Tipping in Cuba

Thanks. I’d still like to get more answers to help me understand the situation better.

Hi ALADEM, Right now, many Canadians are giving $1 or $2 bills... or more as tips, so plan to bring rolls of $1 and $2 bills before you leave. The reason: The national currency (Cuban peso) is now dominant, and CUCs are a thing of the past. It’s also a good idea to exchange Canadian bills for $1 or $2 with hotel staff, since Cuban banks don’t accept Canadian cash. At the bar: $1 occasionally; housekeeping: $2 or $3 per day; à la carte restaurants: $3 or $4 depending on service; buffets: $1 or $2 depending on service. As for personal items, Cubans need everything right now because life is very difficult for them. Clothing is especially appreciated, as anything extra can be sold or exchanged among staff. Have a great trip!

Thanks Picua,

Your reply really helps clear things up for me.

That said, this whole currency exchange thing is still bugging me.

I get that I should bring some 1 $ and 2 $ CAD coins since the smallest paper bill we have is the 5 $, and tipping 5 $ for a beer that’s already included in my all-inclusive package feels a bit steep—especially since I don’t plan on stopping at just one beer during my trip .

I also understand that Cuban banks won’t accept our coins, and Cubans might want to exchange the 1 $ and 2 $ Canadian coins they get as tips for paper bills. Annoying!

Maybe this is too specific, but wouldn’t it be better to bring US $ (paper) to Cuba to avoid all this hassle?

Thanks again !

Hi Aladem,

Having spent over 450 days in Cuba (in the Holguín area), I can answer general questions of interest.

Of course, U.S. dollars will be very much appreciated by Cubans. Staff will be especially happy because the USD is highly prized there. It’s up to you, though, since for $50 USD, you’ll have to shell out around $70 CAD.

What might be interesting for you is this: Don’t bring rolls of $1/$2 bills, but instead bring $5, $10, and $20 bills that you can exchange for $1/$2 bills from Cubans. It’s not illegal since it’s the same currency—$1 CAD for $1 CAD. You can then redistribute some of these Canadian $1/$2 bills as tips to anyone you like... or bring them back home. No matter how you distribute tips, Cubans will appreciate it. Have a great trip,

Great suggestions and even more enlightening! A big thank you! !

Hi, I’ve been to Cuba many times, even since the pandemic. For tips, I use Canadian money, which is accepted everywhere. I don’t see the advantage of paying high exchange rates to banks. Personally, I prefer to help out the Cubans directly. I bring a roll of $1 bills so I’m not caught off guard when I arrive, and the rest in $5 or $10 bills. These need to be in excellent condition, with no defects, otherwise Cubans can’t use them. Just mention it to your financial institution, and they’ll give you new bills. Exchanging currency versus cash happens naturally with Cubans—either on our own when we’re short on change, at different bars, etc., or sometimes Cubans will ask us for it. As Picua mentioned, they need everything! It’s a great time to clean out your closet and/or bring them personal hygiene products, medicine, treats, etc. Because even if we give them money, their shelves are desperately empty. It’s unfortunately their reality. Our help is greatly appreciated.

A big thank you!

I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of bringing clothes, hygiene products, etc., for fear of disrespecting Cuban women and men, or looking "cheap" by bringing my "junk" to Cuba.

But now, thanks to you and Picua, I’m reconsidering. Of course, it goes without saying that I won’t give anything I wouldn’t be happy to receive myself if I were in a similar situation. For now, school supplies are mostly what comes to mind. Maybe also a few sealed bottles of Aspirin. And, to win the heart of my sweetheart, with whom I’ve lived for 50 years , maybe some treats for the kids too. I’m still thinking about it...

Thanks again! [:)]

Your gift ideas are really appropriate. It’s hard to put ourselves in their shoes because we have everything, choices, and the means. Given their situation and based on my experience, they appreciate anything we bring them. We need to readjust our paradigms. It’s not charity or condescension—it’s justified help. Anyway, that’s just my opinion :)

Thanks for your input.

I'm more and more convinced. [;)]

Hi there,

Just a quick follow-up... a bit late, I know!

1. Tipping: My partner and I brought some US dollars with us—definitely the right call! While you can get $1 US bills, the smallest Canadian bill is $5 CAD. That starts to add up fast for a tip on a drink! Cubans were thrilled with the US dollars, a little less so with the Canadian ones, even the $5 CAD bills. 2. Local currency: Buying local money is totally unnecessary, despite the pressure our guide put on us in the bus on the way to the hotel to sell us some. There’s nothing a US dollar can’t buy in Cuba! Anyway, there’s nothing to buy in Varadero. 3. Small gifts: Common over-the-counter meds (like aspirin), still sealed if possible, are a guaranteed hit. 4. Above all: No condescension and a little warmth go a long way. The Cubans gave it back to us tenfold!

We’ll definitely be going back to Cuba, even if everything isn’t perfect due to economic challenges! Happy to help if you have any questions! !