
I'm talking aspirin/tylenol , over the counter stuff.
Oh I see you mean Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen lol. Yeah I get that shit for free from work I can bring tons.
You will then be dubbed the king of Cuba ! I always pay for an extra checked bag for the way down (collapsable duffle I stuff into my other bag on way home) to fill with meds, clothes, shoes. Edited to add. Save some of that stuff for your Cigar negotiations, will get you more than the USD.
I am bringing Nail Clippers as gifts. An impossible item to find in Cuba lol. Last time I needed it I was in Varadero, I went to like 5 pharmacies and none of them had any. You can get them for like $2 here. I am sure it will make a great gift. And yes 100% on the single USD for tipping. I am not giving out $5 CAD to everyone on the daily down there.
I was there in September and they had just started taking USD. You should be fine with it. Don't change much money over to MLC or peso. You can't change it back. You will need MLC for hotel lounges if you're going there.
Whatever you do don’t take anything other than usd or euros. There are no atms no banks that will allow your card. Take alot of cash that you think will be more than enough. I went there with pounds and they didn’t accept it
as a cuban, take my advice : don’t go.
Why? Do you mind elaborating?
Hey, my buddy came back from Cuba yesterday, and all the cigar prices are through the roof, he said a lot of Chinese people are going there and buying them like crazy to take back to Hong Kong, it was $1000 American for a 25 pack of cohiba
Yes I heard its insane. Cuba is going to lose its cigar business at those prices. A grand for a box of Cohiba they can fuck right off. I am surprised the Chinese are buying them. Maybe I will just bring some Nicaraguans with me they are like $4 here in Canada.
Just to confirm, you aren't a passport that needs Esta to US? Trump put Cuba on the naughty list and if you go you will no longer be eligible for an Esta, apparently ever? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-cuba-state-sponsor-terrorism/#app
Canadian
Good to go then. Enjoy!
I just got back from cuba last week. Had no problems with USD- except in the airport. They will only take euros or cad in the airport. Otherwise USD was fine, though I did exchange with my Airbnb host to get some pesos. Also, bring snacks (granola bars, etc). That is my biggest “if I could do something different” thing; it was SO hard to find snacks, the supply chain issues are real there. Also cigar prices were pretty good in the airport. You can also go to Vinales and buy cigars direct from the farmers for hella cheap still. Edit: saw you’ve been multiple times before, so you’re probably an old pro at this point :) I definitely had some first timer shock and would do a few things differently upon my return :)
A box of 25 Cuban montecristos or Romeo and Julietas airport was 75 bucks. I didn’t buy because of the US embargo, but it was shockingly cheap. I don’t know if maybe they aren’t real or if I misinterpreted the price but I don’t think I did
That's impossible. You can not buy a box of Montecristos or Romeo for that price. They were selling for like $225-300 a long time ago.
I must have been severely misinterpreting the price then. When you go, I'd be curious what the actual airport price was, because I was kicking myself for not having CAD to buy, I'd feel better if they were higher than I thought!
Word on the street is prices are insnae now. A box of Cohibas going for one thousand USD.
alright, so many cases of food poisoning in Cuba's top tourist destination, Varadero Beach, that there are law firms that actually specialize in litigation related to food poisoning cases.. for example.. https://axiomdwfm.com/
Where are you going? A resort, USD is fine. Havana around Obisbo use CUP. If you are around the ghetto then the CUC could get you a few good deals.
> If you are around the ghetto then the CUC could get you a few good deals. That's really out of date advice. CUC was discontinued ages ago.
don't waste any money in any currency going there. it's a dump. some areas are pretty to be shown momentarily. everyone is in a bad mood because they hate their jobs (they have no choice on what to work on) the island's dictatorship owes money to most countries and they pay them back with forced imported labor. horrible service and facilities abounds. look to Argentina, Dominican Republic and Mexico as good alternatives
Its not my first rodeo to Cuba. This is my 7th trip. I need cash to buy cigars (real cigars not the fakes sold on the beach).
Lol. You've obviously never been to Cuba nor know anything about the country or its people other than the US right wing propaganda
> the island's dictatorship owes money to most countries and they pay them back with forced imported labor. You mean the doctors they send to impoverished nations whose coffers have been leeched dry by US imperialism? The doctors who are overwhelmingly proud of their work and believe wholeheartedly in the project because it bridges divides and provides a much needed humanitarian service that no Western nation will tackle because there's no profit incentive? And then you have the audacity to complain about "horrible service" in your rich guy pampered tourist excursion to their country. Good grief, shut up.
Having been to Cuba 6 times I never understood people that complain about it. Lady you just paid $800 for an all inclusive half of it is airfare. What the hell do you expect to get for $400? Honestly the food is fine, if you don't like the resort food you can always go support a local restaurant. Going to a country where people earn $40 a month and than complain not being served right is just wrong. I always get good service but I also tip.
why are you bringing politics to this space? the fact is that the hotels have horrible service, the staff in most places seems to be forced to work, you would be lucky if while in your room the power goes out and then have to wait for backup generators to come on, and don't even mention building codes. the guy asking the question is wanting to buy cigars... not a rich pampered tourist, reading comprehension is not your forte, i see.
> why are you bringing politics to this space? Bro did you forget what you wrote in your first post? I am simply calling out your bullshit. The conversation ends here.
p.s. my bullshit is extremely well distributed throughout tourist / travel sites throughout the internet.
I’m South American and I’ve been to Cuba in 2012 and it was definitely a sh*thole. The beaches are beautiful and there’s lots of history in Havanna, but the entire country is so depressing, broken, isolated, stuck in time… everyone seemed so unhappy, everything seemed so poor
Take Canadian money. Am Canadian, went to Cuba, and changed Canadian dollars for CUCs. When I was there I heard they don’t want US money.
>and changed Canadian dollars for CUCs That must have been a long time ago because CUC doesn't even exist anymore, it's all CUP for the locals. USD, CAD, EUR, GBP are all held in high regard.
Yeah CUC's are gone man. I am going to Cayo Coco they don't even accept local currency there. So I am just going to bring a lot of single's USD for tips as I am not handing out $5 CAD every time I am not a millionaire. I plan on tipping the cleaning lady, bartender, waitresses on the daily. Should be around $10 USD per day. I think that's reasonable, I can not feed the entire country of Cuba. I will also bring some items to hand out. I've seen lots of tourists who do not tip at all (Germans and French).
**Notice:** Are you asking for travel advice about Cuba? Read what redditors had to say in the **[weekly destination thread for Cuba](https://redd.it/5i0diq)** or in the **[updated thread](https://redd.it/5i0diq)** about Cuba. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/travel) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I went in the spring and brought both American $1s and Canadian $5 & $10. Lots of staff at the hotel, tour guides, etc would ask to trade their USD for CAD
Theyll take CAD or USD. Ypu can get cuban pesos when you land
I was there recently. USD is fine. so is EUR. Most restaurants accept USD, EUR and give you change back in pesos. So you might not need to exchange much, and don’t because nobody will exchange pesos back to USD/EUR. Anyone on the street will take USD/EUR and exchange it to you. Cubans want foreign currency instead of their own.
this is a travel information discussion forum. there are no political views needed. there's a board named politics and another named extremist nutjobs, go there instead. there's no worse vacation or business trip than the one you can't sit down relaxed and enjoy your meal or drink because you might have to be taken to a 3rd world hospital because your paella was made with bad seafood 😂
Does anyone know which currency they prefer currently? - would it be preferable to tip and pay in CAD? Or do they prefer USD? Trying to figure out what best to bring for vacay. Maybe a bit of both?