Cuba operates two parallel currencies, creating budgeting complexity unknown in most other countries. The Cuban Peso (CUP) circulates primarily among residents at government-set prices for subsidized goods and services. The second currency, formerly the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) until 2021, has been officially eliminated, though the monetary unification process remains incomplete as of 2024. Foreign visitors now exchange hard currency for CUP at rates around 120 CUP per US dollar at official CADECA exchange houses, though informal rates fluctuate. US dollars carry a 10 percent penalty tax when exchanged in Cuba, a policy implemented in 2004. Euros, Canadian dollars, British pounds, and Mexican pesos convert without this surcharge. The practical result is that Americans pay more for the same CUP amount than visitors from other countries.
State-run establishments price goods in CUP at rates dramatically lower than private businesses. A government cafeteria in Havana might charge 50 CUP for a plate of arroz con pollo and tostones, approximately 42 US cents at the 120:1 rate. The same meal at a private paladar could cost 500 to 800 CUP, roughly 4 to 7 US dollars. Private restaurants in tourist zones like Habana Vieja or near Varadero Beach charge 1,200 to 2,000 CUP for entrees such as ropa vieja or lechón asado. Budget travelers who locate state restaurants and avoid private establishments can eat adequately on 300 to 500 CUP daily, about 2.50 to 4 US dollars. Travelers eating primarily at paladares spend 2,000 to 3,500 CUP per day on meals, approximately 17 to 29 US dollars. Street food vendors sell croquetas for 10 to 25 CUP each, Cuban sandwiches for 40 to 80 CUP, and guarapo for 5 to 10 CUP per cup. Fresh produce at agricultural markets costs significantly less than in North America or Europe—a kilogram of mangoes typically runs 30 to 60 CUP, avocados 20 to 40 CUP each, depending on season and location.
Accommodation in Cuba divides sharply between state hotels and casas particulares, private homes licensed to rent rooms. State hotels in Havana charge 2,400 to 9,600 CUP per night for basic rooms, roughly 20 to 80 US dollars, with significant variation based on location and condition. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba commands premium rates exceeding 24,000 CUP nightly. Casas particulares offer better value—a private room with bathroom in Havana ranges from 1,800 to 4,800 CUP per night, about 15 to 40 US dollars. In less-visited cities like Camagüey or Bayamo, casa rates drop to 1,200 to 2,400 CUP. Trinidad, despite its small size, maintains elevated prices due to UNESCO World Heritage status and visitor concentration, with casas charging 2,400 to 6,000 CUP nightly. Coastal areas like Varadero Beach and the northern cays feature all-inclusive resorts where foreigners pay 120 to 300 US dollars per night, often bookable only through international travel agencies. Budget travelers sleeping exclusively in casas particulares spend approximately 1,500 to 3,000 CUP per night averaged across various cities.
Transportation costs vary enormously by mode and booking method. Viazul, the primary tourist bus company, operates modern coaches between major cities at fixed CUP prices. Havana to Trinidad costs 1,500 CUP, approximately 12.50 US dollars for the six-hour journey. Havana to Santiago de Cuba runs 3,000 CUP for the 15-hour overnight trip. Tickets must be purchased at official Viazul offices or the company website, though the online system experiences frequent technical failures. Shared taxis called colectivos cover the same routes at similar prices with greater flexibility—Havana to Viñales typically costs 1,500 to 2,000 CUP per seat in a 1950s American car packed with four to five passengers. Private taxi hire for the same route costs 7,200 to 12,000 CUP for the entire vehicle. Cuban domestic airlines, primarily Cubana de Aviación, fly limited routes at prices competitive with long-distance bus travel, though flight cancellations occur regularly. Havana to Santiago de Cuba flights cost approximately 4,800 to 7,200 CUP when available. Local buses serving Cuban residents charge minimal fares, 5 to 10 CUP for urban routes, but operate with unpredictable schedules and extreme crowding that makes them impractical for travelers with luggage or time constraints.
Urban transportation in Havana includes several options at different price points. Metered taxis charge approximately 120 to 240 CUP for trips within Habana Vieja and Centro Habana. Rides to Vedado or Miramar run 360 to 600 CUP depending on exact destination and traffic. Yellow coco-taxis, three-wheeled motorized vehicles resembling coconuts, charge similar rates but lack air conditioning and protection from rain. Bici-taxis, bicycle-powered rickshaws, operate primarily in Old Havana for 60 to 120 CUP per short trip. Classic American cars from the 1950s function as tourist taxis, charging premium rates of 1,200 to 2,400 CUP per hour for city tours. The Havana bus system uses mostly Chinese-manufactured vehicles on established routes for 5 CUP per ride, but extreme crowding and infrequent service limit utility for visitors. Rental cars cost 3,600 to 8,400 CUP per day depending on vehicle type and rental duration, plus gasoline at approximately 60 to 70 CUP per liter. Insurance adds 600 to 1,200 CUP daily and is mandatory.
Entrance fees for museums and cultural sites remain remarkably low compared to European or North American standards. The Museo de la Revolución in Havana charges 120 CUP for foreigners. Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca in Santiago de Cuba costs 40 CUP. Walking tours of Habana Vieja require no payment, though guides working for tips expect 200 to 600 CUP. The Tropicana Club, Cuba's famous cabaret, charges 4,200 to 8,400 CUP depending on seating category and whether dinner is included. Necrópolis de Colón entrance costs 120 CUP plus 120 CUP for a mandatory guide. Cueva de los Peces near the Bay of Pigs charges 60 CUP for cenote access. Organized excursions to natural areas run significantly higher—day trips to Viñales Valley from Havana cost 3,000 to 4,800 CUP including transportation and lunch. Scuba diving at Jardines de la Reina, one of the Caribbean's premier dive destinations, requires expensive multi-day packages starting at 240,000 CUP or more, roughly 2,000 US dollars, due to its remote location and protected status.
Alcoholic beverages show extreme price variation between subsidized state stores and tourist-oriented venues. A bottle of Cristal beer costs 25 to 40 CUP at a state-run shop, 60 to 120 CUP at a casual restaurant, and 180 to 300 CUP at hotels or upscale paladares. Havana Club rum, Cuba's primary export brand, sells for 180 to 360 CUP per bottle at Caracol stores, the state retail chain. Mixed drinks like mojitos and daiquiris cost 120 to 180 CUP at tourist bars along the Malecón, 60 to 100 CUP at neighborhood establishments frequented by residents. Cuban coffee sells for 5 to 10 CUP at street windows, 25 to 60 CUP at sit-down cafes. Bottled water costs 25 to 40 CUP for 1.5 liters at stores, double that at hotels. Tap water in Cuba requires treatment or avoidance due to infrastructure problems and contamination risks in many areas.