What currency to take to Cuba?

[ilikeyoursleeves]

I am confused- US dollars, Cuban convertable pesos or Cuban pesos?

None!

They have a closed currency apparently so you have to get your CUCs or CUPs there.

Not dollars as they can't spend them (so don't tip with them) and I understand you get a poorer rate for them.

We're off to Cuba in May and have been told to take sterling and convert it in the banks or hotels there. We were also told as we're going All Inclusive and unlikely to need cash outside the hotel (if at all) to take very little cash.

This looks quite useful - scroll down to 'Exchanging Currency'

Thanks Sidge! Where are you going? We are going all inclusive too- next week :) to Varadero.

Can't wait!

Oh lovely! We're going to the Playa Pesquero in Guardalavaca. Paid the balance today (ouch!) but we're so looking forward to it!

Let me know how you get on, I was a little hesitant booking for Cuba (had heard mixed reviews) but we bit the bullet and went for it. It does look beautiful.

Have a wonderful time

My eyes are bleeding with jealousy, both of you. I'd LOVE to go to Cuba :)

Will let you know how it goes! My main fear is travelling with our 1 & 3 year old DS's ... and the food. I heard it is a bit bleh but meant to be OK in the resorts.

Here's hoping!

We only took £. Had a fab time. Bet you will too.

I've been to Cuba 3x and absolutely love it!

Just a few tips: Do take some cash as you will probably want to leave the resort sometimes
and may want to do some excursions

Don't bring US dollars, the only currency accepted is Pounds, Euros, Swiss Francs, Mexican Pesos and Japanese Yen.

Bring enough cash to last the holiday, can be difficult to get money at ATMs (and banks work slowly!), you can keep it in the room safe, only costs about 2 CUC a day.

Credit cards carry an 11% commission, so well worth using it only in emergencies!

Have a great time, Cuba is wonderful!

Oh yea, and have a look at the Lonely Planet forum, there's a whole section devoted to Cuba!

American Express "that will do nicely" but not in Cuba. American Express cards are NOT accepted ANYWHERE in Cuba. Same goes for for any US bank cards www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/cuba.

Please Please Please, if you get the chance go outside the all inclusive hotels and spend your tourism money in local places. Support the local economy and not just fill the pockets of the all inclusive resorts.

Sidge - We've booked the Playa Pesquero for October half term - Please could you let me know how you get on in May? Hope you have a fab time!

Havana club rum is £3 a bottle in Cuba, it's £20 here! It's bloody lovely too.

I don't think we even spent £100 , everything was so cheap.

We stayed on Cayo coco last year, it was lovely but quite cut off from the real Cuba.

Ooh I'm very jealous. We went to Varadero for our honeymoon. It was a while ago so was all dollars then so no advice for you there!

But if you get the chance, have a trip to Havana and lose your guide as soon as you can . It is probably the coolest place I have ever been.

I've been to Cuba 5 times. Stayed at Cayo Gulliermo - close to Cayo Coco. It's fab there and the beaches are the best. The food is not great though. People are very friendly and if you can go to Havana, do. It's fab.

Your hotel will probably have a kids' club for the over 4s. If your kids are anything like mine, the beach will provide hours of fun.