Are large euro bills accepted in Cuba?

by Chris
(Costa Rica)

Will the banks or CADECA be able to exchange large notes, such as the 500 euro note?


ANSWER by Vic webmaster Havana-guide.com


When you exchange normal quantities, there will be no problem. Note, that the 500 euro banknote has a bad reputation for being used as payment in criminal or illegal transactions. In Cuba 500 euro
is a lot of money (more than one year salary) and the bank clerk, could refuse the exchange for fear of a counterfeit banknote.

My recommendation is to use the 200 and 100 euro banknotes instead, even in Europe the 500 euro banknote is avoided. I have exchanged 200 euro notes without a problem in the Cadeca and banks in Havana. Note, that the import of cash is limited to 10,000 cuc you have to report higher quantities of cash at the Cuban customs.