ATM Fees in Cuba
Cuban Peso (CUP) • Updated April 2026
Cuba is almost entirely cash-based. US credit/debit cards DO NOT WORK due to sanctions. Bring Euros or Canadian Dollars in cash. WARNING: There is a massive gap between the official government exchange rate (CADECA) and the informal street rate. Exchanging at banks will make your trip 4-5x more expensive. Most travelers bring EUR/USD cash and exchange informally (at their own risk) to afford daily expenses.
Tips for Cuba
- • US bank cards DO NOT work in Cuba - bring cash
- • Euros and Canadian Dollars get best exchange rates
- • Bring more cash than you think you'll need
- • CADECA official rate is 4-5x worse than informal street rate
- • Most travelers exchange EUR/USD informally to afford daily costs
- • MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) needed for some stores - tourists can get MLC pre-paid cards
Airport tips
- • Havana José Martí Airport has CADECA exchange offices
- • Exchange some money on arrival for taxi/transport
- • No ATMs work with foreign cards
Closed Currency Warning: Illegal
Strictness: Moderate to High
You are not allowed to export Cuban Pesos. The currency cannot be exchanged outside Cuba. Spend or exchange all local currency at the airport before departure.
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Cuba, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
CUP/day
≈ $1.68-2.93 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
CUP/day
≈ $4.19-7.96 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
CUP/day
≈ $11.31-20.53 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Cuba.
Credit card acceptance
Almost None for US CardsCash only for most travelers. Some European cards may work at select hotels. US cards don't work. The MLC digital currency is required for many shops - tourists can get MLC pre-paid cards, but most private restaurants (paladares) accept EUR/USD cash.
You'll need cash for
- • Everything
- • All transactions require cash
Cards usually accepted
- • Possibly some hotels (non-US cards only)
- • Very select locations
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CADECA | N/A - Exchange only | N/A | Official rates (very poor) | 4-5x worse than informal rate | 50 | Official exchange only - informal rate much better |
| Banco Metropolitano | N/A for US cards | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 | May work with European cards |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CADECA Exchange | N/A | N/A | Official rates (very poor) | 4-5x worse than informal | 50 | Official exchange offices |
| Banco Metropolitano | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 | US cards don't work |