Non-US Bank Credit Card for use in Cuba
Feb 26, 2016, 8:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
Programs: UAL 1K 1MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 199
Non-US Bank Credit Card for use in Cuba
I have read that if you have a non-US bank credit card, you can use it in Cuba. But a US Bank Credit card will not work. Does anyone know if that is true? If so, how does a US citizen get a non-US Bank card?
May 9, 2016, 11:44 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: California
Programs: UA, WN, DL, AA, KE, OZ
Posts: 119
We were in Cuba last week. US-issued cards do not work. We had a Canadian ATM card, but when we tried to pull out money from an ATM, it did not work. It had a Mastercard logo. Luckily, we brought cash. I followed the advice from someone -- bring more than enough.
Jun 7, 2016, 2:34 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: RSW, MGA, DCA, CSX, HKG
Programs: Still working on being loyal
Posts: 154
Was there a couple weeks back, my U.S. card did not work, my Canadian card did not work, my Hong Kong card worked. Exchange rates at the hotel for the cuc weren't great, and they would only exchange crisp $100 bills.
Jun 11, 2016, 3:41 pm
#7
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Some credit cards do indeed work in Cuba, but Cuba is more of a cash economy. US cards probably won't work, others will be accepted at major hotels (Meliá, etc.)
US Dollars still must be changed to CUC, and you are only supposed to spend CUC. You can not legally export CUC.
My solution (worked for me) was to take € / Euro. Much more widely accepted for purchases and services, at decent rates, no USD/CUC formalities, no problem. I understand CAD are accepted, but I've only taken Euro to Cuba.
US Dollars still must be changed to CUC, and you are only supposed to spend CUC. You can not legally export CUC.
My solution (worked for me) was to take € / Euro. Much more widely accepted for purchases and services, at decent rates, no USD/CUC formalities, no problem. I understand CAD are accepted, but I've only taken Euro to Cuba.