Caribbean
Money, cards and tipping in Cuba
CUPPeso
Money in Cuba
Cash only Cash only: bring everything you need in clean US dollar or euro notes. Visa and Mastercard stopped working in June 2026; US cards never worked. US$1 ≈ $24.00 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Tip in cash: about 10% in restaurants, plus small dollar or euro notes for guides, drivers, musicians and casa hosts.
- ATMs: Foreign cards don't work in ATMs or card terminals, so you can't withdraw cash at all. Bring enough.
- Paying by phone: None for visitors: Transfermóvil and EnZona need Cuban accounts. A Cuban prepaid Clásica card is the only card option.
- Price level: about 39% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Havana | Cash only | Cash only: bring US dollars or euros in clean notes. Foreign and US cards don't work in ATMs or terminals. |
| Varadero | Cash only | Cash only. Foreign and US cards don't work in ATMs or terminals; bring US dollars or euros. All-inclusive resorts are often prepaid abroad. |
| Viñales | Cash only | Cash only: bring US dollars or euros. Foreign cards don't work and there is no ATM option. Small bills help pay for casa meals and tours. |
| Trinidad | Cash only | Cash only: bring US dollars or euros in clean notes. Foreign cards don't work in ATMs or terminals. |
| Santiago de Cuba | Cash only | Cash only: bring US dollars or euros in clean notes. Foreign cards don't work in ATMs or terminals, so bring enough for your trip. |
| Cienfuegos | Cash only | Cash only: bring enough US dollars or euros for the whole trip. Foreign cards do not work in ATMs or terminals. |
| Cayo Coco | Cash only | Bring cash in US dollars or euros; foreign cards do not work reliably. All-inclusive resorts cover most costs, but tips and excursions need cash. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Cuba?
Tip in cash: about 10% in restaurants, plus small dollar or euro notes for guides, drivers, musicians and casa hosts.
Is Cuba cashless?
Cash only. Cash only: bring everything you need in clean US dollar or euro notes. Visa and Mastercard stopped working in June 2026; US cards never worked.
What currency does Cuba use?
The Peso (CUP). US$1 ≈ $24.00 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Cuba
- D'Viajeros traveller information portal
- eVisa-Cuba
- ETECSA CubacelTur for visitors
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.