Discussions

Has anyone been to Cuba in the past 6 months? Were you able to get Cuban Pesos before going? Or did you use CDN or US while there? I tried to order Cuban Pesos from Westoba but they don't sell them. Any advice would be appreciated!

Maybe give CAA Travel on 18th N a call they may have up to date information and know where to get pesos.  
 
Edited by Mac72, 2022-03-16 11:09:08

Hi. Just got back from Cuba. Two things about money. 1. can only get Cuban pesos in Cuba and do not exchange at bank - everyone from bartenders to Sunwing reps will all give you way more pesos than bank. 2. I read that no US dollars which is wrong. Take lots of $1 US for tips as still what they all want. They do not want loonie or toonies as they cannot take coins to the bank.

For the great advice - one further question - do people still take items to tip with as well? I know that used to be the case but haven't travelled in a long time and don't want to be doing the wrong thing. People in Cuba used to be very thankful for lotions and new clothing as tips but it's been more than 10 years since we've been there. Thanks!

buy travel insurance before you go, health costs may not be expensive and you may need to pay before you get treated and then get reimbursed before you come home. research where you can get a covid test so you can come home. have a back up plan should you test positive, all stay, some stay, only infected stay. cost to rebook flights. where will you stay until your 14 days are over and what is that cost? consider covid coverage if you dont have lots of room on your visa. dont expect a go fund me page to cut it while you figure this out. plan, research. go with knowledge. we did get funds from RBC but they had to be ordered in. have fun stay safe and enjoy.  
a friends of mine who is from Cuba says watch out for bank charges at machines on the street. some will be a few $1000 cdn as an extra fee. she has seen it many times as she deals in claims with insurance companies when people get sick and look to get reimbursed for pulling money out because they had to extend their stay.