jeev155

I've been told that tourists are supposed to use Cuban Convertible Pesos that can be exchanged from CAD at the Vardero Airport.

Is there any advantage to taking regular Cuban Pesos or USD as well since I hear that the Convertible Pesos are not really worth much to non-government establishments.

We're going to be going to a resort in Varadero if that matters.

Thanks guys..

91civic

dont bring american dollars they dont like it, bring euros, or canadian. dont 4get 2 go skydiving there.

Cynikal.Mindset

the convertible peso is worth more than us and canadian currency and is accepted all over as it's basically 20:1 to the local Cuban peso that the locals are paid in. So when u give them a dollar convertible it's like you are giving them 20 regular pesos which is like a month salary.

If you have a us based credit card it's no good at the banks there to take out money. Make sure it's from a Canadian bank. Capital one, mbna etc won't work.

shlammed

^^^ in Cuba

their money is worthless anywhere else

Cynikal.Mindset

well yea. It's basically play money for their little game of an island

DumbasSi

I've actaully had cuban workers exchange USD with me becuase they can't or don't want to exchange it. Exchange your CDN for CUC at the airport. The hotels exchange rates are not as good. Tip the maids toiletries. makeup, school supplies etc. Stuff they dont have or cannot buy easily.

bruce fee

i take 500 for the week. i convert 300 of it at the resort bank when i get there.

i convert the other amount as i need it

if you take out more than you need, converting back is an extra hassle and you take another hit (not that it is a lot, just on principal)

make sure you count the money and get a receipt. the guy at the resort counter ripped us off $5. not worth complaining about, but just on principal. fck them.

i also use my creditcard when i think i wish i had more money.

we usually go to pizza nova at least twice in the week for example.

bruce fee

i never tip the maids... to hell with them.

take up adidas and puma stuff if you can. if you go to a clearance outlet and buy the adidas caps that no one here wanted for the last two years for $6.99 it's a big deal for them.

especially cause it's new.

We hook up the night time snack bar and alcohol guys on the first night, and then give a few things here and there. you'll get amazing service when it's needed the most.. at 11pm when you're pre-drinking and 4am when you're hungry.. they were giving us fried lobster and shrimp that everyone loved.. and that wasn't on a menu anywhere.

DumbasSi

I tip the maids the basic stuff I mentioned and it always got me extra towels, booze in the fridge, etc. The bartenders I would give cash and the pool and delivery guys Nike/Adidas/etc stuff. Last year, I gave a delivery guy an older MP3 player I had. Everyday after that he brought a bottle of rum and a bottle of champagne to our room.

jeev155

So my Capital One M/C issued in Canada won't work in Cuba?

Cynikal.Mindset

nope...been there done that...thankfully my sister had her scotia credit card.

jeev155

Did they ask her for ID?

Cynikal.Mindset

yes, u need ID...they dont fock around in their little shanty banks.

jeev155

Wait... I meant for purchases... so you couldn;'t use u'r Capital One m/c for purchases?

Cynikal.Mindset

the card wont work at all as it needs to communicate with the US...the numbers on the card are indication enough and they will even tell you its not going to work...capital one is a US financial institution and that doesnt work at all in Cuba

Cynikal.Mindset

oh not to mention tryin to use a credit card in the major supermarket is a 20min affair as they use weak *** dial up to communicate and if maria is on the phone you're gonna have to wait...cash is king!