Money & duty free for Cuba
Exchange rates:
Convertible PesoC$1 = CUC$0.75
€1 = CUC$1.11
£1 = CUC$1.53
US$1 = CUC$1.01
Currency & Money
Cuba now uses a single currency, the Cuban Peso (CUP), known locally as moneda nacional. It replaced the former dual-currency system when the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was removed from circulation on 1 January 2021. Banknotes commonly encountered are 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 CUP, while centavo coins are issued but rarely used in tourist settings. Travellers should be aware that the CUP has little or no value outside Cuba, making it important to exchange only what you expect to spend.
Credit cards issued by U.S. banks or bearing U.S. payment networks generally do not work in Cuba, but cards from many non-U.S. issuers may function at major hotels, larger restaurants and some state-run shops. Card acceptance remains inconsistent, and visitors should carry enough cash in a major foreign currency such as euros, Canadian dollars or pounds sterling, which are preferred for higher-value payments and sometimes accepted directly. U.S. dollars are accepted in some places but may incur an extra exchange fee.
ATMs are available in cities but can be unreliable, may have long queues and do not accept most foreign cards, especially those linked to U.S. networks. Even when withdrawals are possible, limits can be low. For this reason, travellers should bring sufficient foreign cash to cover expenses and change money gradually as needed.
Cuba maintains strict currency controls. Importing foreign currency is unrestricted, but amounts equivalent to USD 5,000 or more must be declared. The export of Cuban Pesos is prohibited, and travellers should aim to spend or exchange remaining CUP before security screening at the airport. There is no guarantee that foreign currency will be available for exchange at the airport on departure.
Currency exchange should be done at official outlets such as banks, CADECAs (state currency-exchange offices), and authorised counters at airports and hotels. Rates are set by the state and can differ significantly from informal street rates, but unofficial money changers carry risks including scams, short-changing and counterfeit notes. It is safest to use official exchange points even if the rate is less favourable.
Cuba duty free
According to the official guidelines of the Cuban Customs Authority, travellers may bring personal effects into Cuba without paying customs duties. In addition, up to 10 kilograms of medicines may be imported duty-free, provided they are packed separately from the rest of the luggage. Other humanitarian and educational items such as wheelchairs, prostheses, books, musical scores and materials for the visually impaired are also exempt from customs charges. All other new or used goods may be brought into the country for personal use up to a total value of 1,000 CUP, although these may be subject to customs duties depending on their nature and declared value.
Travellers should note that Cuba does not specify duty-free allowances for alcohol, tobacco or electronics in its current official regulations; these items fall under the general non-commercial import rules and may incur fees.
All visitors must complete the D'Viajeros online form within 72 hours before arrival and present the generated QR code at entry.
This information is based on the Manual D'Viajeros issued by Cuba's General Customs Authority. Regulations may change, so travellers should verify the latest requirements before travelling.
Cuba prohibits the import of certain items, including explosives, firearms and ammunition; hazardous chemical substances; narcotics and psychotropic drugs; pornography; and any material considered a threat to national security or public order. Radio-communication devices such as walkie-talkies or satellite equipment require prior authorisation, and the entry of live animals, fresh meat and certain agricultural products is also restricted. This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official Cuban Customs (Aduana General de la República) website or contact a Cuban embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
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