Here are the best times to visit Cuba's capital, Havana. Your ticket on this bus is not guaranteed however, so you may find that youre waiting around for a long time to catch the next scheduled bus. Read why more and more travelers are adding downtown Jersey City to their travel plans. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. That exchange rate is usually between 35 and 50 so lets use 40 in this example. If youre still new to Spanish or a little rusty since your last Spanish class, bring a handy guidebook like Cuban Spanish 101: Bilingual Dictionary and Phrasebook for Spanish Learners and Travelers to Cuba. But still, its best to book ahead so you can read reviews and have it all sorted out beforehand. We loved the diversity of the people read more, The Cuban people are very helpful kind and sincere. Many casa owners will greet you at the bus station and offer you a room. Let us know what you think in the comments! Hotel staff includes maids, bartenders, receptionists, and bellboys. She loves meeting new people, trying new cuisines, and learning about the unique cultures of our world. Casa Particulars can be booked on HostelsClub.com and they won't usually cost more than $20 - $30US per night. . Re: How to pay for a Viazul ticket from Canada for a Cuban. Its best to have your accommodation sorted out ahead of time unless youre prepared to wait in queue for internet. Small private businesses welcome payments in US dollars. A better idea is to book your Classic Car ride here, and enjoy 2 hours of cruising around Havana, with a cocktail plus, you wont have to deal with tourist pricing problems. Your personal travel budget for Cuba might differ from ours, so check out the prices in Cuba for various activities (information below), and figure out how much you think youll need its always better to err on the side of caution and have too much money, than not enough. Its not as easy to check your bank balance online, or acquire Cuban money as it is in other countries. Tips are shown in US dollars for illustrative purposes. However, tipping in any foreign currency, including the US dollar, is fine. It also says pesos convertibles in the center of the bill. Cubans can enter museums and other attractions using the National Peso. There are plenty of local buses in most major towns that run on a schedule, and take passengers from point A to point B within the same city. Maids will welcome your gifts. Should you skip up to Scotland or wander west to Wales? Check them out for royalty-free photos and videos, here. Our lovely hosts are helping us exchange Euros for CUP and Im wondering should I tip them for this and if so how much? But, as I said before, your travel budget will differ from ours. not joking but they will try and charge you $1-2 for 2 single ply sheets and after a night on the Mojitos you WILL NEED MORE!!!! One lady told me they have many family members and friends who do not work at resorts so they share the gifts with them. Wonderful, warm people! please guide me.i want to travel from pakistan to cuba .how much expesnses i will be pay for this and also tell me secure way of travlings. At the end, youll enjoy an authentic local lunch. Make sure to bring your passport when exchanging money at a CADECA. Outside of the state sector, Cuba is still primarily a cash economy. The city tour read more, We really enjoyed our trip to Cuba. Explore historical sites of revolution, taste peso food, or go diving among vibrant marine life. Some places already accept US dollars but the CUC is still the most used currency and the best way to pay in Cuba. Regular tourists Viazul buses, which are more comfortable, slightly more reliable, and much more expensive. Youll not have to worry about calculating or haggling over exchange rates on the spot. Refills are in the same fixed amounts. Located on the northern coast of the country between theBay of Dogs and the Atlantic Ocean, the place is a true paradise. Shop around until you find the real price, or better yet, just hand them $0.70 and act like you know what it should cost. No one comes to Vegas to lose, so let's look at 4 casinos with something to offer both in amenities and at the tables. The people read more, People were so friendly and giving. As currency at ATMs and Cadeca exchange houses can be limited, it may be a good idea to . What is Casa Particular? I had read elsewhere that Cubans can only exchange bills. Check out our video where we sample peso food around Cuba! Travelers can bring any type of currency to the island and exchange it for pesos once you arrive, though most travelers choose to bring dollars or Euros. MASTERCARDwill not be accepted in ATMs but, as with VISA cards, solong as they are issued by a non US-based bank, can be used to draw cash at the counter of a Cadeca or Bank. Source: TripAdvisor. The National Peso (CUP) This currency is what most of the local people are paid their salary in. I tip for whatever good service I receive but I tend to sit in the same area at the buffet so that I end up with the same waiters. No replacements or refunds are provided if you lose the card or forget your PIN. Using CUP can be a real money saver. US credit cards don't work in Cuba except at Hotel Aston and select restaurants. Or, if youd rather book hotel stays in Cuba, click here for a list of the best on Booking.com. These changes are not imposed by Cuba itself, but by the US. I loved our tour guide Otto Sanchez. Still, there are workarounds to travel to Cuba as an American. Astro Bus: (generally around 1/2 the price of a Viazul bus). Tour Republic January 9, 2023 5 Min Read Tipping in Cuba is highly encouraged. You would need to copy that email that to your friend in Cuba. You can buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world. Tipping is vital in Cuba, especially given the current economic climate. The card is not redeemable for US funds but is valid for two years. Hi Francine, I would recommend anyone to take this tour. Small private businesses display prices in pesos. If you enjoyed the article, please share it so other Cuban adventurers can take a look (thats how you tip uswe appreciate it!). Doctor/Surgeon - 44,100 to 123,000 Cuban Pesos. I am from an ex-communist county myself, we were use to it :))). Traveler's checks do work in Cuba. I read more, I was surprised at the resilience and resourcefulness of the Cuban people, who have been cut off from purchasing from the U.S. and its allies. I plan to return. However, I have to say that we lived pretty well while we were in Cuba as it was our vacation from blogging and being online. Not sure how much is the full day trip, but 10% should be ok to tip the guide. The trip was wonderful. Plan the perfect trip to Puerto Rico with these things to know before you go. Some of this seems to be in line with the past and and now younger Millennial and Gen Z current American / Canadian obsession with tipping and over tipping, Hello, You cannot pay with a card that is issued by an American company. Many people have asked us How much cash should I bring to Cuba? and What currencies are accepted in Cuba?. John Alderman, IiiCharleston, West Virginia, Cuba is beautiful. Tipping shopkeepers and cashiers in Cuba is quite common among visitors and locals. 1. This is one mode of transportation where we always felt bad for the poor guy who had to cycle our big butts around in 35-degree heat! Supermarkets and shops selling basics, usually accept Cuban pesos and prices are way different from other types of stores where you can find other supply and products but you can only pay in CUC. 6. When preparing and planning for a trip to Cuba, its important to think about your budget, the prices in Cuba and how youre going to pay for things while travelling around this incredible island nation. Not bad, right? I prefer to give them one large tip at the end of the week or on their last day. We loved every minute of our time in Cuba. 1. If you have a bank card from any other nation, it should work at the ATMs, but a 3-12% fee will be charged with each transaction. While almost everything tourists buy will be in CUC, if you get a chance to use CUP for things like produce, street food and some local transport, do it! Note: Some of the images in this post are courtesy of Shutterstock. Transportation in Cuba is comfortable and reliable, and the options are plentiful. Hardcore budget travelers could easily get by on $35US a day in Cuba. From Aarhus to Zanzibar, here's our pick of the best places to visit in July 2023. Although it truly is tourist pricing in this case, we do believe that if it werent this way, then many of the local people wouldnt be able to visit the historic sites of their country. Well, if youre not an American citizen and you dont have a bank thats affiliated with the USA, I would suggest having only a couple of hundred Canadian Dollars, Euros or Pounds on you as back-up funds. The downside is that youll be charged between 3-12% by the ATM (we were charged 3% by the machine using Canadian bank cards). Do I have options? And there are two types of MLC cards. How to Get to Cuba: What You Need to Know, Top 7 Destinations to Travel to This Spring, Countless amazing travel deals of places all across the world. Click here for details, or check out the walking tour here: For some really unique and eye-opening tours in Havana, check out this list of Airbnb Experiences with locals. I found the experience quite enlightening. Try to buy your ticket for your next destination when you arrive at each station. Exchange houses, known as CADECAs, in Havana, including the airport, provide this service. Sterling is also a viable option but, while its readily exchangeable for pesos in Cadecas and banks, its less desirable among locals as a means of direct payment. As it stands, euros are the best foreign currency to bring to Cuba because its the most widely accepted and subject to the lowest bank fees (approx. Bring more cash than you think youll need. Our friends from Goats on the Road share their top 9 things you shouldnt miss on a trip to Camagey. Its nice to be someplace that hasnt been overrun by commercial tourism (yet). Remember that some restaurants may automatically tack on a 5% gratuity. $10.87. Lobster/fish with sides at a restaurant: $8-$10, Fish, pork or chicken meal at casa (too much food to finish): $7 $10, Fresh fruit juice: 1 2p ($0.04 $0.08). Viales: Horseback riding tour $25 for a 4-hour trip, Viales: Santo Tomas Cave $10 entrance fee (with guide), Trinidad: Horseback riding tour $15 for a 3-hour trip, Cayo Jutias: One tank scuba dive, including equipment $40. We also rented a motorbike in Viales. Cubaboasts a series of diverse attractions, One of our most precious, if not the most luxurious (and costly) experiences in Cuba, was definitely our visit to Cayo Guillermo. Renting a car in Cuba isnt easy, so chances are youll rely on taxis, classic cars for hire, and buses to get around the island. Budget a minimum of $100 per day in US dollars. 4. Just ask. I learned so read more, I love the people. I guess if they got 100 soaps, they would sell some. $87.57. 2. The most part of the Cubans are paid in CUP, or a small part of the wage is in CUC. Cuba has a strong tipping culture, an interesting fact about Cuba. We budgeted 70 a day which is about US$110 or 110 CUC for two people so we were pretty happy that we came in under budget at 58/ $88 a day or 29/ $44 per person. Dont waste time purchasing a non-refundable MLC tourist card unless you have a very good reason to do so. Perhaps they are asking 20-30% because they want you to tip both the driver and guide. It seems everywhere we went we saw singers, dancers, musicians or all three. A single person estimated monthly costs are 665.8$ without rent. Between USD 5 and USD 9.99: - USD 5: 0.5Kg of powder milk. You will need these Vac's at least 2 weeks prior to travel but preferably at least 2 months prior. In total, I ended up averaging $70 a day on food and activities with this cash. Discover 100 exciting alternative travel experiences where tourists are few and far between. The official exchange rate is one US dollar to 110 Cuban pesos. Some cities are cheaper than others, such as Camaguey, while some are much more expensive. Cocktails at your casa are often cheaper than at a bar. Cuba became a U.S. protectorate in 1898 after American and Cuban forces defeated Spanish forces during the Spanish-American War. Once you purchase Cuban pesos, you will unlikely be able to exchange them back into US dollars or other foreign currencies. 2017 Travel Savvy Media Inc. All right reserved. I recommend booking your casas ahead of time because once youre in Cuba, finding internet (or at least, a solid connection) can be a hassle and its expensive. Transactions rate is about the 3%, which is basically the exchange fee. At all-inclusive resorts, 1 USD for every few drinks is the most common. If you make a withdrawal the2.99% foreign exchange administration fee is calculatedfor every transaction abroad. Save Hello, I made a pen pal on my trip to Cuba a few weeks ago, and we are now sending e-mails via his cell phone. Pre-paid MLC tourist cards are sold at Cuban banks and exchange bureaus. The best thing for you to do is to call your bank and ask information about fees on transactions and withdrawals. Every cash withdrawal however, comes with a 5% fee straight out of the Cuban ATM. Toilet attendant: 0.25 0.50 USD per bathroom break. Travelers can get travel health insurance for Cuba viaInsubuy. I give them a tip for the week before they leave otherwise, you can end up leaving the tip for the wrong person. Scotland or Wales: which corner of the UK should I visit? What is a Casa Particular? We walk late at night read more, Without exception, everyone we met in Cuba, both on tour and our own, were warm, welcoming, engaging, and fun to be with: in a word, delightful. Top 5 Restaurants in Havana you probably dont know, How to travel to Havana and save money with AirBnB, The best period of the year to visit Cuba (and Havana), Best rooftops in Old Havana: 4 hotels for a drink with a view, How to rent a car in Havana and enjoy Cuba, You can now book an apartment in Cuba on AirBnB anywhere in the world. The food served by the casa owners is also very good. The best currencies to bring into Cuba to convert into Cuban money (CUC) are Canadian Dollars, Euros, Pounds and Mexican Pesos. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and well send you our 101 Ways To Earn Money For Travel eBook for Free, plus well send you a series of emails to show you how to travel in a financially sustainable way. So I better like to give to a waiter 1 UDS dollar which she/he can exchange on the black market for 24 to 100 pesos than change my canadian money and give her/him around 20 to 25 pesos. How to Pay for Things in Cuba will begin shortly. Gretel was the perfect hostess and guide. Don't take foreign currency. With its colourful facades, wide streets and charming French colonial architecture, it rightfully deserves the Perla de la Sur (Pearl of the South) title. Please see ourPrivacy Pagefor more information. Everyone was friendly, the food everywhere we went was excellent, and the accommodations were terrific. Plan to carry a handful of $1 or $5 notes of your home currency in your wallet (this is easier and less awkward than breaking larger bills into a change when you want to leave a tip). Keep the rest of your money in US dollars, which youll have no problems spending while in Cuba. $$$$$ Was in Havana 3 weeks ago and its the greenback that they prefer. Credit or Debit that has the Visa or MasterCard logo on it, or Cuban debit card from a MLC account. Youll need to pay a fee and tip the attendant to use the restroom. The last thing you want to do is head to Cuba with an American debit card that wont work in the ATM, and a bunch of US dollars that will cost you 10% in currency exchange fees! Public transport is relatively affordable and reliable, but you can also rent cars, hire drivers, or take tours around the country. On the other hand, if you eat at a nicer sit down restaurant that serves food with more frills, such as pasta, seafood and steak, you will be charged in CUC. Cuba. Using the National Peso, you can purchase smaller items and the basics that one needs. If you want to tip in Cdn coins please, buy them all back with Canadian bills before you leave!!! The cost of alcohol varies as well depending on where you choose to drink. US dollar was also used for tourism and Castro saw the opportunity to direct all this cash flow in the state coffers. All You Need to Know, with Video, Check out our article about Cuban cuisine, Cayo Guillermo, Cuba The Hidden Jewel of The Caribbean, Cienfuegos, Cuba: A Mini-Guide for Travellers, Rides in the local inter-city buses (which are jam-packed full, no room to breathe), Fruit and vegetables from the markets and side-of-the-road stands, Street snacks such as popcorn and fried plantains, Peso food such as pizza, ice cream, sandwiches, rice & bean meals, and other smaller meals (pork & rice, spaghetti), Scuba Diving, horseback riding, and other excursions, Anything you want to buy, you can with this currency, Museo de la Revolucion (Museum of the Revolution): $8 entrance fee. Cuba travel advisers concur. Is it okay to tip with Canadian coins? It was not the first time that I took down summer tops and they were glad for them. Customs Duty is a tariff or tax imposed on goods when transported across international borders. Pesos can be used to purchase food at Cuban street stalls - including pizza, sandwiches, and coffee - or to buy fruits and veggies in markets. Currently, American debit and credit cards dont work in Cuba. The people were all so friendly, the food was amazing, and I really enjoyed the music and dancing. How much should you tip a private tour guide/driver for a good full day trip.Their websites say 20-30%. What currency should I bring to Cuba? Note: locals pay in CUP, while tourists pay in CUC. Get weekly tips from locals on where to eat, drink, and shop whether you are traveling or finding more around the corner from you. I loved Cuba! However, we did drink mojitos and beers on the regular, ate good food and did a few activities (scuba diving, horseback riding, and caving). Contact us New 2023 money guidelines for Americans visiting Cuba How much cash do I need in Cuba? Currently, there are fewer than 250 foreign companies doing business in Cuba, and this number is declining as more partners give up. After spending 25 days in Cuba, we spent$2,500, including accommodation, tours, food, in-country transporteverything. Like this: CUP has faces of famous Cuban people and says pesos in the center of the bill. Generally, you should consider tipping costs while planning your, If youre still new to Spanish or a little rusty since your last Spanish class, bring a handy guidebook like, Cuban Spanish 101: Bilingual Dictionary and Phrasebook for Spanish Learners and Travelers to Cuba, 1-5 USD/night for each night of your stay, 1-3 USD at check-in and again at check-out. Solo travellers can get a discount. You dont have to spend all of it. @Julie Menghini,To write a beautiful post it is very important to write a beautiful container and have prepared a very good design and I got a lot of inspiration from your post and I would also like to post like you in my life. How to Pay for Things in Cuba Store in Habana, Cuba. There you have it. Also, it appears maids appreciate gifts of much needed supplies. Very interesting. Nicknamed "chavito", the CUC is on par with the US Dollar. See the real Cuba on these top road trips. Take lots of $1-$5 dollar bills and you have no problems buying anything. How much should you tip? Also at the a la carte restaurants, i make sure each waiter who serves me (sometimes 3) is tipped, the same for the buffet. When it comes to travelling Cuba, even though its not as straight forward as other countries, its worth every minute of extra travel planning time! Expect to spend cash when youre in Cuba, rather than swiping your card. Tipping in Cuba is highly encouraged. read more. This period concedes with the fall of the Soviet Union, the main source of supplies for Cuba at that time. If you dont feel great with black market idea Country where you can sell hard currency in the bank but you cant buy them back is already a scam by itself :))). Take cash with you. In big cities like Havana, youll come across dozens of street musicians, dancers, and live salsa music. Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required. If you want to book a taxi in advance, you can do it HERE. The US dollar became the currency used to purchase some non-essential goods and services, such ascosmetics, and even non-staple kinds of food and drink. If your taxi driver goes above and beyond the call of duty, like giving you directions, hes earned an extra CUC or two! Cuba is living a revolutionary period thanks to the diplomatic relationship recently established with the US. The best currency to tip in Cuba is the Euro because it has the highest official and unofficial exchange rates. You can also take shared taxis in between cities for (often) the same cost as the bus. Even if you opened your account in your home country (ie: Canada), but the bank is affiliated or run by a US company (ie: CitiBank), your card will not work in Cuba. Cuba is a beautiful country. Soak it up, travel how you want to, and enjoy one of the most memorable places on Earth. Ourguide Geldrys read more, Deborah Parker PowellMilwaukee, Wisconsin, Very interesting. For tours, I recommend booking them online beforehand so you dont need to deal with the wifi in Cuba. Call your credit card company to confirm your card can be used abroad.
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how to pay for things in cuba
