The acceptance of credit cards has become more widespread in Cuba in recent years and was aided by the legalization of US and US-linked credit and debit cards in early However, change is still a work in process, and US residents should note that at the time of research, debit and credit cards from the USA could still not be used.
While services can still be booked with credit cards from the US on the internet, in country it's another story. Residents of the US can wire money via Western Union, though this requires help from a third party and hefty fees. An increasing number of debit cards work in Cuba, but it's best to check with both your home bank and the local Cuban bank before using them. Ideally, you should arrive in the Cuba with a stash of cash, and a credit and debit card as back-up.
So bring cash and exchange it on the black market. A few months later almost all cards worked with the exception of all cards issued by US banks. The embargo forbids them to pay their Cuban counterparts so the Cuban Banks block those cards because they will never recuperate the money. Then Machines with a Maestro logo appeared. But they were just second hand ATMs and they did not bother to take the logo off. Like there are still busses driving around on their way to Amsterdam.
That your card works does not mean the ATM works. There are a lot of reasons for them not to work. If you are quoted a price in pesos, it may not be the bargain you think it to be. To be clear, "moneda nacional" or "MN" always refers to Cuban pesos.
Other terms for a CUC include divisa, chavito, verde, guano, and fula. Cash is known as efectivo. Cuba's state banking system is trying to keep up with the rise in international tourism and joint business ventures.
These banks are the place to go for cash withdrawals off of your non-U. They'll also work for cashing traveler's checks or changing currency, but your best bet for money-exchange transactions is the national chain of casas de cambio money-exchange houses , CADECA, S.
You'll find CADECA branches in most major cities and tourist destinations, as well as at all the international airports. Warning: Do not change money in the street. It is inevitable that you will be given a wad of useless national pesos instead of CUCs. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted at hotels, car-rental agencies, and official restaurants and shops, with the caveat that they cannot be issued by a United States bank or financial institution.
Diners Club is also accepted, although to a much lesser extent. American Express cards are not accepted anywhere on the island. It is always best to check with your home bank before traveling to see if your card will work in Cuba. If you have ignored all advice, contact Asistur , which can advise you on a company in Santo Domingo that can arrange a transaction between your U. BFI is the most reliable.
You may be able to use other Cuban banks but these are less likely to be able to meet your needs since most operate mainly in Cuban Pesos. Credit or debit cards are the most convenient way to access money in Cuba. This is a quick, easy and generally reliable way of getting cash out. Some European banks may also have a US holding parent company in which case your card will not work in Cuba.
How widely accepted is it to pay with my credit card in Cuba? Cash is king in Cuba. Except in major hotels, you should not consider it a viable option to pay for goods or services with a credit card anywhere in Cuba. Given how easy it is to get a cash advance in Cuba, you should simply stock up on cash at regular intervals.
What options are there for American travelers? One option which receives widespread recommendations although we have not used it is Caribbean Transfers www.
0コメント