Spending in cuba

niadoz

Hi guys,
We r going to cuba in December. Will not need much spending money as 10 nights of the holidays is all inclusive. However, we will be spending 4 nights in Havana (room only) so will need some cash/plastic for food/trips and some spending money. We have a nationwide debit and credit card (VISA) and also HSBC and Halifax Capitol One card. We/ve heard that cuba dont always accept cards. Does anyone know what to take, cash/cards or combination of both.
Thanks in advance x

pboae

Your best bet, especially if you don't need much money, is to take Sterling cash. Ideally £20 notes but £10 are OK as well, try to get new or nearly new ones, but definitely with no tears, marks or damage on them.

The situation with cards is complicated, the problem isn't with Cuba but with the USA, because of USA sanctions no USA regulated bank can have a financial relationship with Cuba. A card drawn on a British bank ought to work, but in practice, it's a bit hit and miss.

So your Nationwide card ought to work, but I have read reports of them being refused, the HSBC card ought to be refused, but my OH used his when we were in Cuba. I don't know what the situation is with HBOS.

You could try ringing your bank and asking them, but I never really got satisfactory answers from my banks. I don't think the staff actually know themselves.

So I would say, take Sterling cash with you, and your cards. Try the cards when you get there (most of the big tourist hotels have cash machines) and see if they work. If one of them does, fine, if not, budget carefully ;-) and don't forget to save 25 CUC (Cuban convertibles) per person, to pay the airport tax when you leave.

shudd1967

I took my egg card the last 2 years we have been and had no problem, just remember though they can add on anything up to 15% for using it, that can vary depending on resort and what the law is that week!

Personally I would take £ and convert it, everything is very cheap and to be honest there is very little to buy. Just need the pesos for tips.

I adore Cuba, going back for third time in Jan! Have a fantastic time.