Comments on: Tipping in Cuba 2026 – Etiquette Guide to Gratuities

By: Sarah Carter

Sarah Carter — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:38:40 +0000

In reply to Sylvie De La Durantaye. Great suggestion. Swap out any Canadian coins that staff have for bills, so that they can use the money! Thanks Sylvie!

By: Sylvie De La Durantaye

Sylvie De La Durantaye — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:23:00 +0000

Si vous utilisez de la monnaie canadienne, assurez-vous d’avoir de l’argent papier pour changer les pièces de 1 et 2 dollars canadien. Ils acceptent la monnaie mais ne peuvent pas la changer à la banque. Assurez-vous aussi d’avoir des billets le plus neufs possibles.

By: sandra d

sandra d — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 19:45:24 +0000

I was just in Cuba and was told that Cuban peso’s weren’t allowed to be given to us (CDN) – I asked the woman on the bus from the airport where I’d be able to get some for a souvenir. She gave me some bills (a 50, 20, 10 & 5) and I gave her a $5 CDN bill (it was worth it to me, so I don’t care if the exchange was fair). She said if anyone found out, she could be fired from the resort. My husband changed a $50 bill (CDN) and got back 30 or 35 100 peso bills right at the resort. What’s the difference b/w what I got and what my husband got?

Are there really peso’s that are only used by Cubans, and others that tourists can use? You can email me the answer – that way I am ensured to get it. Thanks

By: Sarah Carter

Sarah Carter — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 11:06:18 +0000

In reply to Darrel. Wow, I've never had a butler. I'm sorry I wouldn't know where to start. My best guess is to ask some of the other guests and see what they tip for the same service.

By: Darrel

Darrel — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 13:53:50 +0000

Hello.
Heading to an adult resort and we have a butler at our suite. We have never had this service before and really won’t be using their services very much. What is a fair daily tip?
Thanks.

By: Lauri Robins

Lauri Robins — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 19:15:39 +0000

What should be tipped for a multi-day guided tour in Havana (3 full days for guides).

By: Sarah Carter

Sarah Carter — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 07:45:53 +0000

In reply to Sabine Davies. Thanks Sabine

By: Sabine Davies

Sabine Davies — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 23:15:37 +0000

You can definitely tip in coins of $1 and $2 CAD. I end up coming home with a ton of coins but I change coins into bills for Cubans all the time. Other Canadians do the same.

By: Sarah Carter

Sarah Carter — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 09:00:54 +0000

In reply to Kelly.

Hi Kelly – I would take a mix. The problem with Euros is that the smallest bill is 5 euros. If you want to tip or pay smaller amounts then a one dollar bill is like gold to you. (and you know how taxi drivers are about never having change!). I truly recommend that a mix is the best option. Different people recently have had different experiences with Euros and Dollars, the further “down the island” you get – i.e. away from Havana, the more popular the dollar tends to be (but I know as soon as I type this that someone will tell me that that was not their experience. So to reiterate, take a mix of both currencies. ALL in small denominations. But make sure that the US that you take has a good mix of US one dollar bills. Hope this helps and please do let me know how you get on. Sarah

By: Kelly

Kelly — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 04:00:10 +0000

Hi Sarah, I am travelling to Cayo Coco in July with my Daughter to the Melia. We were last at this hotel in 2017. I am being told by Sainsburys travel money Not to take US Dollars and only use Euros. This is becoming a real pain as we have got to get our own transfer from CCC airport to the hotel and I want to get it sorted before we go as our flight arrives late (8pm) and if the local exchange office outside arrivals is closed then we will have a problem when paying fr a taxi.
I would be very grateful if you can advise me on the best currency for this.