💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Havana: where to exchange currency, what everything costs, how to pay for transport and accommodation, and the essential cash planning you need for Cuba. For Cuba-wide money advice:
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Order EUR → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Havana?
Yes, for virtually everything. Cuba is one of the world's most cash-dependent destinations. Cards issued by US banks do not work at all due to the embargo. Non-US cards have extremely limited acceptance (a few upscale hotels only). There is no Visa, Mastercard, or Amex network functioning reliably. ATMs are scarce and frequently empty. You must bring enough physical cash to cover your entire trip. Bring euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds for the best exchange rates. US dollars can be used but face a 10% surcharge at official exchange offices.
Where You Will Need Cash (Everywhere)
Casas particulares (private homestays). Restaurants (paladares and state-run). Taxis and classic car tours. Street food and cafes. Museums and attractions. Bars (including La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita). Markets and souvenir shops. Bus tickets. Tips. There are no exceptions. Cuba runs on cash.
Where Cards Might Work (Very Limited)
A handful of upscale hotels (Hotel Nacional, Saratoga, Iberostar properties) may accept non-US Visa or Mastercard for room payments. Do not count on this. Even where cards technically work, the transaction may fail due to connectivity issues. Never rely on cards in Cuba. Treat the entire trip as cash-only for planning purposes.
Spending by Neighborhood in Havana
Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
The UNESCO-listed colonial heart of the city. Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja are the main squares. Museums: CUP 50–200 each. La Bodeguita del Medio: mojitos from CUP 250. El Floridita: daiquiris from CUP 300. Paladares (private restaurants) charge CUP 500–2,000 for mains. Street food (pizza slices, sandwiches) for CUP 50–150. Everything is cash.
Vedado
Havana's more modern district with wide avenues and 1950s architecture. Hotels (Nacional, Habana Libre) are here. Restaurants along Calle 23 (La Rampa) and the Malecon promenade. CADECA exchange offices in Vedado have shorter lines than Old Havana. Jazz clubs and music venues charge CUP 200–500 cover. More residential and less touristy, with good-value paladares.
The Malecón
Havana's iconic 8-km seawall promenade. Free to walk and the best place for sunset. Street vendors sell snacks and drinks (CUP 50–150). Musicians and artists perform for tips. Classic car cruises along the Malecon cost $30–60 per hour for the car. No shops or restaurants directly on the seawall. Bring water and a few hundred CUP for snacks.
Centro Habana
The gritty, atmospheric neighborhood between Old Havana and Vedado. Capitolio (National Capitol): CUP 200 entry. Chinatown (Barrio Chino) has cheap food stalls. Local markets sell produce and household goods (CUP). This is where Havana feels most real and least touristy. Very affordable eating. Budget CUP 200–500 per meal at local spots.
Where to Exchange Money in Havana
CADECA (Casa de Cambio) offices are the official exchange points. Locations in Old Havana (near Plaza de San Francisco), Vedado (Calle 23), and Jose Marti Airport. Lines can be extremely long (1–3 hours is common). Go early in the morning for the shortest waits. Best currencies to bring: euros get the best rate, followed by Canadian dollars and British pounds. US dollars face a 10% surcharge on top of the exchange rate. Some casas particulares exchange informally at competitive rates. Always count your money carefully at the counter.
ATMs in Havana
For Cuba-wide ATM advice, see the Cuba guide. ATMs in Havana are scarce and unreliable. Banco Metropolitano and BANDEC have a few machines in Old Havana and Vedado, but they frequently run out of cash or reject foreign cards. US-issued cards do not work at any Cuban ATM. Non-US cards (European Visa, Canadian Mastercard) may work occasionally but cannot be relied upon. The only safe strategy is to bring enough physical cash for your entire trip.
Classic Cars, Taxis & Getting Around
Classic Car Tours
One of Havana's signature experiences. $30–60 per hour for a vintage American car (fits 3–4 people). A standard 1–2 hour tour covers the Malecon, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolucion, and back through Old Havana. Negotiate price and duration before starting. Always cash (US dollars or euros accepted by drivers). Book through your casa particular or negotiate directly with drivers parked along the Capitolio.
Taxis
Official yellow taxis (metered or negotiate). Old Havana to Vedado: CUP 300–500. Airport to Old Havana: CUP 3,000–5,000 (about $25–40). Colectivos (shared taxis along fixed routes) cost CUP 50–100 per person for rides within Havana. Coco-taxis (yellow three-wheeled scooters) are fun for short rides: CUP 200–400. All taxi payments are cash.
Walking
Old Havana is compact and best explored on foot. You can walk from the Capitolio to the Plaza de la Catedral in 15 minutes. The Malecon stretches 8 km along the coast (a beautiful but long walk). Vedado requires more walking or a taxi due to its spread-out grid layout. Havana is generally safe for walking during the day.
Viazul Bus
For trips outside Havana, Viazul operates tourist buses. Havana to Trinidad: CUP 2,500 (6 hours). Havana to Vinales: CUP 1,200 (3.5 hours). Buy tickets at the Viazul terminal in Vedado (cash) or online (non-US card, unreliable). Book at least a day ahead. The Viazul terminal is on Avenida 26 near the Zoo.
Tipping in Havana
The Cuba guide covers general norms. Tipping is very important in Cuba because local wages are extremely low. Restaurants: 10–15% is expected and deeply appreciated. Musicians: CUP 100–300 per performance. Hotel housekeeping: CUP 100–200 per day. Casa particular staff: CUP 200–500 at the end of your stay. Tour guides: CUP 500–1,000 per day. Classic car drivers: CUP 200–500 on top of the fare. Always tip in CUP or small-denomination foreign bills.
Prices in Havana
Havana has a dual pricing reality: tourist-oriented paladares and bars charge international-level prices, while local food stalls and peso restaurants are extraordinarily cheap. Accommodation in casas particulares offers excellent value compared to hotels. The biggest expenses are typically classic car tours and the Viazul bus to other cities.
| Item | Price (CUP) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food (pizza slice) | CUP 50–100 | $0.40–0.80 |
| Local restaurant meal | CUP 200–500 | $1.65–4.15 |
| Paladar dinner (tourist) | CUP 1,000–3,000 | $8.30–25 |
| Mojito (La Bodeguita) | CUP 250–400 | $2.10–3.30 |
| Classic car tour (1 hour) | $30–60 USD | $30–60 |
| Casa particular (per night) | $25–60 USD | $25–60 |
| Taxi to airport | CUP 3,000–5,000 | $25–40 |
| Museum entry | CUP 50–200 | $0.40–1.65 |
| Colectivo (shared taxi) | CUP 50–100 | $0.40–0.80 |
| Viazul bus to Trinidad | CUP 2,500 | $20.80 |
| Bottled water | CUP 50–100 | $0.40–0.80 |
| Cigar (Cohiba at shop) | CUP 500–3,000+ | $4.15–25+ |
USD estimates based on approximately CUP 120 = $1 (informal rate). Official and informal rates differ significantly. Rates fluctuate.
Day Trips from Havana
Viñales Valley (3.5 hours by bus)
Stunning limestone mogotes and tobacco farms in western Cuba. Viazul bus: CUP 1,200 each way. Tobacco farm tours: CUP 500–1,000 including a cigar rolling demonstration. Horseback riding: CUP 1,500–3,000 for a half-day. Cave visits: CUP 200–500. Everything is cash. A long day trip, better as an overnight stay. Casa particulares in Vinales cost $20–35 per night.
Playas del Este (30 min by taxi)
Havana's nearest beaches, about 20 km east of the city. Taxi: CUP 1,500–2,500 round trip (negotiate waiting time). Beach: free to use. Beach restaurants: CUP 300–1,000 for a seafood lunch. Beach chair rental: CUP 100–200. All cash. A quick escape from the city when you want sand and sea.
Havana Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Havana | ❌ Cash only | CUP 500–2,000/day | Museums, bars, food |
| Casas particulares | ❌ Cash only | $25–60/night | USD, EUR, or CUP |
| Paladares (restaurants) | ❌ Cash only | CUP 500–3,000 | Private restaurants |
| Classic car tours | ❌ Cash only | $30–60/hour | Negotiate first |
| Taxis | ❌ Cash only | CUP 300–5,000 | Negotiate or use colectivo |
| Street food | ❌ Cash only | CUP 50–200 | Pizza, sandwiches, juice |
| CADECA exchange | ❌ Cash exchange | Bring EUR or CAD | Long lines, go early |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Havana?
Yes, for virtually everything. Cuba is overwhelmingly cash-only. US-issued cards do not work. Non-US cards have extremely limited acceptance. Bring enough physical cash for your entire trip.
What currency does Cuba use?
Cuban pesos (CUP). Bring euros or Canadian dollars for the best exchange rates at CADECA offices. US dollars face a 10% surcharge at official exchanges.
Do US credit cards work?
No. Due to the US embargo, cards from US banks do not work anywhere in Cuba, including ATMs. Non-US cards may work at a few upscale hotels, but never rely on them.
How much does a classic car tour cost?
$30–60 per hour for the car (fits 3–4 people). A 1–2 hour tour of Havana costs $40–80 total. Negotiate price and duration before starting. Cash only.
How much do casas particulares cost?
$25–60 per night for a room in Old Havana or Vedado. Cash only (CUP, EUR, or USD). Book through Airbnb or directly with hosts.
Where can I exchange money?
CADECA offices in Old Havana, Vedado, and the airport. Lines can be 1–3 hours. Go early morning. Bring euros or CAD for best rates. USD faces 10% surcharge.
Bring Euros for Cuba
The Wise card is not useful in Cuba (cards rarely work), but you can use your Wise account to hold and convert euros before your trip. Withdraw EUR from an ATM before flying to Havana.
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