EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA: January 2016

1. CAN I BUY CUC BEFORE I TRAVEL TO CUBA?

No, it is not possible to buy CUC outside of Cuba. You can only buy Cuban currency i.e. Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) and Cuban Pesos (CUP) / Moneda Nacional (MN) when you arrive in Cuba.

2. WHAT IS THE CURRENT EXCHANGE RATES FOR CUC?

Check out this link to see current exchange rates for CUC:

https://www.directoriocubano.info/cadeca/

3. CAN I BUY CUC AT THE AIRPORT IN HAVANA?

You can buy CUC at Jose Martí Havana International airport and all other airports receiving international flights.

4. WHERE CAN I BUY CUC AT THE AIRPORT?

You can buy CUC at the CADECA exchange bureau. CADECA is the official money exchange bureau for Cuba. CADECA bureaus can be found at the airport and across Cuba.

5. WHERE CAN I FIND CADECA AT THE AIRPORT?

At Jose Martí Havana International airport CADECA can be found outside of the arrivals terminal building. There are 2 CADCEA bureaus, one to the left and one to the right of the arrivals exit. There are also CADECA bureaus at the check-in area on the 1st floor.

6. WHAT TIME IS CADECA OPEN UNTIL AT THE AIRPORT?

The CADECA at Jose Martí Havana International airport is open 24 hours.

7. IS THERE A CADECA IN HAVANA?

The main branch of CADECA in Havana is on 257 Obispo, Havana Vieja open Monday-Saturday, 8.30am-8.30pm and Sunday 9am-7pm, you can exchange most currencies here, including ‘moneda nacional’ and there are ATM machines.

8. WHAT IS THE BEST CURRENCY TO BRING TO CUBA?

Check out the current exchange rates on the link provided above. I find that you usually get more for your money if you bring £UK pound sterling, Euros or Canadian dollars to Cuba. Over the last few years, the £UK pound sterling has been stronger than the Euro. It is not commonly known, but when you exchange either the £UK pound sterling or the Euro the exchange rate is multiplied by the CUC rate i.e. if you exchange £100 sterling to CUC at a rate of 1.15 you will receive 115 CUC. However, all other currencies are divided by the CUC exchange rate i.e. if you exchange $100 Canadian at a rate of 1.13 you will receive 88 CUC.

9. CAN I EXCHANGE $US DOLLARS IN CUBA?

Whilst it is possible to exchange $US dollars in Cuba, you will receive the least amount for your money as there is a 10% commission fee applied which isn’t applied to other currencies.

10. WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I BRING IF I AM TRAVELLING FROM THE US?

If you are travelling from the U.S. try to plan ahead and order GBP or Euros from your bank. You are usually required to give at least a few days’ notice.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com