How to access money and use ATMs in Cuba safely

You’re about to land in Cuba with a plan to withdraw cash from an ATM. It makes sense – you’ve done it in dozens of countries. But here’s the reality: ATMs in Cuba don’t work the way you expect, and relying on them as your main funding strategy is a gamble that leaves many travelers scrambling.

To access money safely in Cuba, bring cash in euros or Canadian dollars (avoid USD), keep it divided across multiple locations, and only visit CADECA exchange offices during business hours. If you have a non-US credit card, ATMs exist but are unreliable and often out of cash. Consider a prepaid MLC card loaded at the airport. Plan for a 100% cash-based trip – don’t expect cards to work as backup.

Cuba’s financial system operates on cash because of the US embargo, chronic currency shortages, daily power outages, and limited infrastructure. This reality directly impacts how you access and manage money throughout your stay. This guide covers exactly how ATMs work in Cuba (if they work), when and where to safely withdraw cash, which currencies give you the best exchange rate, how to carry money securely, and what to do when things go wrong – because they often do.

Understanding why ATM access is uniquely challenging in Cuba

Cuba’s money system is nothing like what you’ve experienced elsewhere. The US embargo blocks American card networks, which means your Visa or MasterCard might not work even if it functions everywhere else. But that’s just the start of the challenges.

Power cuts paralyze the entire banking infrastructure. Havana experiences 12+ hour daily blackouts, and when the power goes out, ATMs go offline completely. You can’t withdraw money when machines have no electricity. The government announced plans to improve the grid, but as of early 2026, the situation remains unstable. Criminal incidents jumped from 649 confirmed cases in 2023 to 1,317 in 2024 – a 103% increase year-over-year. The first half of 2025 saw 1,319 incidents, putting Cuba on track for 2,600+ cases annually. Most involve opportunistic theft: pickpocketing, bag snatching, and car break-ins, especially during holidays and extended power outages when people carry more cash.

The government runs all banks. There are no private alternatives, no competing systems, and no backup networks. When the state system fails, you’re stuck. Currency shortages compound the problem – ATMs run out of pesos regularly, and refilling them isn’t a priority during economic crises. Even when machines work, they might be empty.

Why your card might not work at all

US sanctions block most American-issued cards completely. This includes cards from US bank subsidiaries operating abroad. European Visa and MasterCard work at some locations, but MasterCard has limited ATM support compared to Visa. Cards from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK generally work better than American cards, but “generally” doesn’t mean “reliably.”

The card networks operate on outdated infrastructure. Many ATMs only accept magnetic stripe cards, not chip-and-PIN. If your card is chip-only, it won’t work in older machines. Always have a card with a magnetic stripe as backup, though even that’s no guarantee.

Why ATMs go offline when you need them

Power outages aren’t occasional inconveniences – they’re daily realities. Havana’s grid fails predictably, often during peak hours when you’d normally access cash. Hotels with generators might keep their in-house ATMs running, but street machines shut down completely.

When power returns, machines don’t automatically restart. Technicians must manually reboot systems, which can take hours or days depending on workload and location. Remote ATMs in provincial towns might stay offline for a week after a major blackout. Even when online, connection speeds are slow, and transactions frequently time out mid-process, leaving your card locked and your cash unavailable.

Step-by-step: getting cash in Cuba (the methods that work)

You have four realistic options to access money in Cuba. Each has specific advantages, costs, and failure points. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice before you arrive.

Method 1 – bring cash (most reliable)

Cash is king in Cuba, but not all currencies are equal. Euros get you approximately 27.88 Cuban pesos (CUP) per euro as of January 2026, while US dollars only get you 23.98 CUP – roughly 15% less buying power. Canadian dollars sit around 17.2 CUP, better than USD but worse than euros. The reason? Cuba adds a 10% penalty tax on USD conversions because of the embargo, plus uses less favorable exchange rates.

Get your euros or Canadian dollars before leaving home. Exchange rates at your home bank or currency exchange will likely beat what you’d get trying to buy non-USD currency in Cuba. Most European and Canadian banks can provide euros or loonies with 1-2 days notice.

Calculate how much you need: daily budget times length of stay, plus 25% buffer for emergencies. A typical independent traveler spends 50-80 euros daily for accommodation, meals, and transport. For a 10-day trip, bring 625-1,000 euros (500-800 base + 125-200 buffer). Split your cash across multiple locations: 70% in your hotel safe or hidden in luggage, 30% for daily carry in a money belt or secure pocket.

Practical tip: Buy a flat travel money belt that fits under your clothes, not a bulky neck pouch. The flat design is invisible under a t-shirt and holds 20-30 bills comfortably. Load it with small-denomination euros (5, 10, 20 euro notes) because Cuban merchants struggle to change large bills. Many CADECA offices won’t accept bills over 100 euros. Divide bills between the money belt (50%), front pocket (30%), and a backup location like a shoe or hidden luggage compartment (20%). Never carry all your cash in one place.

Method 2 – ATM withdrawal (if your card works)

ATMs exist throughout Cuba – over 500 machines nationwide, with heavy concentration in Havana, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba. But “exist” doesn’t mean “functional.” On any given day, 30-40% of ATMs are offline due to power, maintenance, or empty cash reserves.

Your card must be non-US issued. European Visa and MasterCard work best, followed by Canadian, Australian, and UK cards. Confirm with your bank before traveling that your card works internationally and specifically in Cuba. Some banks block Cuba transactions by default for fraud prevention.

Three airports have multifunction ATMs at arrivals: Jose Marti International Airport Terminal 3 in Havana, Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport in Matanzas, and Frank Pais Airport in Holguin. These machines accept euros and Canadian dollars directly, exchanging them to Cuban pesos without needing a card withdrawal. The catch: they don’t accept bills over 100 denomination and won’t exchange coins for amounts over 1,000 CUP.

The withdrawal process is straightforward when it works. Insert your card, select English language, enter your 4-digit PIN, choose “withdrawal” or “cash advance,” select amount in CUP only (not your home currency), and wait. Limits are typically 5,000 CUP per transaction (roughly 177 euros at current rates). You can make multiple transactions if the machine allows, but expect fees for each one.

Exchange rates at ATMs use the official government rate, which is the least favorable you’ll get in Cuba. You’re paying for convenience, but that convenience is unreliable.

Method	Exchange rate (EUR to CUP)	Fees	Reliability	Best for
Bring cash	27.88	None	100%	Everyone
ATM withdrawal	24-26 (official rate)	3-5% per transaction	60-70%	European card holders
CADECA exchange	27.50-28.00	None for sales	90%	Mid-trip top-ups
Prepaid MLC card	Variable	5 USD setup	80%	Large amounts

Method 3 – CADECA exchange offices (best rates)

CADECA (Casa de Cambio) is Cuba’s official currency exchange network. Offices operate in airports, major hotels, tourist areas, and city centers. Hours are typically 8:30am-4:00pm weekdays, 8:30am-11:30am Saturdays, closed Sundays. Always confirm hours locally because they change without notice during power shortages or holidays.

The exchange process is simple but slow. Arrive early if possible – lines form quickly, especially at popular tourist areas. Bring your passport (mandatory for all exchanges), your euros or Canadian dollars in good condition (no rips, tears, or heavy wear), and patience. Present your money at the counter, the clerk counts it, calculates the CUP equivalent at the day’s rate, and prints a receipt. Verify the receipt matches what you handed over before leaving the window. Count your Cuban pesos carefully – errors happen, not always in your favor.

CADECA rates are better than ATMs and far better than hotels or informal changers. As of January 2026, expect around 27.50-28.00 CUP per euro. There’s no commission on sales (foreign currency to CUP), but there is a small commission on purchases (CUP back to foreign currency at departure). Most travelers don’t convert back – they spend remaining pesos on last-day meals or gifts.

Why it’s safer than street exchange: informal currency traders (jineteros) approach tourists constantly, especially in Old Havana. They promise “better rates” but use sleight-of-hand to short-change you or hand you counterfeit bills. It’s also illegal – getting caught exchanging on the street can result in fines, confiscation, or worse. CADECA is legal, documented, and gives you a receipt proving legitimate exchange if police question you.

Method 4 – prepaid MLC card (backup option)

MLC stands for Moneda Libremente Convertible – freely convertible currency. The MLC card is a prepaid debit card you load with foreign currency in Cuba, then use to pay at state stores, hotels, and some restaurants, or withdraw CUP from ATMs.

You buy the card at CADECA offices, airports, or some hotel exchange desks. Cost is 5 USD processing fee (but don’t bring USD – bring euros or Canadian dollars and convert a small amount to cover the fee). Load the card with euros, Canadian dollars, British pounds, Swiss francs, or Japanese yen in amounts from 50 to 1,000 units. You cannot load USD.

The advantage: carrying a card is safer than carrying large amounts of cash, especially for week-long or longer stays. The disadvantage: acceptance is limited to state-run establishments. Private restaurants (paladares), casas particulares (private guesthouses), and most small vendors only take cash. You can withdraw CUP from ATMs using the MLC card, but you’re back to the same ATM reliability problems.

At departure, you can request reimbursement of remaining balance in your original currency at airport CADECA offices, but only if they have foreign currency available. During shortages, you might be stuck with credit you can’t use or convert back. Most travelers load small amounts (200-300 euros) as backup, keeping primary funds as cash.

Practical tip: If you do get an MLC card, register it immediately at the loading CADECA office. Write down the 16-digit card number, customer service number (80201996), and your PIN in a secure location separate from the card. If the card is lost or stolen, you can call BANDEC (the issuing bank) to freeze it and transfer the balance to a replacement card. Without registration, your balance is gone forever. Load the card in increments – 100-200 euros at a time rather than your entire budget – to minimize loss if something goes wrong.

Staying safe while carrying and accessing cash

Crime in Cuba targets tourists carrying cash, and the numbers prove it’s getting worse. Understanding where, when, and how to protect your money makes the difference between a smooth trip and a nightmare.

The data is clear: 1,317 confirmed criminal incidents in 2024, up from 649 in 2023. That’s more than double in one year. The first half of 2025 recorded 1,319 incidents, putting the country on pace for 2,600+ cases by year-end. Havana leads in absolute numbers, followed by Santiago de Cuba, Matanzas, and Holguin. Peak times are holidays (Christmas, New Year, Carnival) and during extended power outages when people carry more cash because electronic payments fail.

Most crimes are opportunistic: pickpocketing in crowded markets, bag snatching from outdoor cafe tables, and break-ins to rental cars and hotel rooms. Violent crime against tourists is rare but increasing. The economic crisis drives desperation, and tourists with visible cash or expensive items become targets.

Carrying techniques that work

A money belt worn under clothes prevents pickpocketing. The flat design sits against your stomach or lower back, invisible under a shirt. Load it with your main cash reserve – the 70% you’re not using today. The remaining 30% goes in a front pocket (never back pocket) in a small, non-descript wallet. If someone demands money, you hand over the wallet with 50-100 euros and walk away. Your main stash stays hidden.

Divide your total cash into three locations:

• 50% in hotel safe or hidden in locked luggage (combination lock, not key lock)
• 30% in money belt worn during day trips
• 20% in front pocket or small day-use wallet

Keep passport copies separate from originals. Leave your original passport in the hotel safe except when checking in somewhere new or exchanging currency at CADECA. Carry a photocopy or phone photo for general ID purposes. If you lose the copy, you still have the original. If you lose the original while carrying it everywhere, you’re stuck at the embassy for days.

Learn Cuban bill colors to spot counterfeits. The 1,000 CUP note is blue-green, 500 CUP is orange-brown, 200 CUP is yellow-brown, 100 CUP is green, 50 CUP is orange, 20 CUP is red. Counterfeits feel different – slicker paper, faded colors, blurry printing. Check bills you receive at CADECA or from ATMs immediately while still at the location. If something feels wrong, report it before leaving.

When and where to access cash safely

Daylight hours only. Plan your CADECA or ATM visits for 9:00am-2:00pm when foot traffic is high and businesses are fully staffed. Avoid late afternoon and evening when offices close and streets empty. Never visit ATMs after dark, even in tourist areas.

CADECA offices inside hotels are safest because hotel security monitors the area. Airport CADECA offices are second-safest due to airport police presence. Street-level CADECA offices in tourist districts (Vedado, Miramar in Havana; Varadero beach strip) are reasonably safe during business hours but avoid carrying large amounts after leaving. Ask your hotel or casa particular host which specific ATM locations are safest in your neighborhood – locals know which machines get targeted.

Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is beautiful but the highest-risk area for pickpocketing. The narrow streets, heavy tourist crowds, and aggressive jineteros create perfect conditions for theft. Visit during the day, carry only what you need for lunch and souvenirs, and keep your money belt secured. Don’t stop to count money in the open.

City/area	Incident risk level	Safest access times	Where to exchange
Havana (Vedado/Miramar)	Moderate	9am-2pm	Hotel CADECA, large banks
Havana (Old Town)	High	10am-1pm	Hotel Nacional, airport only
Varadero	Low	Anytime daylight	Beach hotels, main strip CADECA
Santiago de Cuba	Moderate-High	9am-1pm	Hotel Casa Granda, airport
Trinidad	Low	Anytime daylight	Plaza Mayor CADECA

What about digital wallets and crypto?

Transfermovil is Cuba’s domestic mobile payment app, but it’s designed for Cubans with local bank accounts. Tourists can’t access it without a Cuban phone number tied to a national ID. EnZona is a peer-to-peer payment app that some private businesses use, but again, it requires local setup and isn’t practical for short-term visitors.

Bitcoin and stablecoins (USDT, USDC) are accepted at a handful of private guesthouses and restaurants in Havana, primarily in Vedado and Miramar neighborhoods. This is niche and growing slowly, but don’t count on it as a primary funding method. Vendors who accept crypto usually list it on their website or social media – ask before assuming. The transaction process requires internet, which is unreliable in Cuba, and exchange rates fluctuate wildly. If you’re crypto-savvy and already hold Bitcoin, it’s a useful emergency backup, but not a replacement for cash.

PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and similar services don’t work in Cuba due to US sanctions. Even if you’re not American, these platforms block Cuba transactions completely.

Practical tip: Create a cash tracking system to know exactly how much you have at all times. Use your phone’s notes app or a small notebook to log every major expenditure and remaining balance in each location (hotel safe, money belt, wallet). Update it daily after returning to your room. This prevents the common mistake of running out of money in a remote area because you misjudged spending. It also helps you catch theft early – if your recorded balance doesn’t match actual cash, you know something’s wrong and can take action immediately.

When things go wrong: backup plans and emergency contacts

Things fail in Cuba. Cards get rejected, ATMs eat cards, cash runs out faster than expected, and power outages block access when you need money most. Here’s what to do when the system breaks down.

Scenario 1 – ATM card rejected or eaten

Your card slides in, the machine thinks for 30 seconds, then spits it back out with “Transaction Declined.” Or worse, it keeps the card entirely. First, check if it’s a power or connection issue – the screen might show an error code. Wait 5 minutes and try another machine nearby. If multiple ATMs reject the same card, the problem is your card, not the machines.

Contact your bank immediately, but internet in Cuba is slow and unreliable. If you have a local SIM with data (Cubacel is the main provider), use WhatsApp or your bank’s app to report the issue. Many banks block Cuba transactions by default for fraud prevention. A quick call confirms the block and gets it lifted. Without internet, ask your hotel front desk to call your bank using their phone – offer to pay for the international call.

If an ATM eats your card, visit the bank branch that owns the machine. CADECA offices can’t help with ATM-eaten cards – you need the actual bank. Banco de Credito y Comercio (BANDEC) operates most ATMs in tourist areas. Their helpline is 7-867-1996 (Havana) or 80201996 (national). Bring your passport and any receipt or documentation from the failed transaction. Recovery takes 3-7 business days in Havana, longer in provincial towns. Don’t count on getting the card back before your trip ends.

Scenario 2 – run out of cash

You miscalculated expenses, or unexpected costs drained your reserve. If you’re American, the US Embassy in Havana provides limited emergency financial assistance, but the process is complex, slow, and should be absolute last resort. They can help wire money from family in the US to you in Cuba, or provide a repatriation loan to get you home, but don’t expect quick turnaround. Non-Americans should contact their embassy for country-specific assistance options.

Hotel staff can often facilitate informal exchanges. Many Cuban hotel workers have access to foreign currency through tips or family remittances. Ask discreetly at the front desk if they can exchange euros or dollars for pesos. You’ll pay a less favorable rate (maybe 25-26 CUP per euro instead of 28), but it’s legal and solves the immediate problem.

Some CADECA offices offer credit card cash advances if your card works in their system. This is different from an ATM withdrawal – you’re at a counter with a clerk processing the transaction manually. Fees are steep (5-7% plus whatever your card issuer charges for cash advances), but it works when ATMs fail.

Practical tip: Before leaving home, set up a backup funding method through Western Union or MoneyGram. Both operate in Cuba despite the embargo. Register your account online, verify your identity, and test sending $10 to yourself at a Cuban pickup location (airport CADECA offices and major city branches). Save the confirmation in your email and phone. If you run out of cash, someone back home can send you money within 24-48 hours. It’s expensive (fees run 8-12% for transfers under $500), but it’s reliable when nothing else works.

Scenario 3 – power outage blocks ATM or CADECA access

Havana’s 12+ hour daily blackouts happen on rotating schedules, but the government doesn’t publish reliable timetables. When power cuts hit, ATMs go dark and CADECA offices either close or operate on backup generators if they have them. Large hotels with generators keep their in-house CADECA or ATM running, but street machines stay offline until grid power returns.

Always maintain minimum 3-day cash reserves before attempting any withdrawal or exchange. Don’t wait until you’re down to your last 500 pesos to refill. If a blackout starts while you’re low on funds, you’re stuck. Check with your hotel reception each morning about planned outages – they often know the schedule for their neighborhood even if it’s not public.

CADECA offices may close entirely during extended outages lasting multiple days. Staff can’t process exchanges without computer systems and printers for receipts. Your only option is to wait for power or try another location with working generators.

Scenario 4 – prepaid card stops working

MLC prepaid cards fail for three main reasons: balance depleted, technical error, or card physically damaged. If your card is declined at an ATM or store, check your balance first. Some ATMs show balance inquiries without charging a fee. If balance is correct but the card still fails, it’s likely a technical issue.

Call BANDEC’s customer service at 80201996. Lines are often busy – try early morning (7-8am) for better connection chances. Explain the problem, provide your 16-digit card number and passport details, and ask for troubleshooting. If the card is defective, they can issue a replacement at any BANDEC branch with your balance transferred, but you need your original purchase receipt and passport.

If you lost the card, report it immediately to freeze the account and prevent unauthorized use. Replacement cards issued on the spot if you have documentation. Without the original receipt or registration, proving ownership is difficult and your balance might be unrecoverable.

Emergency contacts summary

Keep these numbers saved in your phone and written on paper in your luggage:

• BANDEC main line: 7-867-1996 (Havana) or 80201996 (national)
• Your bank’s international helpline (call before leaving home to confirm number)
• Your embassy in Havana (look up before travel)
• Western Union Cuba customer service: +53 7 866 2947
• Your accommodation’s phone number (they can facilitate local calls if your phone doesn’t work)

Author’s commentary: Cuba’s cash crisis presents challenges that go far beyond typical travel inconveniences, and I’ve had to counsel numerous travelers on this reality through my research into Caribbean travel logistics. The article captures the infrastructure breakdown accurately – the 12-hour daily power outages and 103% crime increase are documented facts that fundamentally change how you must approach basic transactions. From analyzing traveler reports and official data, I can confirm the euro advantage is real and significant: that 15% better exchange rate translates to substantial savings on a week-long trip, potentially 50-100 euros difference on a 1,000 euro budget. What strikes me most from the research is how the 2025-2026 crisis has accelerated deterioration – multifunction ATMs at airports that theoretically solve the exchange problem often fail due to power or maintenance issues that weren’t as severe even two years ago. Interestingly, Cuba once had over 180,000 ATMs per capita in the early 2000s as part of its push toward electronic payments, yet today struggles to keep 500 machines operational nationwide. For anyone planning to visit, I recommend from available evidence treating Cuba as a 100% cash economy regardless of what backup options exist on paper. The prepaid MLC card sounds innovative but acceptance remains too limited to be reliable. Bring physical euros in small denominations, divide them across multiple secure locations, and plan for every electronic system to fail when you need it most.

---

Frequently asked questions about accessing money and using ATMs in Cuba safely