Cuban Pesos

[fire&skill]

Anybody know of a [legal] way I can get hold of Cuban cash over here?

I realise it's a closed currency but we're giving it to somebody who's going on their hols in a couple of weeks - only about 50 quid's worth.

Cheers.




Just re-read the first line - - - sounds very dodgy - - - honest, guv - it isn't!

 

[Barrel of Fun]

Does it have to be Pesos? I survived OK with dollars to start with and managed to pick up Peso whilst out there.

Perhaps worth giving the embassy a call if uncertain.

Strange country having three currencies on the loose.

It has passed me by, but it seems the dollar is now not so popular!

Daily Doc: currency in Cuba -Times Online - Albeit an old article.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Dont you have to buy US Dollars here and then exchange into Pesos when you're in Cuba ?

 

[scarby]

theres me thinking that it was another player we've been linked with............

 

[Colossal Squid]

Can you not get converted pesos here to take there?

 

[Ringmer bha]

theres me thinking that it was another player we've been linked with............

Me too!

 

[c0lz]

there own currency is like monopoly money out side Cuba,so cant see any one wanting to keep it as its worthless

 

[Peever]

WHen I went to Cuba (few years back now) it was easy enough to just get around with American money. Often got change in cuban money but for the most part the american money is easily accepted.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

WHen I went to Cuba (few years back now) it was easy enough to just get around with American money. Often got change in cuban money but for the most part the american money is easily accepted.

Seems it has changed a lot since you and I have been. I would ask a couple of friends, but doesn't seem worth bothering them on their honeymoon.

I went 10 years ago and the dollar had so much more power than the peso. Unless you wanted some peso pizza of course.

Practical travel information on Money and costs in Cuba - Lonely Planet Travel Information

 

[Dr. Notthenineo'clocknews]

I went in 94 and in them days the yankee dollar was the only currency legally used by tourists (although bic razors were handy) travellers cheques were cashed except Amex ones that would not be touched with a barge pole. The Peso was officially 1 to the dollar although on Varadero beach I bought 100 for a dollar, I don't think I managed to spend one although i did exchange some for the red 3 peso 'Che Guvara note' that was on sale at the airport for $8

 

[fire&skill]

Seems it has changed a lot since you and I have been. I would ask a couple of friends, but doesn't seem worth bothering them on their honeymoon.

I went 10 years ago and the dollar had so much more power than the peso. Unless you wanted some peso pizza of course.

Practical travel information on Money and costs in Cuba - Lonely Planet Travel Information

Cheers for that BoF et al - guess the best option is to give 'em the cash and let them change it there as it's one of the 'preferred currencies'

 

[Clapham Old Mug]

You can't buy CUC (the Cuban convertible currency) outside Cuba - nor can you convert it back into any other currency after you've left Cuba. So tell your friends not to convert too much! Whatever they do, don't take US dollars - the Cubans impose a 10% penalty for converting them into CUC. Euros and GB pounds can be converted into CUC in most hotels. Banks usually give you CUC against credit and debit cards - but not against Amex (shame!), Diners Club or any other US-based cards. Beware of the Peso Nacional, the currency the locals mainly use and which looks quite like CUCs but is worth 24 times less... The CUC was devalued in March and is now worth USD1 - which makes life for tourists much simpler.

 

[fire&skill]

You can't buy CUC (the Cuban convertible currency) outside Cuba - nor can you convert it back into any other currency after you've left Cuba. So tell your friends not to convert too much! Whatever they do, don't take US dollars - the Cubans impose a 10% penalty for converting them into CUC. Euros and GB pounds can be converted into CUC in most hotels. Banks usually give you CUC against credit and debit cards - but not against Amex (shame!), Diners Club or any other US-based cards. Beware of the Peso Nacional, the currency the locals mainly use and which looks quite like CUCs but is worth 24 times less... The CUC was devalued in March and is now worth USD1 - which makes life for tourists much simpler.

Cheers COM - I knew I could rely on NSC to sort this

 

[Barrel of Fun]

I was about to say you should PM Clapham Old Mug as I remembered he owns part of a hotel out there and here he is!

Is it a resort holiday or are they doing their own thing?

 

[fire&skill]

Not sure tbh - just know they're going to Cuba

 

[severnside gull]

Just get some US Dollars as they will find that you buy in USDollars and get change in pesos which (for the large part) as a tourist you can't spend - don't get travellers cheques (a bugger to cash).

 

[folkestonesgull]

some people i know went and everyone wanted euros...give them some of those to take

 

[ants4t]

I went on my honeymoon there in January, it was really easy to convert Sterling or Euros. My Virgin Credit card didn't work over there (MNBA) though.