What Is The Currency In Cuba (2023)?

The system of currency in Cuba has given tourists headaches for quite a while, so it is not at all strange that you are wondering what is the currency in Cuba!

The former dual-currency system in Cuba appeared complicated for most foreigners in the last decades.

In 2021, however, the Cuban government changed the monetary system and removed one monetary unit, but the changes have not made the Cuban currency system any less complicated, unfortunately.

Whatever you are wondering about money in Cuba, what currency to use in Cuba, or what Cuba’s exchange rate is – here is what you need to know about money before your Cuba holiday in 2023.

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Quick Facts About Currency In Cuba

• The Cuban Peso (CUP), which the Cubans call the Moneda Nacional, is the only official Cuban currency valid after 2021
• One Euro sells for around 170 CUP on the street in Cuba (November 2022, this number fluctuates)
• You CAN use an international Visa or Mastercard in some hotels and restaurants in Cuba, but still not everywhere
• Follow this link to check the current official and unofficial value of the Cuban Peso from Cuban exchange offices
• Cuban governmental shops, called MLC stores, only accept credit cards (except US credit cards) and not cash
• US credit cards are NOT accepted anywhere in Cuba
• You can extract CUP from Cuban ATMs, but NOT from ATMs outside of Cuba prior to your holiday
• US $$ in cash is NOT officially accepted in Cuba in 2023, but it CAN be changed on the black market and used in private enterprises like paladares, to pay for taxis, and on the street.
• Euro is VERY popular in Cuba 2022
• You can change Euro in cash for CUP in exchange offices, or with a trusted person in Cuba
• You CAN use Euro in cash for many services and in many shops in Cuba
• Some places and shops do NOT accept Cuban CUP, ONLY Euro or credit card
• Some places accept ONLY Euro in cash, NOTHING else
• You can change foreign currency into CUP “on the street”, but be aware that counterfeit Cuban money does exist
• Bring the majority of your holiday budget in Euro (or Canadian dollars) in cash for your Cuba holiday, you can pay in these currencies in most places – and in some places, it is even (unofficially) mandatory!

What Is The Currency In Cuba 2023?

In January 2021 the Cuban government reformed the system of dual currency in Cuba (CUC and CUP) that has existed since the 90ies.

They removed the CUC, so now the CUP, the Cuban Peso, is the only national currency that is valid in Cuba.

In June 2021, the Cuban national bank also announced a formal suspension of the use of dollar deposits due to the US sanctions.

For you, as a tourist in 2023, this means that US $$ in cash no longer formally has any value in Cuba.

This is still a truth with modifications, as many paladares (private restaurants) and private businesses accept US dollars in cash, while governmental facilities do not.

The foreign currency used in Cuba that has official value in 2023 is mainly the euro, and also the Canadian dollar.

Also read: 42 Legendary Things To Do In Havana!

The National Currency Of Cuba

The only official national currency of Cuba from 2021 is the Cuban Pesos (CUP), also called Moneda Nacional.

The CUP is only available in Cuba. You can withdraw CUP in an ATM when you arrive in Cuba, or you can bring Euro in cash and exchange this in an exchange office (or on the street).

In January 2023 one Euro is worth up to 170 CUP on the streets of Cuba, on the black currency market, while the official exchange rate is lower.

Also read: Fantastic Day Trip From Havana To Vinales!

Currency In Cuba For Tourists

Before January 2021, when there were two currencies in Cuba, one of them was known as the “tourist currency”, the CUC, before the government abolished the CUC and the dual currency system.

In 2023, there is only one national currency to use in Cuba for everyone, including tourists, which is the CUP, or Peso Cubano – also called Moneda Nacional.

Also read: Where To Stay Havana | Best Hotels, Neighborhoods And Areas 2022!

Currency In Cuba – Cards vs Cash

Cuban citizens have two different credit cards from Cuban banks. One that has only CUP in it, and one that has only “MLC” in it. MLC means Moneda Libremente Convertible and refers to foreign currency.

When the Cubans talk about the value of the MLC, it is generally the value of the US dollar they are referring to.

As the CUP is the only official currency in Cuba, in theory, you should be able to pay for anything with CUP. But this is not the case in reality.

Weirdly, euro and Canadian dollars are accepted (or expected) in a lot of places due to their street value and value in so-called MLC shops.

The Governmental Cuban MLC Shops

The reason Cubans need a special MLC card with foreign currency in it is that in Cuba there is a chain of governmental shops that do not accept the domestic currency CUP.

These are called MLC shops. In these shops Cubans (and foreigners) can only pay with international currency credit cards (except US credit cards).

These are the shops that have clothes, shoes, all kinds of soap and vanity things, canned foods, detergent, cleaning stuff, kitchen appliances, interior accessories, refrigerators, and air conditioners, anything really, except fresh foods.

In order to deposit currency to their MLC cards, Cubans need someone outside the country to transfer currency to their account.

Or, they can deposit MLC (like Euro) in cash by physically going to the bank and depositing it to their MLC card.

In 2023 it is not possible to withdraw international currency from any bank in Cuba, only CUP. Hence, Cubans can only get foreign currency like Euro, in cash, if tourists bring it on their holiday to pay for stuff.

Because of the weird system with domestic MLC shops, the result is you can pay with foreign currency in cash in many places on the street as people need it to do their domestic shopping.

What Is the Currency In Cuba for Paladares and Particulares

Private enterprises, called particulares, will accept US dollars in 2023, although the dollar officially still is not officially permitted for use in Cuba.

Paladares (private restaurants), taxis, private tourist services, sports activities, tours, and almost any service Cubans offer to tourists will also accept foreign currency as payment.

So you should bring a lot of cash. Pay for stuff in cash in foreign currency, change what you need into CUP in Cuba, and change back what you don`t use when you go home.

Apart from in the governmental MLC stores you can normally also choose to pay with CUP in 2023, although people prefer foreing currency. This goes for fruit and vegetables, sandwiches on the streets, memorabilia in tourist shops, bicycle taxis, or propina, the Spanish word for tips.

Also read: 19 Best Things To Do In Varadero Cuba!

International Credit Cards In Cuba

Regardless of what is the isolated domestic currency in Cuba, you can use your international credit cards like Visa, or Mastercard, in an increasing number of places in 2023, but the majority of places are not online yet.

Large hotels and resorts will most likely accept payment with credit cards, and some will only accept credit cards, not cash.

Yet, I went scuba diving in Varadero in 2022 and was expected to pay for the day with Euro (CUP was not accepted), in cash. Electronic payment proved super difficult, so be prepared.

You can pay for some Cuban services online with your credit card, like bus transfers on the Viazul Bus Company homepage. You can also pay online for some prebooked accommodation before you arrive.

Again: Note that American credit cards are not accepted anywhere in Cuba, so American travelers need to bring all the money they need for their holiday, in cash. In Euro, not $$.

Also read: 10 Perfect Day Trips From Havana!

How Much Cash Should I Bring To Cuba?

Well, how big is a fish? If you are wondering how much cash you should bring to Cuba, it all depends on how you plan to travel. In luxury or backpacking style, or somewhere in between?

As a rule of thumb, I would say bring the amount of money in cash (Euro or Canadian dollars, not USD), that you plan on spending in Cuba.

Also what activities and adventures do you are planning to do on your Cuba holiday in 2022, and how much they cost.

So make sure to do your research before you go to have a good idea of what amount you need.

Plan your whole budget for (not prepaid) accommodation, food, shopping, transport, and activities during your stay in cash. You can easily change back what currency you don’t spend when you get back home.

Be aware that during the pandemic, due to the monetary reforms, ongoing sanctions, and the covid-closing of the country – there has been large inflation with prices increasing 500-1000% on many foods and items in the shops and on the black market.

Therefore prices in Cuba are higher than before the pandemic, which for tourists will be detectable in the prices of food and drinks in restaurants.

Below you have three examples of travel budgets for Cuba; cheap, budget, and luxury, to give you an idea.

The Cheapest Cuba Vacations

A daily backpacking budget for Cuba in 2022 should be at least around €80-100.

This budget will get you something like a shared room at a hostel or Casa Particular (€10-25), three cheap meals a day (€50ish), a large bottle of water (€2), a couple of beers (€3-4 each), a wifi card (€1), one or two taxi tours in the city center and entrance to a museum.

This budget will not cover a full night out, journeys, activities, or other transport.

Below is an example of the absolute cheapest hits on hotels.com and on Hostelworld in December 2021 for Havana, Cuba. As you see, a lot of casa particulares are promoted in both places.

Cuba Budget Travel

A medium-level daily budget for Cuba budget travel would be around €150-200.

On Airbnb, you can get private rooms or even a studio or whole apartment to yourself for down to €25 per night, breakfast not included. But mostly the prices are higher than that.

The prices also vary a lot, so do some research for different dates if you are flexible.

In Trinidad you can get a room in a Casa Particular for around €15 per night, breakfast not included. Breakfast was €5 before the pandemic, currently, it will be between €5-10.

Good restaurants OR restaurants that are in the middle of the tourist hotspots in Havana will have higher prices than the casual little ones off the beaten track. A nice dinner can easily be around €30-50 per person including drinks and lunch a little less.

A couple of taxi trips (€20), entrance to a museum, drinks at night in one of the music bars, water & wifi, and a little tourist shopping and your budget is already up.

If you want to go shopping, scuba diving, have treatment at a spa, or anything like that, you need to upgrade your budget too.

Cuba Luxury Holidays

Cuba’s luxury holiday budget can quite frankly be limitless, you can get insane luxury in Cuba if money is not an issue.

I recently stayed at the Iberostar Selection Bella Vista in Varadero as well as the Melia Paradiso Varadero, both beautiful places.

Prices were €185 and €285 per day respectively, all-inclusive. Any activities or not-included amenities (like spa treatments) add to the budget.

Luxury hotels in Havana tend to offer room and breakfast or half board, not the all-inclusive option as people generally go exploring outside the hotel for lunch and dinner during their stay.

For 5 stars hotels in Cuba or the equivalent, check out the various accommodation options in different destinations.

One night at the super stylish Manzana Kempinski hotel at Parque Central in Havana starts at around $360 per night for one room and two people in January 2023, including breakfast.

Iberostar Parque Central which is also a beautiful hotel centrally located between Old and Central Havana starts at €187 per night including breakfast.

You can also search for mansions or casas on Airbnb, there are some super fancy options with luxury amenities, pools, jacuzzi, and more.

I rented a house that I would call a mansion in the summer of 2021 for my birthday for one night, and that was €400.

Also read: Best travel resource tips & advice for bookings of flights, accommodation & adventure

In that particular house, there were four bedrooms and room for eight people sleeping. Also a huge kitchen, a living room with an oversized TV, a backyard with a pool and bar, and a jacuzzi on the roof.

Also read: Resorts in Cayo Santa Maria

There is a good scene for fine dining in Havana as well, read this overview of the best restaurants in Havana including recommendations for fine dining at a la carte places.

Be aware that a lot of restaurants, although super elegant, do not accept credit cards. Ask beforehand, and be prepared to pay in cash.

Pretty much all paladares (privately owned restaurants) normally accept payments in CUP, euro, or both US and Canadian dollars, as US dollars still have street value.

With no budget limitations, you can get a convenient taxi to take you or collect you from anywhere, ride in style with the old classic car taxis that roam the streets.

Read the shopping guide if you need to do some shopping during your stay. Be aware though, that Havana is not a shopping mecca. My advice is to not expect to be able to buy everything you might want to!

This is why packing smart for Cuba is the best advice I can give you!

How To Get Cuban Currency

Again, you will not be able to get Cuban current CUP outside of Cuba.

Once in Cuba, you can extract CUP from Cuban ATMs with your national credit or debit card, which is easily available in most cities and towns.

You can bring foreign currency in cash to Cuba, and change it when you get here. You can change your foreign currency at the airport, in exchange offices in Cuban cities, or ask your host for advice.

Remember, American credit and debit cards do not work anywhere in Cuba in 2023. If you are an American, you are advised to bring cash the equivalent of the holiday budget you plan to spend.

Cuba Transportation Options And Prices

Transport between destinations in Cuba is definitely the cheapest and quite easy by bus, but more convenient, more expensive, and less time-consuming by taxi.

The following are price examples for Viazul bus travel in Cuba in 2022.

• Havana – Varadero $9
• Havana – Vinales $12
• Havana – Trinidad $21
• Havana – Santiago de Cuba (long haul) $56

You should definitely buy your Viazul tickets online beforehand if you can. It is safe, and you do not need to stand in lines or deal with the bureaucracy of buying from a ticket office at a Cuban bus station.

Also, you get your ticket electronically and are guaranteed a seat.

The Viazul bus from Havana leaves from the Terminal de Omnibus Nacionales, on Avenida de la Independencia, Esquina (corner) Calle 19 de Mayo (take a taxi here).

NB: You normally need to be at the bus station ONE HOUR prior to departure. Depending on the day of the week, departure place, and destination, there might be queues for check-in, luggage drop-off, and entering the bus.

Remember to bring your passport also for domestic transportation!

In Havana, you can take bicycle taxis for short distances, which will be around €1/200 CUP.

A private taxi between Old Havana and the Vedado for tourists can be €5-10/500-1000 CUP dependent on the day and time.

A one-hour tour of Havana with a classic American car is around €35 in January 2023.

Also read: Your guide to Havana nightlife

Examples Of Prices In Cuba

• A bus ride (the guagua, the city bus) or taxi collectivo a short stretch within a city in Cuba should be 1 or 5 CUP (dependent on the bus), which is less than €1/4.

• Bici taxi a short stretch (2 persons) around 3-500 CUP or €4.

• Private taxis between city areas, like between Old Havana and Vedado, probably will be around 1500 CUP for tourists (day-night/weekday/weekend) or €8-20.

• One can of foreign beer is 230-260 CUP or around €2-3.

• One bottle of wine is a minimum of 1000 CUP in December 2022, or around 10 Euro, and one bottle of rum from between 2000 and 3000 CUP.

• A breakfast or lunch in the daytime with a drink starts at around 450-700 CUP or €4-7 and up.

• Between Havana and Varadero (2,5 hours), a private taxi will be around 25000 CUP €200-300 dependent on the day of the week, time, and your bargaining skills.

FAQ Money In Cuba

How Much Is One $US In Cuba 2023?

The official value of the Cuban peso fluctuates in 2023. Follow this link to check the current value of the Cuban peso CUP.

What Is The Best Currency To Use In Cuba?

In 2023, the best currency to bring for your Cuba holiday is euros or Canadian dollars, although US dollars are accepted on the black market and by private enterprises.

You can change euros or Canadian dollars in official exchange offices in Cuba, or with a trusted person in Cuba.

Can You Use US Dollars In Cuba?

In 2023, private enterprises will accept US dollars as payment in Cuba, although the American currency officially is banned from use in Cuba.

The reason is that the government has an “amnesty” for people returning US dollars that are circulating on the street on the black market in order to reduce the amount of US dollars floating around.

My advice, nevertheless, is to bring euros, or Canadian dollars, in cash instead of dollars for your Cuba holiday to be on the safe side.

What Are The Two Currencies Uses In Cuba?

There are no longer two currencies in Cuba in 2023.

The only official currency in Cuba in 2023, is the Cuban peso, the CUP, also called Moneda Nacional.

Wanna buy me a coffee to keep me writing? <3

Wrap-Up What Is The Currency In Cuba?

From one currency system to another, although there are no longer two official currencies in Cuba, there is still one official and now several unofficial currencies to wrap your head around.

The different foreign currencies have slightly different values on the street of Cuba, “en las calles“, which is the term Cubans use for whatever goes on outside the private home!

My suggestion for your key takeaway is, to bring cash in Euro or Canadian dollars, and change them with a trusted person. Cubans need foreign cash to shop in the Cuban MLC stores.

Pay in foreign currency when you can, a lot of vendors and service workers will prefer that.

And lastly, spend your money on private enterprises like paladares (privately owned restaurants) and empresas particulares (private businesses)!