Cuba: Payment methods & tips

All continents Latin America and the Caribbean Cuba

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For ATM cash withdrawals
For cashless payments in shops, restaurants, hotels, and online

ATM Search

Banknotes

in euro (EUR)

Local currency / ISO Code

Convertible peso CUC

Further Information

Import local currency
prohibited

Import foreign currency
unlimited; USD 5'000.00 (equivalent) or more must be declared

Export local currency
prohibited

Export foreign currency
limited to the equivalent of USD 5'000.00; higher amounts only if declared upon entry

Credit cards

Die gängigen Kreditkarten werden in begrenztem Umfang akzeptiert. Für detaillierte Informationen wenden Sie sich bitte an den Aussteller der betreffenden Karte.

ATM Search

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Useful tips from our experts:

ATM cash withdrawals outside bigger communities or cities may not be available.
The Travel Mastercard card is occasionally accepted at major hotels and restaurants.
Acceptance of credit cards is limited. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.
Keep exchange and transaction receipts.
Starting from 8 November 2004: US dollars are no longer accepted as mode of payment and must be exchanged for convertible pesos CUC (1 peso equals 1 USD) with a surcharge of 10%.
This fee does not apply when exchanging other hard currencies (CHF, EUR, GBP, etc.).
Travelers are advised to take cash in Euro and Swiss francs to change into the local currency.
Large cities/tourist centers (Varadero, Jardines del Rey, St. Lucia, Playa Covarrubias, Holguin): euros (EUR) are accepted as payment by many shops, hotels, restaurants, etc.

Practical Information:

Time difference with Switzerland

- 6 h

Capital

Havana (La Habana)

Country code for calling Switzerland

119 41(disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

110/120 volt / adapter required

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

Havanna, 5ta Avenida no. 2005, entre 20 y 22, Miramar-Playa
Tel. +53 7 204 26 11

National language

Official language

Spanish

Language capabilities

English

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after arrival with visa in form of tourist card, return or onward travel ticket and proof of sufficient funds (USD 50.00 (equivalent) per day) for stays up to 1 month.
Tourist cards are available at travel agencies or the Cuban represantation in Berne.

Opening hours

Banks

8.30 - 15.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Stores

9.00 - 18.00 h (Mon - Sat)
9.00 - 13.00 h (Sun)

Driving

Swiss driver's license accepted for car rentals.
Minimum age for car rentals: 21 (varies by rental company).
Rental cars with driver available.
CH sticker and breakdown triangle mandatory.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

Health situation

Do not drink tap water.
Mosquito protection advised.
Risk of dengue fever.
Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Other information

Security

Si consiglia di rispettare le abituali misure precauzionali contro la microcriminalità.
Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.
Use officially marked taxis only.
Do not hitchhike and do not take hitchhikers.
Avoid nighttime driving.

Special legal regulations

Photographing persons wearing an uniform, military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges etc.) is prohibited.
Severe penalties for violations of drug laws (up to life imprisonment/death penalty).

Travel advice for Cuba.