Cash is King in Cuba! US citizens can only use US dollars in Cuba as is the policy with all other foreign countries. Only credit cards issued from a foreign bank may be used by US citizens.

Please do not confuse the new "convertible pesos" that you may receive in change with the real Cuban peso. The convertible peso is only for tourist and is in reality just a much more colorful US dollar. And, there is really no need to have any Cuban pesos since they are not accepted in any of the government run tourist establishments.

American Express and Thomas Cook travelers checks can be redeemed at Cuban banks and many of the larger hotels. But, please be advised not to say that you are taking them to Cuba when you are ordering them from your bank or travel agency. Recently the agency for Thomas Cook checks has refused to issue them to US citizens traveling to Cuba.