convert money in Havana Cuba

by Doria Leo
(Toronto Canada)

My daughter will be attenting the university of Havana and I was told we could not get CUC outside of Cuba. Is there a place to convert canadian dollars at the University?

ANSWER by Vic Webmaster Havana-guide.com
You can not get Cuban Peso Convertible (CUC) outside Cuba. There is no foreign trade in CUC.
At the Havana University there's no possibility to exchange Canadian dollars in CUC, it's even illegal to exchange money outside the official channels. Warning! never exchange money on the streets.

So what can you do to exchange CAD in CUC?
The best you can do is to go a "CADECA office" this is an official Cuban State exchange office, they give you a receipt (important) and the best rates. You can also exchange for CUC in the (Cuban) banks in Havana. Third solution: Most major tourist hotels have an exchange office in their lobby. In your case, hotel Habana Libre and hotel Nacional de Cuba are the nearest to the Havana University. Finally all Cuban airports have a CADECA ( exchange office) so your daughter can already exchange money at the airport. One remark, check your money and ask for a receipt, the Cadeca's at the airports are notorius for short giving. A good Cadeca is situated halfway Obispo street Old Havana, close to the hotel Ambos Mundos. Take enough cash with you, credit cards are only accepted in banks and Cadeca.
Futher reading:
Money in Havana Cuba