Can I use US dollars in Cuba?

U.S.-dollar cash can be exchanged and, informally, is accepted in many places, but the Cuban peso (CUP) is the national currency and the exchange landscape shifts constantly. Bring physical cash (euros are the most widely accepted, with USD and CAD also common), carry clean undamaged notes, and confirm the current situation close to travel — the informal exchange rate in particular moves fast.

Do credit and debit cards work in Cuba?

Cards issued by U.S. banks — Visa, Mastercard and American Express — do NOT work anywhere in Cuba, in ATMs or at point of sale, because of U.S. sanctions. Cards from some non-U.S. banks may work at limited ATMs, but this is unreliable and should never be your only plan. Treat Cuba as a cash-only destination and bring enough for the whole trip.

What currency should I bring to Cuba?

Bring foreign cash to exchange: euros (EUR) are the most widely accepted, and U.S. dollars (USD) and Canadian dollars (CAD) are also common. Bring pristine, untorn notes — damaged bills are frequently refused. The local currency you will spend is the Cuban peso (CUP).

How much cash should I bring to Cuba?

Enough for your entire trip plus a buffer, because you cannot reliably top up once there (especially as a U.S. traveller). Budget for accommodation, food, transport, activities and tips, then add a contingency margin, and split the cash across your luggage and a safe.

Are there ATMs in Cuba, and can I withdraw cash?

There are ATMs, but they do not accept U.S.-issued cards at all, and non-U.S. cards work only sometimes and unpredictably. Do not rely on ATMs — arrive with the cash you need.

Where should I exchange money in Cuba?

Official exchange is done at banks, CADECA exchange houses, airports and some hotels at the official rate. An informal market exists at very different rates but carries legal and safety risk and changes daily — this guide does not quote rates. Exchange what you need and keep receipts.

Can I bring Cuban rum and cigars back to the US?

No. Cuban-origin alcohol and tobacco cannot be brought into the United States as accompanied baggage, regardless of value — a separate U.S. sanctions rule. See the customs page for what you can carry.

Practical Cuba · Money

Money in Cuba

Cuba is a cash economy for visitors, and U.S. cards do not work. Bring enough physical cash for your whole trip, in clean notes, and exchange as you go. Here is exactly how money works on the island.

U.S. travellers: is it legal? →Customs →Internet →

Cuba’s money situation changes fast. Exchange rates — especially the informal market — move daily, and rules shift. This page explains the durable structure and deliberately does not quote a rate. Confirm current specifics close to travel. Last reviewed 2026-08-01. See Cuba Now for changes as they break.

The essentials, first

1
Bring all your cash — plan for the whole trip
Cuba runs on cash for visitors. Withdraw at home before you fly and budget your entire stay; there is no reliable way for U.S. travellers to draw money once you land.
2
Euros are the safest bet; USD and CAD are also widely used
Euros (EUR) are the most broadly accepted foreign cash for exchange. U.S. dollars (USD) and Canadian dollars (CAD) are also commonly used. Bring clean, undamaged notes — torn or marked bills are often refused.
3
U.S. cards do not work — at all
Because of U.S. sanctions, cards issued by U.S. banks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) do not work in Cuba, in ATMs or shops. Do not count on plastic; treat any card as a non-option.
4
Keep small denominations and some backup
Casas particulares, paladares, taxis and markets want cash in hand — carry a mix of small notes, and split your money across bags and a hotel/casa safe.

The currency: the Cuban peso (CUP)

Cuba’s national currency is the Cuban peso (CUP) — what you’ll spend day to day. You bring foreign cash (euros, USD, CAD) and exchange it into pesos. You may also hear about MLC, a card-based settlement currency used in certain state stores; as a short-stay visitor you can generally ignore it and operate in cash. Because the exchange landscape and any informal rate change constantly, check the current picture just before you travel.

Cards & ATMs — why you can’t rely on them

U.S.-issued cards do not work anywhere in Cuba — sanctions block Visa, Mastercard and Amex drawn on U.S. banks, at ATMs and shops alike.
Cards from some non-U.S. banks may work at limited ATMs, but unreliably — never your only plan.
Assume cash for everything: casas particulares, paladares, taxis, tips, markets.

Exchanging money

Official exchange happens at banks, CADECA exchange houses, the airport and some hotels at the official rate. An informal market exists at very different rates, but it carries legal and safety risk and shifts daily — this guide does not quote rates. Bring clean, undamaged notes, exchange what you need, and keep receipts. Don’t leave Cuba with a pile of pesos — they’re hard to change back.

Official & reference sources

Banco Central de Cuba — Cuba’s central bank
U.S. Treasury / OFAC — Cuba FAQs — why U.S. cards are blocked
U.S. Department of State — Cuba information

Frequently asked questions

Can I use US dollars in Cuba?: U.S.-dollar cash can be exchanged and, informally, is accepted in many places, but the Cuban peso (CUP) is the national currency and the exchange landscape shifts constantly. Bring physical cash (euros are the most widely accepted, with USD and CAD also common), carry clean undamaged notes, and confirm the current situation close to travel — the informal exchange rate in particular moves fast.
Do credit and debit cards work in Cuba?: Cards issued by U.S. banks — Visa, Mastercard and American Express — do NOT work anywhere in Cuba, in ATMs or at point of sale, because of U.S. sanctions. Cards from some non-U.S. banks may work at limited ATMs, but this is unreliable and should never be your only plan. Treat Cuba as a cash-only destination and bring enough for the whole trip.
What currency should I bring to Cuba?: Bring foreign cash to exchange: euros (EUR) are the most widely accepted, and U.S. dollars (USD) and Canadian dollars (CAD) are also common. Bring pristine, untorn notes — damaged bills are frequently refused. The local currency you will spend is the Cuban peso (CUP).
How much cash should I bring to Cuba?: Enough for your entire trip plus a buffer, because you cannot reliably top up once there (especially as a U.S. traveller). Budget for accommodation, food, transport, activities and tips, then add a contingency margin, and split the cash across your luggage and a safe.
Are there ATMs in Cuba, and can I withdraw cash?: There are ATMs, but they do not accept U.S.-issued cards at all, and non-U.S. cards work only sometimes and unpredictably. Do not rely on ATMs — arrive with the cash you need.
Where should I exchange money in Cuba?: Official exchange is done at banks, CADECA exchange houses, airports and some hotels at the official rate. An informal market exists at very different rates but carries legal and safety risk and changes daily — this guide does not quote rates. Exchange what you need and keep receipts.
Can I bring Cuban rum and cigars back to the US?: No. Cuban-origin alcohol and tobacco cannot be brought into the United States as accompanied baggage, regardless of value — a separate U.S. sanctions rule. See the customs page for what you can carry.

CubaAtlas is an independent, non-commercial information project. This page explains how money works for visitors in general terms and cites official sources; it is not financial or legal advice and quotes no exchange rate. Confirm current conditions before you travel.