How should an American citizen licensed to go to Cuba bring money?

How should an American citizen licensed to go to Cuba bring money? - Unrecognizable male demonstrating dollars before official flag of USA on background

If I am a U.S. citizen with a specific educational license to travel to Cuba for two months, how should I bring money?

I can't use any of my cards since they would not work in Cuba, and I don't want to bring American cash because it is devalued.

I could convert it to Euros, but I don't feel comfortable carrying a sum of cash large enough to last two months.

I could try to get an ATM card from a third country, but I don't want to raise suspicions that I'm laundering money or doing business with shady institutions.

How should I bring money to Cuba?



Best Answer

Wikitravel has a page on Americans in Cuba.

Under the 'Buy' section, they go into a lot of detail, but there are a few key points:

  • credit cards will not work. Well, they will .. maybe .. if completely unaffiliated with US companies. US credit cards definitely won't. So don't rely on those or US bank cards.
  • Most travellers carry cash. There is however, a 10% penalty on exchanging USD, so convert to CAD (Canadian) or EUR (Euros) first before arriving there.
  • Do the currency conversions well in advance - the airport may be more expensive.
  • there are also prepaid / rechargeable payment cards you could organise, but this does take preparation in advance. Some are listed in the article (eg Duales, Telecash)
  • If you're returning, you might consider opening a bank account in Cuba - Canadian banks can wire to your account there.



Pictures about "How should an American citizen licensed to go to Cuba bring money?"

How should an American citizen licensed to go to Cuba bring money? - From below of crop person holding national flag of United States of America waving in wind on street against city river
How should an American citizen licensed to go to Cuba bring money? - Woman With a Sign
How should an American citizen licensed to go to Cuba bring money? - Ethnic male in casual clothes and sunglasses standing on embankment of city river while leaning on fence showing national flag of United States of America



How much money can I enter to Cuba?

The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over the equivalent of 5,000 USD.

What documents does an American citizen need to go to Cuba?

Here's a simplified list of Cuban entry requirements:
  • Return Travel Documents.
  • Valid Cuban Tourist Card/Visa.
  • Certification of Travel Form.
  • Valid Passport\u2014valid for at least the duration of your trip.
  • Evidence of Sufficient Funds for Minimum Financial Needs.
  • Proof of Travel Medical Insurance.


Can US citizens travel to Cuba right now?

Today, Cuba is open for travel \u2014 even for Americans. Anyone traveling to Cuba just has to keep a couple of things in mind. Vaccinated travelers can enter Cuba without a negative PCR test. Unvaccinated travelers will need to present a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours old.

Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Cuba?

The primary travel to Cuba restriction for Americans is accessing money while traveling \u2013 because of America's nearly 60-year-old US Cuba embargo, American debit cards and credit cards will not work on the island as they do for those traveling from any other country.



WHAT CURRENCY TO USE IN CUBA 2021 | Travel money | Cuba travel | Travel tips




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