Running out of cash in Cuba is a wee bit more serious than in most countries. That’s because in Europe, you find another ATM. In North America, you transfer funds. In much of Asia, you tap your phone. In Cuba, it’s different. For a variety of reasons. ATMs don’t always work (and you shouldn’t use them anyway). US bank cards don’t work at all. Power outages can shut down payment terminals. And internet access isn’t always immediate. But more people than you imagine run low on money in Cuba. Fear not. It’s not hopeless. There are solutions. Here’s my guide on what to do if you run out of cash in Cuba.
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There are several ways you can get access to money and/or pay for things if you’ve run out of cash in Cuba. But let’s approach this logically. Here are the steps to take when you’re running low on cash in Cuba. Don’t wait until you run out completely; you’ll just get more stressed. I’ve had readers who sold their bicycles (that they were traveling around Cuba on!) because they ran out of cash, and others who cut short their trip because they ran out of cash.
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Why cash is important in Cuba
Cash is particularly important in Cuba if you’re traveling as an American, as your cards won’t work here in Cuba. It’s also important because of both the exchange rate and potential power outages. There are different exchange rates in Cuba depending on what you’re buying and how. You can read more about that here.
If you’re not in Cuba yet, read my guide to budgeting for a trip to Cuba here. The best way to not run out of cash in Cuba is to plan your trip and budget as accurately as you can. However, I understand that’s not always possible, so here’s what to do if you’re starting to run out of cash in Cuba.
Steps to take if you run out of cash in Cuba
I’ll try to make this a logical set of steps to take when you’re running low on cash, Cuba.
Stop and Assess the Situation
I’m hoping you get to this point before you get to cash = zero, but you can do it at any time. And answer a few questions
- Do you have access to WiFi or mobile internet?
- Do you have access to a card – credit or debit that you can use? (Yes, even if you’re from the USA)
- Have you been obtaining Cuban pesos using your card from ATMs? Or by changing foreign currency?
- How much more cash do you need for your trip to Cuba?
Once you’ve got a handle on this information, then you can move forward. Here are some ways in which you can manage running out of cash in Cuba.
Booking Transport when you have no cash in Cuba
You can still get around Cuba if you don’t have cash, but this relies on you having a credit or debit card (it can be from a US Bank), internet, or mobile data access, and a VPN. You can book transport online with a card on the Viazul Bus network, and you can book airport transfers and some intercity transfers with Civitatis.
Both sites only accept card payments. They also accept payments from cards that are issued by US Banks.
Book transfers and shuttles with Civitatis here
Booking accommodation when you have no cash in Cuba
The only site that you can use to book accommodation in Cuba if you’ve run out of cash is Airbnb. You can book and pay with a card (including cards from US Banks). There are some challenges with Airbnb in Cuba, which you can read about here.
How to get hold of cash in Cuba when you run out
There are a variety of ways that you can get hold of cash in Cuba if you run out, even if you’re visiting from the United States.
Go to a Cadeca (Currency Exchange) or Bank and get a cash advance on your cards.
This only works if you have a card that works in Cuba. Cards issued by US Banks (and certain others) do NOT work. .
Changes made to Cuba’s exchange rates in December 2025 have made this an affordable option, but the changes do not yet make using ATMs in Cuba a palatable option.
Read about the exchange rates in Cuba that impact this here.
Talk to Your Casa Particular Host
This is one of the most overlooked solutions. Casa hosts are experienced in dealing with travelers. They often have access to PayPal or Zelle through family members outside of Cuba, and you may be able to electronically transfer money to them, and they can give you cash in return. Note that you’ll need to use a VPN to access your PayPal or Zelle account while you’re in Cuba.
Send yourself some money to Cuba (or get someone to send you money to Cuba)
It is possible to send money to Cuba, either to yourself or to someone in Cuba. But sending money to Cuba isn’t simple. Mainstream financial platforms do not operate normally in Cuba. Western Union doesn’t work, PayPal doesn’t work (my suggestion above was about having a Cuban family member outside of Cuba who might have access to a PayPal account).
This process can take a little time. It is not instant; sometimes 5 working days. You can read about the options for sending money to Cuba in my guide here.
Ask for Your Home Embassy Assistance (Last Resort)
If you have lost access to all funds and have no support network, contact your embassy. In extreme situations, embassies may:
- Assist with emergency travel documentation
- Help coordinate financial assistance
- Provide limited emergency loans (depending on country policy.
How to NOT run out of cash in Cuba
The best solution is prevention. Before you travel to Cuba, make a plan for your route, accommodation, and costs. Read my guide on budgeting for Cuba here. And bring sufficient cash, carry a backup card (if applicable). Keep a small emergency reserve untouched. Do not rely at all on ATMs.
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Final Words on What to do if you run out of cash in Cuba
It might sound dramatic, running out of cash in Cuba, but as long as you’re solvent elsewhere in the world, it’s unlikely to be a crisis. Stay calm, usually it’s just a logistical issue to be solved. And it is solvable. If you plan your trip, build in a buffer, then you won’t need this guide. But if you do, well, at least you know what to do.
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