Dreaming of Cuba? Picture yourself in Havana’s old streets, cruising in a vintage Chevy along the Malecón, or sipping strong coffee in a sunny courtyard. But before you get swept away by salsa rhythms and classic cars, let’s talk money. Cuba’s charm comes with some of the world’s most unusual currency rules, ever-changing prices, and internet restrictions that can surprise even the most seasoned traveler.
Here’s your honest, no-nonsense guide to what things really cost in Cuba in 2025—and how to make your trip smooth, safe, and affordable.
How Money Works in Cuba (And Why Cash Is Everything)
Before you even think about prices, you need to understand Cuba’s unique cash game. The only official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), but there are two completely different exchange rates in everyday life.
Official vs. Real Exchange Rate
- Official rate: 1 USD ≈ 120 CUP / 1 EUR ≈ 125 CUP
(What you get at banks or the state exchange office. Avoid it—it’s a tourist trap!) - Street rate: 1 USD ≈ 330–360 CUP / 1 EUR ≈ 350–380 CUP
(This is what locals use and where you’ll get three times more value for your cash.)
Key tip: Always bring enough euros (in small bills, like 5s, 10s, and 20s). Forget about using cards—ATMs and POS machines use the official, expensive rate and rarely work with foreign cards anyway.
Accommodation in Cuba: Where to Stay & What You Really Get
Why Casa Particular Is the Best Choice
Skip the overpriced state hotels. If you want a true taste of Cuba—and to save a lot—stay in a casa particular. This means renting a room or apartment from a local family. It’s affordable, super authentic, and you’ll get tips you’d never find in a guidebook.
Main Tourist Cities (Havana, Varadero)
- Prices: 25–50 EUR/USD per room per night (not per person)
- What to expect: Beautiful colonial apartments with high ceilings in Havana, or modern beach villas in Varadero.
Smaller Cities (Trinidad, Viñales, Cienfuegos)
- Prices: 20–35 EUR/USD per room per night
- What to expect: Cozy, colorful homes, more relaxed vibe, great hosts who can help organize trips.
Breakfast at Your Casa
Almost all casas offer a hearty breakfast (5–7 EUR/USD per person) with eggs, fresh fruit, Cuban coffee, juice, bread, cheese, and ham. Totally worth it—this is fuel for a day of exploring.
How to Book
Many booking sites (like Booking.com or Expedia) are blocked in Cuba—unless you use a VPN (more on that below). That’s why it’s best to sort your first night or two in advance, or use trusted local contacts once you arrive.
Food, Drinks & Daily Life: What You’ll Spend in Cuba
Eat Like a King (Even On a Backpacker Budget)
Cuban food isn’t famous, but with the right info, you’ll eat cheap and well:
- Private Restaurants (Paladares): Mains like ropa vieja (shredded beef), chicken, or pork with rice and beans: 8–15 EUR/USD.
- Grilled Lobster: Yes, really—10–18 EUR/USD, even in tourist areas.
- Street Food: Pizza or sandwiches from local windows: less than 1 EUR/USD (paid in CUP).
- Dinner at Your Casa: Homemade feasts for 10–15 EUR/USD. Often the best meal you’ll have.
Drinks
- Bottled Water (1.5L): 1–2 EUR/USD (essential—never drink tap water).
- Local Beer (Cristal, Bucanero): 2–3 EUR/USD.
- Cocktails (Mojito, Daiquiri, Cuba Libre): 1.5–5 EUR/USD, depending on the location.
Getting Around: Transport Prices Across Cuba
- Viazul Bus: State-run, fixed in EUR/USD. Example: Havana–Trinidad 26 EUR, Havana–Viñales 16 EUR.
- Taxi Colectivo (Shared Taxi): Faster, more flexible. Havana–Trinidad 30–35 EUR per person, Havana–Viñales 20–25 EUR per person (paid in cash).
2025 Cuba Price Table (Three Columns)
| Item/Service | Approx. Price (USD/EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Casa Particular (outside Havana) | 20–35 per room/night | Private homes, local vibe |
| Casa Particular (Havana) | 25–50 per room/night | Pricier, central locations |
| Breakfast at casa | 5–7 per person | Big, fresh, home-cooked |
| Paladar dinner | 8–15 per dish | Ropa vieja, chicken, pork, beans |
| Grilled lobster | 10–18 per portion | Even in tourist areas |
| Street pizza/sandwich | <1 | Cheapest eats, paid in CUP |
| Cocktail (Mojito, Daiquiri) | 1.5–5 | Price depends on venue |
| Local beer (restaurant/bar) | 2–3 | Cristal/Bucanero |
| Bottled water (1.5L) | 1–2 | Never drink tap water |
| Taxi colectivo Havana–Viñales | 20–25 per person | Shared taxi, in cash |
| Taxi colectivo Havana–Trinidad | 30–35 per person | More comfy and faster than bus |
| Museum entry | 1–3 | Most entry fees are cheap |
| Convertible car ride | 30–40 per car/hour | Total price for whole car |
| Private salsa lesson | 10–15 per hour | Best way to experience local culture |
Why You Need a VPN in Cuba
Internet Restrictions and Blocked Sites
Internet in Cuba is limited, slow, and closely monitored. Many global sites and apps—especially booking platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and even flight search engines like Kiwi.com or Momondo—are often blocked or barely work.
Social networks and international news can be hit-and-miss, too.
Protect Your Data and Get Full Access
A VPN lets you connect securely and privately, making it look like you’re browsing from another country. This way, you can:
- Access your favorite booking sites to find and book the best hotels and flights
- Use social media, banking, and news sites without issues
- Protect your personal data when using public Wi-Fi
- Avoid “service not available in your country” errors
Tip: Install your VPN before you leave, and test it at home. Not every VPN works equally well in Cuba—choose one with a reputation for bypassing tough restrictions.
| My 5 Best VPN for Cuba | Offer + Discount | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| ExpressVPN | 61% off + 6 months free | Try ExpressVPN |
| SurfShark | 87% off + 2 months free | Try SurfShark |
| CyberGhost | 83% off + 2 months free | Try CyberGhost |
| PIA VPN | 82% off + 2 months free | Try PIA VPN |
Booking Accommodation or Flights in Cuba: The VPN Advantage
If you’re trying to book hotels or flights from Cuba, you’ll quickly notice many popular sites just don’t work. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it can mean paying more, missing out on better options, or being unable to book at all.
With a good VPN, you unlock the full internet, see normal global prices, and avoid Cuba’s local digital roadblocks. Don’t travel to Cuba without one.
Final Verdict: Is Cuba Expensive in 2025?
For locals living on 15–30 EUR/USD a month, Cuba is painfully expensive.
But for smart travelers who bring cash and use the real exchange rate, Cuba is surprisingly affordable. Budget around 40 EUR/USD per person per day for basic comforts; 70–80 EUR/USD if you want to enjoy more cocktails, lobster, and activities.
Embrace the chaos, keep a smile, always have euros handy—and you’ll discover that Cuba’s faded cars and facades are just the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
FAQ
Is Cuba expensive to visit in 2025?
Cuba can be surprisingly affordable for travelers who bring cash in euros or dollars and use the informal exchange rate. Daily costs range from 40 to 80 EUR/USD depending on your style and choices.
Can I use credit cards or ATMs in Cuba?
Credit cards and ATMs are unreliable in Cuba, and you’ll get a much worse exchange rate. It’s best to bring plenty of cash in small euro bills and pay for most things directly.
Do I need a VPN when traveling in Cuba?
Yes, a VPN is strongly recommended. Many popular booking sites, flight search engines, and even social networks are blocked or limited in Cuba. A VPN lets you access your favorite websites safely and without restrictions.
How can I book hotels or flights from Cuba?
Many major booking platforms (like Booking.com, Expedia, or Kiwi.com) are blocked in Cuba. Using a VPN allows you to bypass these blocks and book accommodation and flights easily and securely.
