Travellinfool:

Uk debit cards are different from Canadian debit cards as they contain the Visa or Mastercard logo and are accepted in Cuba provided, of course, the issuing bank has no connection to the US.

neilnsarah:

I doubt there are any bank machines on Cayo Santa Maria but you will be able to draw cash on your debit card I would have thought at the hotel.

A hotel of that size surely would have a Cadeca as opposed to changing money at the Front Desk.

I am meeting someone in Calgary tonight who recently stayed in this hotel so I will ask him and post the reply probably when I get back to the UK on Thursday.

Just with my friend now. There are no cash machines at the MLD but they do have a Cadeca.

have stayed in both holguin and cayo's and would advise that you take cash,as a bit of a do to make sure that your bank d/card is accepted.all rooms have a safe deposit box so all o.k.plus unless you do lots of trips you probably wont spend alot,ony cigars and tipping....relaxing holiday you bet............................

I meant that there are no cash machines. It is difficult on this forum because advising people to bring a debit card can really backfire. I had a chance to witness this myself one trip in Holguin. A young couple from England arrived at the fromt desk to check in. After they did so they inquired about the nearest cash machine. There are none Guardalavaca. They were devastated as they had brought no money. The male was upset with the female (that had apparently booked the trip) as they were really stuck. I'm not sure what they ended up doing as they were going to try to get help the next day from the tour rep. I will never forget their faces as they were told there were no cash machines.

I take your point, but if they had a debit card issued by a non US bank bearing the Visa or Mastercard logo they would still have been able to draw cash from the Cadeca at the hotel.

I have done so myself as recently as February this year.

Bank machines only accept VISA. If you have a Mastercard you can get cash at a Cadeca or bank.

If the debit card is from a non US affiliated bank AND has a VISA symbol on the front, it will work in Cuba. Not sure about Mastercard debit cards.

Actually gres you may be right. My debit card bears the Visa symbol and works in Cuba.

I just assumed that Mastercard debit cards would work at a Cadeca but not having tried one I can't say for sure.

Hello

Could you tell what a Cadeca is? What is the best way to purchase Pesos as I understand it's a closed currency for purchasing in the UK. Will I be able to use Sterling cash to buy them at my hotel receipton (Melia Las Dunas)?

Many thanks

Cadeca = Casa de Cambio (Change House). It is an official (legal) business.

Yes, GBP are good to be changed for CUC (buy and sell). You will have to anyway as the CUC is the only currency (besides the CUP) which is circulating in Cuba. Take a look to the following site to have an idea of the current change rates:

www.bancopopulardeahorro.com