IMPORTANT CHANGE REGARDING CURRENCY

Any of you having traveled to Cuba in the recent past, know that US Dollars were penalized when exchanging them. With exchange rates, people trading $’s for the Cuban CUC paid 13% for the transaction. Many travelers, hoping to avoid this, would change their dollars in advance to either Euros or Canadian $’s.

With recent economic challenges in Cuba, the government announced that it is encouraging Cubans to use US dollars for the purchase of many goods. Why? The Cuban government needs US currency to buy on the international market, now that they are not able to get things like their oil from Venezuela. Cubans are given a discount, in fact, when using US $’s when buying bigger items like appliances. As a result, Cubans now want your US $’s.

If you bring your US currency to the bank or official change office, you will still get the old exchange. Instead, trade for any Cuban CUC’s you need, first by asking the people at your hotel desk. If they will not change, they will likely know someone that will. AND, you should get 1 -1 rates, or close. Furthermore, you will not need to change as much currency, because many of the owners of the casa particulars, and certainly your tour and fishing guides, will be happy to have you pay in dollars.