How much money should you bring to Cuba?

Plan for one hundred to one hundred and fifty US dollars per person, per day, in cash, brought into the country with you. Yes, all of it. American cards do not work, ATMs are unreliable, and "I'll figure it out when I land" is the single most expensive sentence in Cuban tourism.

The good news: that daily budget goes a long way once you're here. The bad news: there's no second chance to top up if you guess low. Here's the breakdown.

— What your daily budget actually buys

• •Casa particular (private guesthouse), with breakfast: $35–60 per room
• •Paladar dinner with a drink: $20–35 per person
• •Lunch at a private restaurant: $10–15 per person
• •Taxis around the city: $5–15 per ride
• •Vintage convertible cruise: $40 per hour
• •Two-hour photo session: from $59 per person, group; $160 private
• •Tip for guides, drivers, and photographers: 10–15% in cash, on the day

The mid-range traveler — casa, paladars, two cocktails, one taxi after dinner — lands at about $100 per person per day, with margin for the unexpected. The "we want the convertible and the tasting and the rooftop" traveler runs $150–200.

— Dollars or euros?

Bring euros if you can. They convert at a better street rate than dollars by a noticeable margin — usually 10–15% more pesos for the same nominal value. Dollars are also accepted everywhere, just at a worse exchange. If you can't get euros easily where you live, dollars are fine; just bring more of them than you'd plan for euros.

“"I'll figure it out when I land" is the single most expensive sentence in Cuban tourism.”

— Where to change money

Don't change at the airport — the rate is the worst in Cuba. Don't change at hotels for the same reason. The casa where you're staying will usually offer you a competitive rate, or point you to a friend who does. Officially, you change at a CADECA (state exchange office). Realistically, most travelers end up using their casa's network.

— Three mistakes that cost first-timers the most

1. 01Bringing a credit card and assuming it'll work somewhere. It won't.
2. 02Bringing only one denomination of bills. Carry a mix — twenties and fifties for big purchases, fives and tens for taxis and tips.
3. 03Bringing exactly the daily budget × the number of days. Always add 20% for emergencies, surprise dinners, and the moment you decide to extend the trip by a day.

— And one practical tip

Keep $200 in clean, small bills in a separate place from your main wallet. A money belt, an inside jacket pocket, the lining of your suitcase — anywhere your daily fumbling can't accidentally produce it. You may not need it. The travelers who did needed it badly, and were always glad it was there.