Tipping in Cuba

Cuba has a modest but very present tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion. Many locals, especially those working in the service industries, are poorly compensated for their work so tipping helps them earn decent wages. Knowing who and how much to tip in Cuba is not always an easy task. Refer to this blog for your ultimate guide to tipping in Cuba.

Who should I tip in Cuba?

Cubans tend to tip anyone who offers them any kind of service. Cuban people will leave tips for waitresses at restaurants, grocery store cashiers, mechanics, bartenders, taxi drivers, barbers, maids, etc. During your travels in Cuba, we suggest tipping anyone who gave you service that went above and beyond their duties. Also, anyone who helped enhance your experience is a very good candidate for a tip. If you did not receive exemplary service, you are not required to tip.

tipping in cuba, tip anyone who gave great service

You can tip anyone who gives you great service in Cuba.

What currency should I use for tips in Cuba?

A tip in any currency will be appreciated but we recommend that US travelers tip in USD or CUP (the local Cuban currency) while in Cuba. If you’re from another country, tips in EUR are generally accepted if you’re not bringing USD. For more information on what currency to use in Cuba, check out our blog about Exchanging Money in Cuba.

Leaving a tip of 10% of the total bill in restaurants and bars is a good rule of thumb.

When tipping in USD, you might want to leave a 1 – 2 USD tip. When eating out, you might consider tipping as a group and taking turns. For example, one person will tip for the group with a 5 or 10 USD bill at a meal. And at the next meal, someone else can leave the tip and so on.

When tipping in USD, we recommend bringing about $30 – $50 worth in 1/5 USD bills to leave as tips.

When tipping in CUP, the 10% rule also applies, but it’s a bit trickier and involves a little more math. The exchange rate for CUP vs USD may be different in private businesses than in the government exchange offices. Many restaurants will value 1 USD at varying rates so be sure to ask.

You can read in our blog about the currencies in Cuba to better understand how this works.

If you pay in USD, you’ll more than likely receive change in CUP. Before calculating your tip in CUP, you should ask what the restaurant’s exchange rate is for CUP vs USD.

From there, the example below explains tipping in CUP:

The restaurant values 1 dollar at 180 CUP.
Your meal at a local restaurant costs 15 dollars.
You pay with a 20-dollar bill. Your change is 900 CUP (5 dollars).
You want to leave a tip of 2 dollars in CUP.
2 dollars x 180 CUP = 360 CUP* is the tip in local currency.

*You can just round up to 400 CUP to make it easy on yourself!

It’s up to you in what currency you tip in Cuba… USD, EUR, or CUP.

How much should I tip in Cuba?

How much to tip in Cuba is always up to you, but as mentioned previously, 10% of the total bill is acceptable in a restaurant. You’re always free to leave more if you feel like the service you have received went above and beyond the call of duty. Below is a recommended list of who and how much to tip in Cuba:

Taxi drivers: 1 – 2 USD (if very good)
Luggage porter: 1 – 2 USD per suitcase (keep in mind weight & size, more if very big and heavy)
Waiter/Bartender: 10% of the total bill
Cleaning ladies: 1 – 2 USD per day
Local guide/Trip leader: 5 – 10 USD per day (or in one lump sum at the end of the trip)
Bus driver: 2 – 4 USD per day (or in one lump sum at the end of the trip)

tipping in cuba, just tip what you feel right!

Don’t worry about who or how much to tip. Just do what you feel is right and come ready to enjoy the beauty of Cuba!

Tipping in Cuba is really all up to you; there are no set rules. Just tip what you feel is right and deserved. Remember that those who give you service will usually be appreciative of any tip you may give. Another way to help the Cuban people is to bring gifts with you to Cuba due to the lack of access to goods there. Check out our blog about bringing gifts for the Cuban People to learn more about this. Happy travels!

Exchanging Money in Cuba

By globedrifters Cuba

Exchanging Money in Cuba

Exchanging money in Cuba and understanding the country’s currency system can be complex and sometimes tricky to navigate. The Cuban government often makes sudden monetary and economic reforms with little notice. This blog will introduce you to the basics of Cuba’s currency, how to exchange money, and share tips to help you understand Cuba’s financial system.

What is the Currency in Cuba?

Before figuring out how to exchange money in Cuba, it’s important to know a bit about how the currency works. The official currency is the Cuban peso (CUP). You’ll also encounter the moneda libremente convertible (MLC)* in certain places.

The Cuban peso is a closed currency, which means you can’t buy, sell, or trade it outside of Cuba. You won’t be able to legally exchange your money for pesos before your trip; you can only do this once you’re in Cuba.

The Cuban government sets official exchange rates and can change them at any time without warning. You can check the government’s latest exchange rates on CADECA’S website, although the site isn’t always up to date.

NOTE: The Cuban convertible peso (CUC) is no longer in circulation!

*MLC stands for moneda libremente convertible. It’s a term the Cuban government uses for foreign currencies, usually US dollars and euros.

Cuban pesos (CUP)

Which Currency Should I Bring to Cuba?

Simply put, we recommend that US travelers bring US dollars (USD) for purchases and spending money in Cuba.

Cuba is currently experiencing significant inflation, which has driven prices in CUP way up. However, many private restaurants, bars, and cafes accept USD. These are the kinds of places where we dine during our 9-day trip to Cuba.

When paying in US dollars, you’ll often receive your change in CUP. You can use these pesos to tip your server, bartender, and others. Be sure to ask each place you visit what exchange rate they’re using for USD to CUP, as private businesses set their own rates. For more guidance on tipping, check out our Tipping in Cuba blog.

If you’re coming from another country than the US, it might be easier for you to bring euros (EUR), British pounds (GBP), or Canadian dollars (CAD). We don’t advise travelers on which specific currency to bring. The best approach is to check exchange rates and fees locally to decide what works best for you.

PRO TIP: If you’re bringing US dollars, it’s best to bring smaller bills like $20s, $10s, and $5s for everyday purchases like meals, drinks, and tips. Avoid bringing too many bills larger than $50, as they are harder to make change.

Exchange money in Cuba to get a cool Cuban beer on a hot Havana day

A cold, refreshing Cuban beer on a hot day!

How can I Exchange Money in Cuba?

CADECA Offices

The most common place to exchange money in Cuba is the CADECA, the official government currency exchange office. You’ll find CADECA offices at the Havana airport as well as in major cities and tourist destinations. The government sets the official rates, so they don’t vary much from one office to another.

As of June 23, 2023, 1 USD = 24 CUP. This rate includes the 8% conversion fee CADECA charges for USD. For other currencies, such as the Euro, Canadian dollar, etc. CADECA charges a 2% conversion fee.

Hotels

Many hotels will exchange money, but we don’t recommend using them because they usually charge higher fees.

Unofficial Money Exchanges

You’ll also see unofficial money exchanges on the streets. We don’t advise our travelers to use these services. If you choose to exchange money this way, it’s entirely at your own risk.

What to Do With Your CUP at the End of Your Trip?

At the end of your trip, you can usually exchange any remaining CUP back into a foreign currency at the airport. Some CADECA offices in the city may also help you exchange CUP for foreign currency if they have availability. You can also try to spend your leftover pesos. Keep in mind that CADECA in the city or at the airport may set a $100–$300 USD limit on how much you can exchange back from CUP.

Note that only euros and Canadian dollars are accepted after security at the Havana airport. USD will not be accepted.

PRO TIP: As most taxis at the airport will accept USD, we recommend that all travelers on our 9-day trip wait to exchange money in Cuba until you meet with the guide on the evening of Day 1 of the trip. He will offer guidance on exchanging money at the first meeting when you arrive.

Exchange money in Cuba legally at the CADECA

CADECA are legal Cuban government exchange houses where you can exchange currency

Can I use my debit/credit card in Cuba?

In short, no, you can’t use a debit or credit card in Cuba as a US traveler, and you shouldn’t rely on any card as your primary payment method. US debit and credit cards won’t work in Cuba at all.

Cards issued by banks outside the US may work, but there are two common problems:

Card readers often malfunction because they’re outdated or suffer from connectivity issues.
ATMs frequently break down or run out of cash.

Additionally, most private restaurants, bars, casa particulares, and other private businesses don’t have card readers and won’t accept payment by card.

Overall, it’s safest to plan to use cash only during your trip to Cuba.

PRO TIP: You might hear that getting an MLC debit card upon arrival in Cuba is a good idea. We do not recommend this. The Cuban government issues these cards, and they are not accepted everywhere. They are mainly accepted at state-run businesses. If you’re joining our trip to Cuba, we won’t visit any of these places during our trip.

How much money will I need for my Cuba trip?

For travelers on our 9-day trip, we recommend bringing $600–$900 USD in cash. This amount is based on feedback from past travelers and should cover the few meals not included in the trip, plus tips, souvenirs, and any optional activities wish to participate in. Of course, your budget will vary depending on your spending habits and travel style. (Check out our blog about tipping in Cuba for more details about tips.) We strongly advise bringing more money than you think you’ll need, just in case of emergencies.

Many travelers have told us that they found Cuba to be much more expensive than other developing countries. Be prepared to pay prices similar to what you’d expect in Western countries for food and drinks.

Here are some approximate prices to help you budget for your trip to Cuba:

Meal at a nice, sit-down restaurant: $20–$30+ USD
Cocktail: $5–$10 USD
Can of beer: $2–$3 USD
Wi-Fi (1-hour card): $1 USD

*These are only approximate prices, and costs may vary depending on location and personal preferences.

For more details on food in Cuba, check out our Food in Cuba blog.

No need to exchange money in Cuba to eat at a paladar. Pay in EUR!

Cuban restaurants: You can purchase food in USD or EUR, and tip in CUP!

Cuba’s currency exchange and monetary system are ever-changing and quite complex at times. By knowing what to expect beforehand, you’ll have a great trip that you’ll never forget. Remember, if you’re traveling on our 9-day trip to Cuba, your guide will be there to help you every step of the way.

If you want to learn more about what to expect in Cuba and get insider advice, be sure to check out our blog Top 10 Cuba Travel Tips. Happy travels!