Cuba is a country that attracts tourists with its unusual atmosphere. The currency of Cuba and the financial system of the country are also not like the others. We propose to consider this issue in more detail.
Republic of Cuba - Liberty Island
The state of Cuba is more than 1600 islands located in the Caribbean Sea, between North and South America.
On the main island there are about three hundred beaches that stretch along the entire coastline of Cuba. And this is about 1250 kilometers.
It is good to be a tourist here both in winter and in summer - the temperature is favorable for year-round recreation. For example, from November to April, the air warms up to + 28–32 0 , and water - up to +25 0 . From April to October, the temperature rises to +37 0 , and water - up to +28 0 . Throughout the year sunny weather prevails.
As for the cultural program, then in Cuba there is where to go and what to see. The most famous sights are the Havana Capitol, the historical center of the capital of Cuba - Old Havana, the Cathedral of St. Christopher on Cienaga Square, the Hemingway House Museum, the Colon Cemetery, La Fuerza Fortress, the Malecon Embankment, the Havana Bolshoi Theater and much more.
What is the currency in Cuba?
This question is always relevant for any tourist. The national currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso, which is equivalent to one hundred cents.
As for the face value, there are the following varieties:
- peso banknotes: 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50;
- peso coins: 1 and 3;
- cents coins: 1, 2, 5, 20 and 40.
Also in the country there is a special type of peso - convertible. It is equal to the dollar at the rate of 1: 0.9 and was created specifically for tourists. Convertible differs from the usual peso by the inscription “convertible”. Convertible pesos can pay for the purchase of goods, taxis, transport, tax departure.
Tourists can pay with US dollars only in some large hotels and restaurants. But there is always a chance that they will refuse to accept the currency.
The currency of Cuba and its exchange
In Cuba, you can make currency exchange at banks, exchange offices and in many hotels. As a result of the exchange of any currency, a tax of 8% is levied.
When exchanging US dollars, a commission is provided, the amount of which is 10% of the amount of exchange. When converting another currency, this fee is absent.
As a result of the exchange, instead of the euro, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Swiss francs, you can get a convertible peso.
Opening hours of Cuban banks: from 8:30 (some from 9:00) to 15:00 (sometimes until 15:30 or 16:00), with a lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00 on weekdays, from 8 : 30 to 10:30 on Saturday. Other exchangers for the most part operate around the clock.
Financial Travel Tips
Perhaps these financial tips will help make your stay in Cuba unforgettable:
- although the currency of Cuba and the peso, it is better for the tourist to exchange money for convertible pesos;
- you can use credit cards VISA, EUROCARD and others, except AMERICAN EXPRESS;
- the country does not accept cards and travel checks issued by an American bank;
- It’s better to carry Euros, British Pounds, Canadian dollars or Swiss francs with you than American dollars;
- Cuban pesos are quite convenient to pay in distant places from the center (for example, in the outback you can inexpensively, but eat tasty and pay pesos);
- there are always long queues at exchangers, so it’s better to immediately change part of the money for pesos;
- there is a tax of 11.24% on all credit card transactions;
- there are no restrictions on the import and export of currency only if the amount is indicated in the customs declaration, and when exporting, you must also have a check from a bank or exchange office that confirms the legality of receiving the currency;
- the exchange rate at almost all exchange points is the same at the state level.