|
Cash
Cash US dollars and 'convertible pesos' (equal to
US greenbacks in Cuba; worth the same as Monopoly money elsewhere)
remain the currency of choice at state-owned and licensed private
hotels and restaurants; bus, train and airline offices; and most
other tourist-oriented enterprises. Cuban pesos, or moneda nacional,
can be used at local venta libre stores, cafeterias and street
stands, cinemas, and many other businesses away from popular tourist
destinations. Candeca, with kiosks throughout Cuba, changes currency
at fair rates.
Credit Cards
Credit cards issued by US companies may be
accepted, but be aware that the US could theoretically confiscate
the entire transaction, leaving you high, dry and further in debt. A
Visa or MasterCard (or two) issued by a non-US bank is the way to
go. Traveler's checks denominated in US dollars, even those issued
by US banks (at last report, the Banco Financiero Internacional was
happily accepting American Express), can be cashed with a 2.5-4%
commission.
Living Costs
For a Caribbean destination, Cuba is still
reasonably affordable, though not cheap. A double room in a
medium-priced beachside resort runs US$50, US$100 all-inclusive. The
same room in a state-run hotel costs around US$35, and in a private
residence US$15-25. A meal in a state-run restaurant is US$10-15,
while dinner for one at a paladar (privately owned restaurant)
averages US$7. Taking the bus or train runs about US$4 for 100 miles
(160km), while a rental car could cost as much as US$100 a day, more
than in neighboring Florida.
Meals
§ Budget: US$5-10
§ Mid-range: US$10-20
§ Top-end: US$20 and upwards
Lodging
§ Budget: US$15-25
§ Mid-range: US$25-100
§ Top-end: US$100 and upwards
Tips
Cuban tourism workers rely on tips. People who deserve a US$1 tip
include museum staff who give you a complete tour, hotel guards who
watch your rental car all night, helpful bus drivers, attentive
waitstaff or anyone in the service industry who goes beyond the call
of duty. Do not offer money to officials to obtain preferential
treatment; governmental corruption is rare in Cuba and attempted
bribery will only make things worse.
Paladars may or may not add 10-20% onto your bill as a 'tax' or
'service charge.' If you suspect a scam, ask to keep the bill and
see what happens. All private businesses are heavily taxed to
discourage competition with state-run entities, and the added costs
are, of course, passed on to you. Avoid jineteros (touts) who offer
to lead you to a room or restaurant, unless you don't mind having an
extra US$5 or so tacked onto your bill.
Refrain from handing out money or anything else to children or
beggars on the street. Cubans are not allowed to beg from tourists,
and plainclothes police are on duty in most places where tourists
and Cubans mix. It may be gratifying to hand out trinkets to people
you view as needy, but these people could be questioned as soon as
you disappear from sight, and you may be personally responsible for
sending someone to prison.
|
