Can I get Cuban Moneda Nacional and use it?

by Joao Castro
(Portugal - Azores)

Can I exchange euros in a Cadeca for Peso Nacional, and then use them. Or they don't allow a tourist to use it?
Thanks.

ANSWER by Vic, Webmaster Havana-guide.com

The official (Normal) procedure is that a foreigner can not exchange Cuc (Peso Concertible) for Peso Nacional (CUP). The exchange rate is 24 CUP for one CUC. A foreigner has to pay everything in CUC. You will find people on the streets that want to help you (???) and will exchange Cuc for CUP.

BUT! Watch out! Many of this money exchanges are scams, they give you outdated or counterfeit banknotes for your good CUC's. On the other hand what are you going to do with this CUP?
The Cup is for internal use among Cubans only.
For example you want to vist a museum, you, the foreigner will pay 2 CUC, your Cuban friend will pay for the same entrance ticket 2CUP (24 times less) because he's a Cuban and earns a lot less than the foreigner, the lower price for his ticket is one of his social benefits. You can not hide that you are a foreigner and in case of doubt, they can always ask to show your Cuban Identity Card!

Sometimes on the countryside you can pay in CUP for local food, but most of this food or beverages are of lower quality.
For example the difference between a premium beer like Bucanero (1.20 Cuc) and a local beer Mayabe paid in CUP (20 CUP) is only 10 CUP.
I would not recommend to exchange your Euros for Moneda Nacional, in most cases it's not accepted also because the CUC is seen as a stronger currency (more) equal to the Euro. Notice that every piece of luxury that Cubans can buy in the so called "Dollar Shops" must be paid in CUC, so everybody wants some amount of CUC's.