HSBC credit card

rotherham
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HSBC credit card
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Just returned today from Iberostar Varadero (absolutely brilliant by the way). Before we went we were asking whether HSBC visa and mastercards were okay to use in Cuba. Everyone gave a resounding no. HOWEVER, we had taken it anyway and found when we got there that there was no problem whatsoever. It was acceptable wherever the visa and mastercard sign was - including airport duty free. Just thought this may help clarify for future travellers who may be panicking.

Chester, United...
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1. Re: HSBC credit card
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Thanks for this. I wish I'd known before I spent a long time on the phone getting an Egg card speeded up as I fly tomorrow morning. I'd prefer to use my regular HSBC mastercard card though so this is very useful information

Newton Aycliffe...
Destination Expert
for Cuba, Rafael Freyre, Guardalavaca, Holguin
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2. Re: HSBC credit card
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Thanks anwad for posting. That's certainly well worth remembering because this question comes up more times than any other it would appear.

UK
5 posts
3. Re: HSBC credit card
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I'm going tomorrow! All I have is my HSBC card (mastercard) One of the other posts on this site says his HSBC card wouldn't work!!! Still confused.... does it vary from day to day... political climate and stuff?

Newton Aycliffe...
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for Cuba, Rafael Freyre, Guardalavaca, Holguin
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You've just picked up on the same thread that I copied on your other posting.

If it worked for them it should work for you - but who knows? If you are flying tomorrow there's really not much you can do about it. I'd make sure you have enough cash and then try and use you card early on to find out if it will work.

The rule is that if the bank that issues your card has any association with a US bank then your card will not be accepted in Cuba. I know that HSBC has branches in the USA but it isn't US owned - so it should be OK.

UK
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76 posts
22 reviews
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5. Re: HSBC credit card
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Just to second what Anwad has posted, although it may be a bit late for MRMRMR - I've used my HSBC Mastercard in Cuba many times without any problems. However, I have been unable to get monay out at any ATMs as they only seem to accept VISA. No problems though going INSIDE the bank to get cash, or in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, duty-free, etc, anywhere you see the Mastercard sign.

Incidentally, I have found the most useful card to take to Cuba is a Sainsbury's Bank VISA. Never had a single problem with it either to get cash in ATMs or pay for goods (and not just in Havana either).

Enfield
2 posts
6. Re: HSBC credit card
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was the HSBC car issued in the usa?

Enfield
2 posts
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was that a usa issued hsbc card?

Newton Aycliffe...
Destination Expert
for Cuba, Rafael Freyre, Guardalavaca, Holguin
Level Contributor
117,895 posts
59 reviews
102 helpful votes
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Why dig this 2 year old thread up?

However, to answer your question, as all the posters on this thread, apart from you, are from the UK the card was obviously issued in the UK.

9. Re: HSBC credit card

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