Travel money
Travelling to Cuba: why you should bring all your money in cash
2 min read
Cuba, a very Canadian destination
Canada is Cuba's top tourism market: in 2025, about 754,000 Canadians stayed there, around 42% of international visitors, according to Cuba's national statistics office as reported by CubaPLUS. It's also the destination where money takes the most preparation.
What changed in 2026
According to the Government of Canada's travel advice for Cuba:
since June 6, 2026, Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are no longer accepted in Cuba;
cards issued by or affiliated with US financial institutions already didn't work;
what's left is cash and local prepaid cards (Clásica and Tropical), which don't always work as expected.
In practice: your Canadian card won't help you. Everything has to be prepared before you leave.
Which currency should you bring?
Currency | In Cuba |
|---|---|
US dollar (USD) | More widely accepted |
Euro (EUR) | More widely accepted |
Canadian dollar (CAD) | Not widely accepted, hard to exchange |
Cuban peso (CUP) | Local currency, can't be obtained before you arrive |
Bring US dollars or euros in small bills (5, 10, 20) for everyday spending: street food, taxis, tips.
How much should you bring?
Plan your whole stay in cash, plus a margin. Even an all-inclusive package comes with expenses: tips, excursions, taxis, shopping. Our method for working out your travel money helps you put a number on it. If the total is C$10,000 or more, report it to the CBSA when you leave.
Where can you change money there?
Only at an authorized business: airport exchange offices, banks, major hotels and official exchange bureaus. According to the travel advice, it's illegal to change money on the street.
Power outages
Even in larger cities, ATMs and card terminals can stop working during power outages. One more reason to rely on cash alone.
Getting your US dollars and euros
We carry US dollars and euros at all three branches. Reserve online so the amount and small bills are ready, then come to Saint-Laurent, Laval or Brossard. Cuba's rules change often: re-read travel.gc.ca right before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use my credit card in Cuba?
Not a Visa or Mastercard since June 6, 2026. Plan everything in cash.
Are US dollars or euros better?
Both are more widely accepted than Canadian dollars. Choose based on the day's rates and your habits; many travellers bring a bit of both.
About the author
ClickExchange
ClickExchange team
