Money in Cuba for tourists in 2026: how much to bring and how to pay

First: Visa and Mastercard don't work

Official travel information websites warn: as of June 6, 2026, in Cuba you cannot pay with Visa or Mastercard. Debit cards from US banks and German debit cards Girocard, V-Pay, and Maestro also don't work.

We're telling you the same from the house: cards don't work, and it's no use bringing "the good card." Bring cash. Don't count on ATMs either: they don't give money to tourists. What applies to your reservation we explain on our money and exchange page.

How much cash to bring (and how much you can take out)

Bring enough cash for your entire stay. As a guide, a guest spends between 50 and 100 € per day in cash, not counting the apartment: meals, taxis, and maybe an entrance fee. But there are prices for all budgets, and the day can be as low as 20 € or reach 200. Calculate based on how you travel, multiply by your days, and add a margin for unexpected expenses and tips. (Figures from the house's experience, October 2026; they're a guide, not a budget.)

For currency, US dollars and euros are most accepted. It's also good to carry small bills.

For your return, keep in mind the limit: you cannot leave Cuba with more than 5,000 US dollars (or its equivalent) or more than 5,000 Cuban pesos.

Where to exchange for Cuban pesos

Currency exchange is one of the questions guests ask us before booking. You can exchange it at airport offices, banks, large hotels, or official exchange houses. Exchanging on the street is illegal.

What you pay at the house

What you request during your stay (breakfasts, transfers, laundry, minibar) is paid at the end, in cash: euros, dollars, or Cuban pesos. Airport pickup is paid in cash only, to airport staff. The details of your reservation are in Money and exchange.

Before traveling to Havana

With money sorted, what comes next is arrival: how to get to the house, internet in Cuba, and the D'Viajeros form step by step, which airlines check before boarding. If you have dates already, you can see the house's apartments.

Information verified on October 21, 2026, on official travel information websites. This is informational only: payment rules change, and what authorities say overrides this text. Check it before traveling.