There are two things you need to know about money in Cuba: which currency to use and how to use it for tipping.
Currency
Cuba has two official currencies: the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), used at all the major resorts and tourist locations, and the Cuban Peso (CUP), which is used primarily by the locals and you won’t need it unless you’re going off the beaten track.
Neither Cuban currency is traded internationally, so you’ll want to bring enough Canadian cash for your entire trip (don’t rely on ATMs or traveller’s cheques), and convert it a bit at a time while you’re there. You can do so at the airport and at your resort. Just be sure to convert it back to Canadian dollars before coming home, or else you’ll be stuck with it. If you’re staying at a resort, you won’t need a lot of cash, but you will need it for tipping, shopping and excursions.
Tipping
Tipping will be an important part of your experience in Cuba. It’s not only expected, but will, to some extent, determine the level of service you receive. That’s because those serving you do depend upon it to supplement their meager wages.
You’ll want to tip everyone, from your food servers and room attendants to tour guides, baggage handlers and drivers. You don’t need to tip a lot, but do consider the length and magnitude of the service and tip accordingly. For example, leaving the equivalent of a dollar or two per day for your room cleaner is perfectly acceptable, while the bus driver who drove you safely throughout your all-day excursion might warrant the equivalent of five to 10 dollars.
When you convert your Canadian dollars into CUCs, be sure to ask for numerous small bills for tips.
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Lisa Manfield is a writer, editor and content strategist. Formerly the editor of bcliving, she has also been managing editor at Orato.com, marketing manager at TheTyee.ca, and contributing editor for a number of publications. She has developed print and online content, marketing collateral, and courseware for Canada Wide Media, UBC, CBC TV and the Knowledge Network. She also teaches Writing and Editing for the Web at SFU. Follow her on Twitter and Google+
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