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What is the Cuban peso?

The Cuban peso is the official currency of Cuba; this currency is used to pay salaries and pensions to Cubans in Cuba.

It is used almost exclusively by Cubans for the purchase of goods and materials produced domestically.

The Cuban peso cannot be used by any foreigner, so you will not be able to buy food or use it for transportation.

The use of this currency is therefore not recommended for tourists; only locals use it.
The Cuban peso is circulated in Cuba with coins of 1, 5 and 20 centavos (centavo) and 1 and 3 pesos.

Banknotes are in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos.

What is the convertible peso?

It is the tourist currency of Cuba.

It is valid in Cuban territory and is worth slightly less than the euro.

With this currency you can make payments for tourist services and goods.

It is used in restaurants, bars and cafeterias.

In practice, it will be your official currency, but be careful: the dollar/convertible peso exchange transaction is subject to a 10% commission, so we recommend buying convertible pesos with any currency other than US dollars.

Our euro is more than fine.

Where can you exchange money?

Exchange from international currency such as dollars or euros to convertible pesos, as well as the reverse, is possible at all banks.

Exchange from Cuban pesos to convertible pesos or other currency is only possible at the "exchange offices" of "Cadeca".

There are also ATMs where you can withdraw cash (Convertible Pesos) using the secret code of your credit card or prepaid card (not Cirrus Maestro).

Are credit cards accepted?

Credit cards accepted are: Visa, MasterCard and also debit cards from our Italian post office, Postepay.

There are also ATMs where you can withdraw Convertible Pesos using your secret code.

Conventional ATM cards used in Italy are not accepted, nor are credit cards issued by American financial institutions such as American Express and Diners.

Cirrus Maestro debit cards are not accepted.