The convertible peso or CUC no longer exists
Previously, Cuba had two official currencies: CUC, the main currency of the country, and CUP, the Cuban peso, used for small expenses. In practice, tourists used CUC for all their purchases. All they had to do was withdraw these CUCs from an ATM or exchange money at a Cuban bank.
In 2021, the government abolished the CUC, making the CUP the sole official currency, while allowing the circulation of foreign currencies. The result: The CUP didn’t go away, while the euro became the island’s strong currency. So you can travel in Euros and pay in notes, but not in coins, which the Cubans refuse because they are impossible to change. It is also possible to pay by international credit card, but some banks do not work with Cuba. Therefore, it is necessary to check with your institution in advance.
Beware of the new Euro exchange system, CUO
Bartering on the black market, which is very profitable, has become a common practice. As an indication, 1 euro is equivalent to 24 CUP at the official rate and 120 CUP at the parallel rate in June 2022. However, private businesses that are highly sought after by tourists on the Caribbean island (drivers, guesthouses, restaurants, guides, etc.) set their prices according to the black market exchange rate. Changing your Euros at banks or at the airport at the official exchange rate will therefore pay five times more. for any private service…
Moreover, now in Cuba, cash euros are accepted almost everywhere (except in state-owned companies, where you usually pay with a card in foreign currency), after all, CUPs are not used much. so just change small amounts. “Before flying to Cuba you should plan to take a lot of Euros in cash, this will allow you to pay most of the expenses on the spot.” advises Diana Gonzalez, Director of the Cuban Tourist Office in France. To get CUPs at the best rate, all you have to do is pay in Euros to individuals, taxi drivers or bed and breakfast owners who lend money in CUPs, for example.
The Internet is becoming accessible to everyone
Until 2020, to use the Internet outside of hotels, you had to connect to public wifi terminals, which were often full. “Good news, 4G is available everywhere. An 8GB SIM card costs €10 and tourists can use one.”Javier Destribats, director of the Kempinski hotel group in Cuba, reports.
Loss of ESTA when traveling to Miami
Before the pandemic, many travelers took advantage of their stay in Cuba to escape to Miami, a 45-minute flight from Havana. However, in January 2021, Donald Trump included Cuba in the list of terrorist countries, which makes tourism in this country illegal. Result? Travelers with an ESTA (Electronic Visa-Free Entry Authorization) lose it at the Miami airport if they arrive from Cuba.
“Cuba is not included in the list of banned countries ESTA website but for Miami Border Patrol, Trump’s measure is law. If interested travelers wish to return to the United States later, they will need a visa.” reveals Miami immigration attorney Paola Uskelis.
Source: Le Figaro
