Cuba flights and travel guide

Language

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Money

The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), divided into 100 centavos, but the "tourist" currency is the Peso Convertible (CUC), which replaces the US Dollar as currency in tourist related establishments such as hotels, restaurants and so called "dollar shops". US Dollars are no longer accepted as payment, and a 10 per cent commission is charged to exchange them. The CUC is almost equal in value to the US Dollar. Some places only accept Cuban pesos and others only Pesos Convertible (usually tourist related establishments). Money should only be changed at official exchange bureaux or banks to avoid scams confusing the two currencies.

Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted in major destinations as long as they haven't been issued by a US bank; Diners Club has limited acceptance, and American Express is not accepted anywhere on the island. Travellers cheques are less readily accepted than credit cards, but all major currencies are acceptable, except for US bank-issued cheques. No US-issued credit or debit cards will work in ATMs, but those holding other cards issued in other countries should be able to get pesos at most major tourist destinations. Euro or Sterling travellers cheques drawn on UK banks are accepted at Cuban banks and bureaux de change.

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Communications

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Tipping

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Safety

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Health

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Electricity

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