Can I use my credit cards in Cuba?

“Information coming out of Cuba about real on-the-ground experience with payment shows a very hit-or-miss situation. U.S. issued credit cards are rarely accepted outside of large, international chain hotels, and there are numerous instances where that is also problematic. Many U.S. credit card issuers have not yet taken the steps to enable their cards to be used in Cuba (your issuer can tell you) and some hotels, despite supposedly taking credit cards, do not do so all the time. The same is true with debit cards.

At this time Cuba remains very much cash-based and travelers should be prepared to pay for everything in cash. Any amount over $5K must be declared and there is a 10-13% tariff on all USD cash conversions. USD can be converted to CUC – the currency used by visitors to Cuba – at the airport or at a currency exchange booth in the hotel. Only crisp bills with no rips or tears are accepted, and lines at the airport especially are long. Travelers checks are not insured in Cuba and therefore lose the primary reason for having them. The ability to use or exchange these is often problematic and should not be relied on.”