Is it advisable to bring into Cuba Canadian dollars and no US $?

by Elena Tanglao
(Canada)

US $ are not accepted in Cuba, correct?

I am Canadian so I should bring Canadian dollars and exchange them for tourists currency, correct?
What is the Cuban currency that tourist use in Cuba?

ANSWER by Vic Webmaster Havana-guide.com

Do not bring in US dollars, you still can exchange them in the Cuban banks, but there's a 10% extra tax on the US dollar to discourage the use of US dollars. So you will lose 10% on the exchange transaction. Since 2004 the US dollar is replaced by the Peso Convertible (CUC). So my advise is stick to your Canadian dollars (CAD)
The Peso Convertible (CUC) is in fact the tourist money
One CAD = 0.9 CUC(peso convertible).
There is a dual currency system in Cuba, a second currency system named Peso Nacional (CUP) is used for domestic use. Cuban wages are paid in this currency and Cubans can buy in (subsidized) shops with this Peso nacional. One Peso convertible (CUC) is worth 24 Peso Nacional (CUP).
Cash is king in Cuba, there are very few ATM's. A good practice is to preload your Visacard (in Canada), this way you can withdraw money cheaply in a Cuban bank. Never exchange money on the streets, go to a Cuban bank or a CADECA (offical state exchange offices). Allways count your money, especially at the airports, shortgiving happens frequently.
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Cuba Money

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