Cuban Currency Information

The Cuban convertible peso is the only currency accepted in business establishments throughout the country, for the purchase of service and goods, so you will need to exchange your Canadian dollars or sterling pounds or any other foreign currency into convertible pesos at the hotel reception or at an international bank

Canadian dollars and foreign currency may be converted with an 8% fee. Canadian (and any other foreign) credit card purchases will be processed with an 11.24% fee. US dollars may be exchanged at 18% commission fee.

You can change your money at any hotel, most of which charge very modest service fees.

Credit cards and travellers cheques issued by American financial institutions are not accepted in Cuba.

You cannot use your Canadian bank card (Debit Cards) at ATM's to retrieve local currency. You can however use your credit card for a cash advance.

There is also a "local" (non-convertible) peso used by Cubans. The banknotes look quite different and do not say "convertible".

The currency exchange service will be provided at the airports, hotels, banks and exchange houses.

International credit (not issued by American banks) will continue to be accepted in Cuba, either to pay for services or to draw cash from ATM machines.

Departure tax will be paid in Cuban convertible pesos which at present is $25.00 CUC. This is paid at the airport and must be paid in cash.