"An American in Havana - bucking the... " a Cuba Travel Page by shadowtill

For those of us who are "yanks"... we have the additional problem of technically not being allowed to go to Cuba. This is and is not true. Actually the law in question falls under the OFAC (Office of Foreign Accett Control).. and states.. that an American may not spend money in Cuba. There are ways to actually go to Cuba and acomplish this..... not that your author did or did not do this... But that's not the point is it.

I spent much of my time in Cuba in the company of a group of senior soccer players from Britain... it was their first time in Cuba and some of their comments about the "money in Cuba" were an interesting take in a situation oddly stacked against me.

Much to the surprise of my friendly Brits... the currency of Cuba is the US dollar... (even better for those of you from Europe now that Bush has screwed the exchange rate)... Cuban money is not used... except in the case of VERY small money transactions. In fact... in my 3 weeks I only recieved Cuban money twice.... both times the total worth was less than $.10

For the non-American citizzen.. you will find an odd shortage of ATM's in Cuba.... even a shortage of ATM's in Havana when you go... Additionally government banks change money only with a heavy surcharge. Your best bet (the best rate we found) is actually at some of the foreign large hotels.... it's a very odd and undercover situation... they lead you into a small room complete with guard... and they charge your card as they would for a regular purchase.... I have no idea how they gove you such a good rate (with the credit card fee and all)... but it's true.... just ask and they will give you the best rate...

For the American... Your credit cards will not work in cuba.... trust me... nor will your ATM's... The only way that I know of (other than bringing the total sum in cash).. is to apply for a Transcard while you are in the States... it's a Canadian bank card that you can get over the Internet (just search for Transcard)... it workd like an ATM... and there are several locations in Cuba... you just deposit money in the account before traveling... this it true for all travelers.