Cuban money exchange

[Manning]

So my try to Cuba is finally approaching (Seems like I been waiting forever). My main concern is what cigars to buy?! but for some reason the other members of the party are worried about other aspects of the trip such as where to change/draw money?

We are not staying in Havana so im not sure what sort of access to banks or bdc we will have, do you guys have any recommendations on what to do? Any advice would be appreciated

[Deano]

You can change money as soon as you get off the plane, before (I think) and after passport control.

All hotels I've stayed in will exchange money too.

Be careful they give you CUCs and not local money, there's plenty of scammers on the streets that will do that too. You don't need the local money anywhere, everyone will happily take CUCs.

CUC = convertible pesos.

The LCDHs will take most credit cards too, despite what some people say about Visa/MasterCard being American companies, they'll take them.

[Manning]

Nice one thanks for info

[Puff Scotty]

CUC = convertible pesos.

Yessir....convert them into cigars...

[Smallclub]

You don't need the local money anywhere, everyone will happily take CUCs.

Actually, having some pesos cubanos (local money) is a good idea if you travel in the countryside and want to meet farmers, vegueros, etc. These poor, simple people don't have the use of the CUC, which is a "urban" money…

[Manning]

Thanks for advice will probs take half of what i think i will need in cash, and chance being able to find a place to draw when i need to

[Simon Bolivar]

Although you can buy cigars with credit cards, you'll get a poorer rate than if you use cash, we took Euros & they were very happy to give us a good rate for those. Keep in your hotel safe & just take out what you need.

[Eddie]

Also wear a money belt with most of your spends in under your clothes. With a bit in a wallet for urgent spending. Pick pocketing is about the only crime that is rife in Cuba that I'm aware of. You will need your passport to change money in banks and they may not accept photocopies.