Credit Cards in Cuba: A Traveler's Guide

Cuba is a cash-based economy, so it's essential to have some local currency, the Cuban Peso (CUP), on hand for small purchases and tips.

Credit cards can be used in Cuba, but only at select hotels, restaurants, and stores catering to tourists.

Some credit cards, like Mastercard and Visa, are more widely accepted than others, such as American Express.

To avoid any issues, it's best to inform your bank of your travel plans before arriving in Cuba to avoid any account restrictions.

Cuba is in the process of transitioning from magstripes to chip-enabled cards, so it's a good idea to use your chip-enabled card when possible for added protection and a higher level of security.

Arriving prepared with a combination of cash and cards is a good idea, as the rules regarding currency and methods of payment can be subject to change.

You should try not to rely on only one source of money, so it's best to be prepared with multiple payment options.

In Cuba, it's a good idea to have some cash on hand, as you never know when you might need it.

To stay safe when using your credit card in Cuba, keep your PIN safe by using one hand to enter it and the other to shield it from prying eyes and hidden cameras. This simple precaution can go a long way in preventing unauthorized transactions.

To minimize the risk of card skimming, select ATMs with care and try to stick to ones in banks. Avoid using ATMs in the street when possible, as they may be more vulnerable to tampering.

Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for street crime, especially in areas where thieves may work in pairs to distract their victims. Additionally, be cautious of theft at airports and when using hired cars, as valuables can be stolen from parked vehicles.

To avoid currency conversion fees, choose to pay in local currency whenever possible. This will help you avoid getting a worse exchange rate and paying unnecessary fees.

Cuba is in the process of transitioning to chip-enabled cards, so it's a good idea to use your chip-enabled card when possible for added protection and a higher level of security.

To minimize the risk of card skimming, be cautious when using ATMs in Cuba. Select ATMs in banks and avoid using ones in the street when possible.

If you notice the card slot is not as smooth as it should be or if there's a problem with the keypad, cancel your transaction and look for another ATM. Card skimmers work by stealing information from credit and debit cards.

Keep your PIN safe by using one hand to enter the PIN and the other to shield it from prying eyes and hidden cameras. This will help prevent unauthorized access to your account.

Be aware of your surroundings and remain alert to street crime, especially where two or more people work in distracting victims before decamping with their valuables.

Currency conversion fees are a sneaky way for retailers to charge you more. If a retailer offers to bill your credit card in sterling, dynamic currency conversion comes into play, which gives you a worse exchange rate and might also tack on currency conversion fees.

Choose to pay in local currency whenever possible to avoid these extra charges. This simple step can save you money and hassle.

One U.S. bank, Stonegate Bank, has a 3 percent foreign transaction fee, but they do offer services in Cuba. This is a big deal, as it makes it easier for American Express and MasterCard to process transactions in Cuba.

Carry a Visa credit card with you, as this network is most likely to be accepted in Cuba.

To avoid any issues with your bank, let them know about your travel plans before you leave the UK, so they don't block your credit card due to suspicious activity.

Know which numbers you'll need to call if you end up losing your card or if you need an emergency replacement, just in case.

If you need to exchange money, stick to banks or official money-exchange offices – possessing counterfeit money in Cuba is a serious crime.

You can consider using your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs, but be aware that exchanging money at airports typically has poor exchange rates.

Here are some essential numbers to keep handy:

Limited card acceptance is a significant issue in Cuba, even for non-Americans. Cards from Canada, Australia, the UK, and many European countries are accepted at exchange offices, but it's still very hard to actually get money out.

Hotels and tourist attractions are the places most likely to accept cards, but even visitors from other countries have had issues. You might be surprised by how often the system is down or the electricity is out.

In Cuba, you'll often hear that the system is down, which means no transactions can be done that day or week. This is often due to a computer or server issue, or a telecom signal problem.