Currency of Cuba, or What to take with a tourist?

Cuba is a country that attracts tourists with its unusual atmosphere. The currency of Cuba and the country's financial system also do not look like 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 stretched along the entire length of the coastline of Cuba. And this is about 1250 kilometers.

A tourist here is good to be in winter and in summer - the temperature is favorable for year-round recreation. For example, from November to April, air warms up to + 28-32 ⁰ С, and water - up to +25 ⁰ С. From April to October, the temperature rises to +37 ⁰ С, and water - up to +28 ⁰ С. Throughout the whole year The sunny weather prevails.

As for the cultural program, Cuba has much to go and see. The most famous sights are the Havana Capitol, the historic center of the capital of Cuba - Old Havana, the Cathedral of St. Christopher in Sienaga Square, the Hemingway House Museum, the Cologne Cemetery, the La Fuersa Fortress, the Malecon Embankment, the Bolshoi Theater of Havana 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 a hundred cents.

As for the nominal, then there are the following varieties:

• Peso-banknotes: 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50;
• Peso-coins: 1 and 3;
• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 20 and 40.

Also in the country there is a special kind of peso - convertible. It is equivalent to the dollar at a rate of 1: 0.9 and is created specifically for tourists. From the usual peso the convertible differs with the inscription "convertible". Convertible pesos can be paid for purchases of goods, taxis, transportation, tax of departure.

Pay for American dollars tourists can only in some major hotels and restaurants. But there is always the possibility that the currency will be refused.

Cuban currency and exchange

In Cuba, you can exchange money by banks, exchange offices and in many hotels. As a result of the exchange of any currency, a tax of 8% is levied.

When exchanging American dollars, a commission is envisaged, the amount of which is 10% of the exchange amount. When you convert another currency, this fee is not available.

As a result of the exchange, instead of the euro, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Swiss francs, you can get a convertible peso.

The working hours of Cuban banks: from 8:30 (some from 9:00) to 15:00 (sometimes until 15:30 or 16:00), with a break for lunch from 12:00 to 13:00 on weekdays, from 8 : 30 to 10:30 on Saturday. Other exchange offices are mostly working around the clock.

Financial advice for tourists

Perhaps these financial tips will help make your holiday in Cuba unforgettable:

• Although the currency of Cuba and peso, a tourist is better to exchange money for convertible pesos;
• You can use VISA, EUROCARD and other credit cards , except AMERICAN EXPRESS;
• In the country, cards and traveler's checks issued by an American bank are not accepted for payment;
• It is better to carry with you the euro, British pounds, Canadian dollars or Swiss francs than American dollars;
• Cuban pesos are convenient enough to pay for in remote places (for example, in the outback you can buy cheap and tasty food and pay pesos);
• In exchange offices are always big queues, so it's better to immediately change some money for pesos;
• For all operations on credit cards there is a tax of 11.24%;
• There are no restrictions on import and export of currency, only if the amount is indicated in the customs declaration, and when exporting it is necessary to have a check from the bank or exchange office that confirms the legality of the receipt of the currency;
• The exchange rate in virtually all exchange offices is the same, at the state level.