Cuba with First Direct cards.

basill

We are going to Cuba for a holiday later this year. I know that US related credit and debit cards will not accepted.

I have found conflicting information on the web and here about First Direct Visa Debit and Visa CCs. The bank state that they will be accepted where the visa sign appears, but some travel websites say HSBC is on the exclusion list. Does anyone have recent experience?

For a backup could someone recommend a suitable pre pay card?

Its probably time to apply for a Nationwide account

B

simplepete

im going next month, and the travel agent said my Barclaycard would be fine, if thats any help. its a visa debit.

stephb34

Thomas cook credit cards work in cuba, or your best bet is the good old sterling notes.

basill

Back now, had a great trip.

I took plenty of cash but did use my cards there.

I was able to pay for an excursion using my First Direct Visa credit card and found my Visa debit card worked in a Havana Cadeca ATM and a varadero cigar shop.

Cash is definitely king in Cuba, all card transactions get converted to US Dollars and attract a 11% surcharge. I have not done the Convertible peso/USD/Sterling conversions but from a glance at my statement I dont think it worked out too bad.

Hope this ties up the thread and hope any other FD customers and moneysavers going to Cuba have a great time.

B