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We are an expert team in this destination. We can provide useful tips to guarantee a very comfortable and safe trip to Cuba.
Updated April 16, 2026
It’s important to keep in mind that fuel supply in Cuba is subject to recurring shortages, so gasoline availability can be inconsistent. This is part of the country’s current situation and should be considered when planning any road trips.
At this time, rental cars can only refuel at designated gas stations specifically assigned to them.
The official price for premium gasoline at these locations is around $1.30 USD per liter, although it may vary.
Fuel must be paid for in U.S. dollars (USD) using bank cards (Visa or Mastercard accepted in Cuba) or a local Clásica card. Cash is not accepted.
Wait times at gas stations can sometimes be long due to lines. A bit of patience goes a long way—take the opportunity to enjoy the rhythm of the city while you wait.
Updated April 30, 2026
Hotels open by destination
Pinar del Río
- Hotel Vueltabajo
- Hotel Pinar del Río
Artemisa
- Hotel Islazul Las Yagrumas
La Habana
- Hotel Nacional Cuba
- Hotel Tryp Habana Libre
- Hotel Gran Muthu Habana
- Hotel Meliá Cohiba
- Hotel Meliá Habana
- Hotel Sevilla by Meliá
- Hotel Mystique La Habana
- Hotel Chateau
- Hotel Copacabana
- Hotel Grand Aston La Habana
- Hotel Iberostar Selection Parque Central
- Hotel Iberostar Grand Hotel Packard
- Hotel Memories Miramar Habana
- Hotel Starfish Montehabana
- Hotel Valentin Quinta Avenida Habana
- Hotel Royalton Habana Paseo del Prado
- Hotel ROC Presidente
- Hotel Plaza
- Hotel Paseo Habana
- Hotel Palacio de los Corredores
- Hotel Caribbean
- Hotel Inglaterra
- Hotel Lido
- Hotel Tulipán
- Hotel Telégrafo Axel Hotel La Habana
- Hotel Bello Caribe
Playas del Este
- Hotel MarAzul
Jibacoa
- Hotel Memories Jibacoa
Varadero
- Hotel Playa de Oro
- Hotel Villa Cuba
- Hotel Starfish Cuatro Palmas
- Hotel Bella Costa
- Hotel Barceló Solymar
- Hotel Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul
- Hotel Playa Vista Azul
- Hotel Iberostar Selection Varadero
- Hotel Meliá Varadero
- Hotel Meliá Internacional
- Hotel Meliá Las Américas
- Hotel Grand Aston Varadero
- Hotel Paradisus Varadero
- Hotel Sol Caribe
- Hotel Club Tropical
- Hotel Dos Mares
Matanzas
-Hotel Canimao
Villa Clara
- Hotel Horizonte Los Caneyes
Remedios
- Hotel Encanto Barcelona
Cayo Santa María
- Hotel Paradisus los Cayos
- Hotel The One Gallery (Open from May 22)
Trinidad
-Hotel Meliá Trinidad Península
Sancti Spiritus
- Hotel Villa San Jose del Lago
- Hotel Encanto Rijo
Ciego de Avila
- Hotel Ciego de Avila
- Hotel Encanto Rueda
Cayo Coco
- Hotel Playa Paraiso (Open from May 22)
Cayo Cruz
- Hotel La Marina Plaza Spa
Camaguey
-Hotel Camaguey
-Hotel Plaza Camaguey
-Hotel Gran Hotel Camaguey
- Hotel Isla de Cuba
Santa Lucia
- Hotel Club Amigo Mayanabo
Las Tunas
- Hotel Las Tunas
Santiago de Cuba
- Hotel Imperial
- Hotel Las Américas
Holguín
- Hotel Pernik
Gibara
- Hotel Encanto Ordoño
Guardalavaca
- Hotel Gran Muthu Almirante Beach
- Hotel Playa Pesquero (Open from May 22)
Granma
- Hotel Villa Santo Domingo
- Hotel Encanto Royalton
- Hotel Sierra Maestra
Guantánamo
- Hotel Guantánamo
- Hotel Martí
Baracoa
- Hotel Porto Santo
Updated April 16, 2026
The Cuban monetary system can be a bit confusing for visitors. Right now, the country’s official currency is the Cuban peso (CUP), also known as the national currency.
In practice, though, several payment methods coexist: Cuban pesos, foreign cash, international bank cards (as long as they’re not issued by U.S. banks), and some local cards. On top of that, there’s a significant gap between the official exchange rate and the one used on the informal market, which can be confusing for travelers.
Official exchange rate
The official exchange rate for the Cuban peso is set daily by the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC).
You can check the latest official exchange rate on the Central Bank’s website: https://www.bc.gob.cu/tasas-de-cambio
Currency exchange operations for the public (at exchange houses and banks) use the rates from what’s known as the retail exchange segment. This rate can change frequently.
Informal foreign exchange market
In addition to the official exchange rate, there’s also an informal foreign exchange market in Cuba, where foreign currencies are usually traded for more Cuban pesos than in the official system.
This market isn’t regulated by the government, although it’s widely used by locals. Many visitors look at informal references to estimate the rate, but these figures can fluctuate daily.
It’s important to keep in mind that exchanging money on the informal market isn’t an official transaction and can involve risks.
Currency exchange offices (CADECA)
CADECA offices are the official network of authorized currency exchange locations in Cuba. You’ll find them at international airports, ports and terminals, major hotels, tourist areas, and key municipalities across the country.
At these offices, you can sell foreign currency and receive Cuban pesos at the current official exchange rate.
Official information about CADECA: https://www.cadeca.cu
In addition to CADECA offices, some exchange operations are carried out at branches of state-owned banks. These banks use the same official rates set by the Central Bank.
The MLC system (Freely Convertible Currency)
In recent years, the Cuban government introduced the MLC system (Freely Convertible Currency), which works as a digital-only currency used in certain state-run stores.
To use it, you need a magnetic card that can be topped up through transfers or deposits in foreign currency.
Currently, the use of MLC has largely faded out, as many of the businesses and services that once accepted it have either closed or switched to other payment methods.
Clásica Cards
In Cuba, there are also local debit cards known as “Clásica,” which are mainly used by residents.
It’s a prepaid card issued by Financiera CIMEX S.A. It’s not personalized and is PIN-protected, allowing payments at state-run stores and businesses across Cuba that have POS terminals.
They can be purchased at CADECA offices, hotels, airports, branches of Banco Financiero Internacional (BFI), and major shopping centers, and can be reloaded with cash or from abroad through platforms or remittance agencies that offer this service.
At businesses that accept it as a payment method, they also usually accept international Visa or Mastercard cards (as long as they’re not issued in the U.S.) and cash in U.S. dollars.
Payments in private businesses
At private restaurants (known as paladares) and other privately owned businesses—such as small grocery stores, clothing shops, and hardware stores, commonly referred to as mipymes—payment options tend to be more flexible.
They often accept:
In some cases, businesses may allow you to pay only part of the bill using electronic transfers, while the rest has to be paid in cash. These conditions vary depending on the establishment.
Payments in hotels
At state-run hotels and international hotel chains in Cuba, the following are typically accepted:
Many hotels operate with prices set in foreign currencies or their equivalents, especially in tourist areas.
Recommendations for travelers
Given the complexity of Cuba’s monetary system, many travelers choose to bring foreign cash (USD or EUR) and use it directly to pay for tourist services or exchange it into Cuban pesos as needed.
IMPORTANT: Although U.S. dollars in cash are widely accepted in both the state and private sectors, foreign coins are not accepted—only banknotes.
Visitors should possess an effective Passport or a trip document stating their name and the corresponding visa or Tourist Card, excepting those countries that Cuba maintains Free Visa agreements with.
Tourist Cards can be requested at the Cuban consular representations or in travel agencies and airlines. They are of two types: for individual tourists or tourists that travel in groups.
Businessmen, journalists at work and natural of Cuba non-residents or with another nationality, should get a visa at consular representations.
Consult Current Customs Dispositions at the web site of Aduana General de la República de Cuba: www.aduana.gob.cu.
Health restriction policies only apply to travelers from countries with endemic yellow fever or cholera, or from those declared by the World Health Organization as infected zone, in such cases, an International Vaccination Certificate is demanded.
Animals and Plants have specific restrictions to importing, while vaccinated Pets are allowed only with necessary documentation.
Travelers to Cuba must carry travel insurance with a health insurance policy valid in Cuba from May 1st, 2010.
This policy must be handled at the country of origin. Although, those travelers without health insurance policies at their arrival to Cuba, will be able to acquire one, provided by Cuban Insurance Companies right at the airport, marina or port.
Travel insurances subscribed by Cuban insurance companies and most of international ones, have Assistance Services guaranteed throughout Cuba, provided by Asistur S.A. 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Power outlets in Cuba are 110 volt, 60 cycles, although most of the hotels also have 220 volt available. The majority of hotels have flat outlets, therefore we recommend carrying a round-flat adapter.
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