Here’s my suggestion about bringing cash to Cuba: Since the only cash you’ll have access to is
what you bring with you, make sure to take sufficient cash for your whole stay. You will want
cash for entertainment, the few meals outside of those listed in the itinerary, souvenirs, rum,
cigars, art, etc. I'm sure you'll want to tip the Cuban tour guide and bus driver, and you’ll
probably want to tip the housekeepers at the hotel as well. There's also a 13 percent exchange
fee.
I suggest you bring at least $100 per day, per person. You probably won’t spend nearly that
much, but it’s better not to end up short on cash. Particularly if you plan to buy Cuban art,
which is often spectacularly beautiful, you may consider bringing at least this amount. You’ll be
able to change US dollars into Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC’s) as needed at the desk at our
hotel. I recommend exchanging about $100 at a time. Each room has a safe in which you can
store the balance of your dollars, travel documents, and other valuables.
There are two currencies in Cuba (CUC and CUP). The exchange rate is complicated and all you
really need to worry about is the CUC. You can get the other Cuban pesos (CUP, commonly
referred to as moneda nacional) as a collector’s item but everything you will want to spend
money on requires the CUC.
Tipping
Tipping in the service/tourist industry is expected and appreciated. Government salaries are
low and many people survive on the tips they earn. It is true that the average salary in the state
sector is $20 per month, but it is a myth that people survive on only $20 per month and
therefore even $1 is a lot to them. Average income, which is the result of tips, work on the side,
remittances, black market activity and other ways of “getting by,” La Lucha as Cubans say, is
closer to $100-150 per month.
You should tip well if you are treated well. Leaving a few dollars a day for maids, 10 percent on
meals not included in the itinerary and a dollar or two for a bellman goes a long way. Tips for
our tour guide, driver, bellmen, maids and others are not included.
Outlets
Cuba generally has electric outlets that are 110 V or 220 V. Our hotel offers access to both. Still,
it’s recommended that you bring a converter to deal with 220 V electricity and Cuban plugs,
particularly for medical devices.
Although blackouts are now far less frequent, it’s possible you may be without electricity for
very short periods of time during your stay.