Best currency to take for exchange in Cuba?

June 12, 2009 6:47 AM

Best currency to take for exchange in Cuba (Euro v Canadian v Sterling)?

I'm going with a small group to Cuba tomorrow for a long weekend (yay!). We know to totally avoid taking US dollars, but wanted any opinions on the best alternative currency to take.

When exchanging for Cuban Convertibles we've heard that Canadian Dollars are typically getting a much better rate of exchange over Euros or Sterling, but wanted any guidance from recent visitors. I've seen a number of web sites listing exchange rates, but am guessing that its slightly more arbitrary once you land.

posted by inflatablekiwi to Travel & Transportation around Cuba (1 answer total)

Best answer: I've never noticed a significant difference (using Euros and Canadian dollars, never tried UKP). The cambios are government run, too, with almost zero variation between locations, so the airport in Varadaro and the ones in downtown Havana are identical.

The large hotels will also sell you convertibles with a Visa or Mastercard (it shows up on my credit card as a purchase, not a cash advance, so no fee, either). This is sometimes more convenient than carrying (any form of) cash.
posted by rokusan at 6:53 AM on June 12, 2009