Money and duty free for Cuba
Currency and Money
Currency information
Prior to 1 January 2021, there were two types of currencies in Cuba – the Cuban Convertibles Pesos (CUC) and Cuban Pesos (CUP). The CUC was used by visitors, whereas the CUP was used by ordinary Cubans to buy daily essentials.
The Cuban government removed the CUC from circulation after 1 January 2021, and the CUP, now known as 'moneda nacional', becomes the only legal cash currency.
Cuban Peso (CUP; symbol ₱) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of ₱100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1. Coins are in denominations of ₱3, ₱1, ¢20, 5, 2, and the rarely used 1 centavo.
You should not take any Cuban pesos out of the country and must exchange them at the airport. The process will require your boarding pass. However, they may be limited international currencies available at that time so you may not be able to change all the Cuban pesos that you have. After immigration, only Euros, Pound sterling or Canadian dollars are accepted.
Credit cards
Mastercard and Visa are accepted, but American Express is not. Having said that, do check with your credit card providers to confirm that your card will work in Cuba.
ATM
There are ATMs, but visitors should check with your bank before your travel to confirm that your card will work in Cuba. Also, there are no ATMs available for drawing cash against Cirrus or Switch cards.
Travellers cheques
Traveller's cheques are not popular now and should be avoided.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1330-1600, Sat 0830-1200. Hours may vary.
Currency restrictions
You can import an unlimited amount of foreign currency, amounts exceeding US$5,000 must be declared electronically. Technically, you cannot import local currency as Cuban Pesos are not available outside of Cuba. However, it has been reported that residents of Cuba could import up to 2,000 Cuban pesos.
Please note: Since 1 January 2022 all travelers are required to fill in electronically the advance passenger information form "Declaración Jurada de Salud" within 72 hours before departing for Cuba. Travelers will then be provided with a QR code, which they must show in an electronic or printed version to authorities upon arrival. The electronic passenger information form replaced the following documents in their printed versions: International Boarding and Disembarkation Card, Customs Declaration Form and the Traveller's Health Affidavit.
Currency exchange
Due to the prevalence of forged currency, only change your money at state-run CADECA exchange houses, large hotels or banks. Check the exchange carefully. Ignore individuals offering exchange facilities to avoid queues.
Cuba duty free
Overview
The following items may be imported into Cuba by travellers aged 18 years and over without incurring customs duty:
• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 3L alcoholic beverages.
• Personal effects new and used up to a value of Cuban peso CUP of 1,000.
• Medicines for personal use (may need to show your prescriptions) up to 10 kg.
• Laptop for personal use.
Please note: Since 1 January 2022 all travelers are required to fill in electronically the advance passenger information form "Declaración Jurada de Salud" within 72 hours before departing for Cuba. Travelers will then be provided with a QR code, which they must show in an electronic or printed version to authorities upon arrival. The electronic passenger information form replaced the following documents in their printed versions: International Boarding and Disembarkation Card, Customs Declaration Form and the Traveller's Health Affidavit.
Banned Imports
Prohibited items include animal products that are susceptible to being carriers of diseases, explosives, precursor substances, hemoderivatives and all pornographic material and drugs and narcotics.
Restricted items requiring authorisation include firearms and ammunition, light motor vehicles, live animals and plants and their parts, certain foodstuffs, and works of art.
Note that GPS is not allowed.
Banned Exports
Drugs, explosives, items of cultural value, handwritten manuscripts dating from between 1440 and 1500, library books, books edited by Libros Cubanos under the 'R' imprint, foreign editions published between the 16th and 18th centuries, Cuban editions published in the 18th century, and lobster in any form or quantity.
How many cigars can you bring back from Cuba depends on the import rules of your country. For example, if you are heading back to the UK, you are allowed to bring in 50 cigars provided that you don't have other tobacco products. If you are going to the United States, you are permitted to bring 100 cigars.
