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Cuba price guide

Prices in Cuba in 2026: fair price vs tourist trap

Short answer: cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 37% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 3.2× the fair price.

29 prices checked Aug 2026 9 verified, 13 estimates, and 7 rough estimates How I check

Fair prices at a glance

All 29 prices are also in the free app for iPhone and Android, and they work offline. Get it

One day in Cuba: $MN9,852 or $MN34,850

About $15 or $55 a day.

The first number is what locals pay, the second what tourist spots charge for exactly the same day.

Same day, same things: the tourist version costs 3.5× as much.

Restaurant meal alone: $MN14,250, or 41% of the tourist-trap day.

+$MN24,998 (about $39) for the same day

What's in the day. Middle of each range
Item Fair ($MN) Trap ($MN)
Street food meal 975 3,150
Restaurant meal 5,700 14,250
Coffee (espresso) 275 1,750
Water 1.5 L 500 2,100
Local beer 1,075 2,850
Public transit ticket 2 rides 602 8,500
Short taxi ride about 1 km 725 2,250
Total 9,852 34,850
  • Sightseeing comes on top: a ticket to a top museum or attraction is $MN2,500 –⁠ $MN5,100 (about $3.90 –⁠ $8).
  • Accommodation is left out on purpose: it swings too much with the season and the night of the week for one honest number.

Where tourists overpay most in Cuba

Tourist-trap price compared with the fair price, using the middle of each range.

  1. 1 Public transit ticket Fair $MN2 – $MN600 Trap $MN1,900 – $MN6,600 Tourist prices are about 14.1× the fair price
  2. 2 Men's haircut Fair $MN600 – $MN1,800 Trap $MN3,200 – $MN15,800 Tourist prices are about 7.9× the fair price
  3. 3 Coffee (espresso) Fair $MN100 – $MN450 Trap $MN1,000 – $MN2,500 Tourist prices are about 6.4× the fair price

Check a price you were quoted

Pick what you are buying, type the price, and see where it lands.

about $3.10

Tourist-trap price

Fair $MN500 – $MN950 Trap $MN1,300 – $MN3,200

$MN2,000 is 2.8× the middle of the fair range ($MN500 –⁠ $MN950).

Tourists often get charged $MN1,300 –⁠ $MN3,200. From $MN1,300 you are paying the tourist-trap price.

In the app, every expense you log on a trip gets the same check, offline.

Fair vs tourist prices in Cuba, item by item

What 29 everyday things should cost, and what tourists often pay instead. Typical for Havana, Trinidad, and Varadero.

Show prices in
  • Fair price
  • Tourist-trap price
  • Verified
  • Estimate

Bars run from zero to each item's top tourist-trap price.

Food & drinks 8 prices, up to 6.4×

Restaurant meal: fair is $MN3,800 –⁠ $MN7,600. From $MN9,500 you are on the tourist menu.

  • Water 0.5 L

    Bottled, convenience store

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair $MN190 – $MN420 ≈ $0.30 – $0.66
    Trap $MN630 – $MN1,270 ≈ $0.99 – $2

  • Coffee (espresso)

    Cafe or street vendor

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 6.4× the fair price
    Fair $MN100 – $MN450 ≈ $0.16 – $0.71
    Trap $MN1,000 – $MN2,500 ≈ $1.60 – $3.90

  • Local beer

    Draft, at bar or restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair $MN750 – $MN1,400 ≈ $1.20 – $2.20
    Trap $MN1,900 – $MN3,800 ≈ $3 – $6

  • Restaurant meal

    Tourist area, main course

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair $MN3,800 – $MN7,600 ≈ $6 – $12
    Trap $MN9,500 – $MN19,000 ≈ $15 – $30

  • Street food meal

    Local market or stand

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 3.2× the fair price
    Fair $MN450 – $MN1,500 ≈ $0.71 – $2.40
    Trap $MN1,900 – $MN4,400 ≈ $3 – $6.90

  • Cocktail at bar

    Mixed drink, bar

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.7× the fair price
    Fair $MN1,250 – $MN2,550 ≈ $2 – $4
    Trap $MN3,800 – $MN6,300 ≈ $6 – $9.90

  • Bottle of wine (restaurant)

    House wine, restaurant

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair $MN6,000 – $MN13,000 ≈ $9 – $20
    Trap $MN15,000 – $MN32,000 ≈ $24 – $50

  • Fresh juice

    Cafe or street stall

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 5.3× the fair price
    Fair $MN200 – $MN650 ≈ $0.31 – $1
    Trap $MN1,300 – $MN3,200 ≈ $2 – $5
Transport 4 prices, up to 14.1×

Airport taxi to the center: fair is $MN12,700 –⁠ $MN15,800. At $MN19,000 or more, walk away.

  • Airport taxi to center

    Standard route

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 1.7× the fair price
    Fair $MN12,700 – $MN15,800 ≈ $20 – $25
    Trap $MN19,000 – $MN28,500 ≈ $30 – $45

  • City taxi 1 km

    Metered or typical fare

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair $MN500 – $MN950 ≈ $0.78 – $1.50
    Trap $MN1,300 – $MN3,200 ≈ $2 – $5

  • Public transit ticket

    Single ride

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 14.1× the fair price
    Fair $MN2 – $MN600 ≈ up to $0.94
    Trap $MN1,900 – $MN6,600 ≈ $3 – $10

  • Private transfer (app)

    Grab / Bolt / Uber

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 1.9× the fair price
    Fair $MN13,900 – $MN20,300 ≈ $22 – $32
    Trap $MN25,300 – $MN41,100 ≈ $40 – $64
Souvenirs 3 prices, up to 3.6×

Fridge magnet: fair is $MN630 –⁠ $MN1,580. From $MN1,900 you are paying the souvenir-stall markup.

  • Fridge magnet

    Tourist shop

    Rough estimate
    Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair price
    Fair $MN630 – $MN1,580 ≈ $0.99 – $2.50
    Trap $MN1,900 – $MN3,800 ≈ $3 – $6

  • Printed T-shirt

    Tourist shop

    Rough estimate
    Tourist prices are about 2.6× the fair price
    Fair $MN2,500 – $MN6,300 ≈ $3.90 – $9.90
    Trap $MN7,000 – $MN15,800 ≈ $11 – $25

  • Local handcraft

    Ceramics, textiles, etc.

    Rough estimate
    Tourist prices are about 3.6× the fair price
    Fair $MN2,500 – $MN7,600 ≈ $4 – $12
    Trap $MN11,400 – $MN25,300 ≈ $18 – $40
Daily essentials 6 prices, up to 4.2×

Tourist SIM: fair is $MN5,000 –⁠ $MN13,000. From $MN16,000 it is the tourist-kiosk price.

  • Tourist SIM card

    Data package

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.4× the fair price
    Fair $MN5,000 – $MN13,000 ≈ $8 – $20
    Trap $MN16,000 – $MN28,000 ≈ $25 – $44

  • Sunscreen SPF50

    Pharmacy or shop

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.3× the fair price
    Fair $MN2,300 – $MN4,500 ≈ $3.60 – $7.10
    Trap $MN6,300 – $MN15,800 ≈ $10 – $25

  • Water 1.5 L

    Supermarket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 4.2× the fair price
    Fair $MN250 – $MN750 ≈ $0.39 – $1.20
    Trap $MN1,300 – $MN2,900 ≈ $2 – $4.50

  • Cigarettes

    Pack of 20

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.1× the fair price
    Fair $MN1,200 – $MN2,800 ≈ $1.90 – $4.40
    Trap $MN2,800 – $MN5,700 ≈ $4.40 – $8.90

  • Painkillers (paracetamol)

    Pack of 20 tablets

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 3.6× the fair price
    Fair $MN600 – $MN1,300 ≈ $0.94 – $2
    Trap $MN1,900 – $MN5,000 ≈ $3 – $7.80

  • Mosquito repellent

    Spray or lotion

    Rough estimate
    Tourist prices are about 2.3× the fair price
    Fair $MN3,200 – $MN5,700 ≈ $5 – $8.90
    Trap $MN7,600 – $MN12,600 ≈ $12 – $20
Services 4 prices, up to 7.9×

One-hour massage: fair is $MN7,600 –⁠ $MN15,800. From $MN25,000 you are paying for the address.

  • Men's haircut

    Local barbershop

    Rough estimate
    Tourist prices are about 7.9× the fair price
    Fair $MN600 – $MN1,800 ≈ $0.94 – $2.80
    Trap $MN3,200 – $MN15,800 ≈ $5 – $25

  • Laundry (per kg)

    Laundry service

    Rough estimate
    Tourist prices are about 3.9× the fair price
    Fair $MN630 – $MN1,600 ≈ $0.99 – $2.50
    Trap $MN2,500 – $MN6,300 ≈ $3.90 – $9.90

  • Massage (1 hour)

    Standard full-body massage

    Rough estimate
    Tourist prices are about 3.1× the fair price
    Fair $MN7,600 – $MN15,800 ≈ $12 – $25
    Trap $MN25,000 – $MN47,000 ≈ $39 – $74

  • Women's haircut

    Basic cut, salon

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 6.3× the fair price
    Fair $MN800 – $MN3,200 ≈ $1.30 – $5
    Trap $MN6,300 – $MN19,000 ≈ $10 – $30
Attractions 4 prices, up to 2.5×

Top museum or attraction: fair is $MN2,500 –⁠ $MN5,100. From $MN6,300, check that you are not buying through a reseller.

  • Top museum / attraction

    Entrance ticket

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair $MN2,500 – $MN5,100 ≈ $3.90 – $8
    Trap $MN6,300 – $MN12,700 ≈ $10 – $20

  • Half-day group tour

    Organized excursion

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair $MN14,000 – $MN28,500 ≈ $22 – $45
    Trap $MN35,000 – $MN70,000 ≈ $55 – $110

  • Full-day group tour

    Organized excursion 6-8h

    Verified ·
    Tourist prices are about 2.0× the fair price
    Fair $MN22,000 – $MN41,000 ≈ $34 – $64
    Trap $MN47,000 – $MN82,000 ≈ $74 – $130

  • Cooking class

    Local cuisine cooking class

    Estimate, reviewed
    Tourist prices are about 2.5× the fair price
    Fair $MN15,800 – $MN28,500 ≈ $25 – $45
    Trap $MN38,000 – $MN72,800 ≈ $60 – $115

Converted at 1 USD = 638 CUP, the rate on October 3, 2026. Approximate.

Money and tipping in Cuba

Currency

Cuban peso (CUP)

  • 1 USD = 638 CUP

Rate as of October 3, 2026

Quick converter, CUP to USD

$16

Approximate. Your card or exchange booth adds its own margin.

When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose CUP. The rate it offers is almost always worse.

Tipping in Cuba

Tipping is highly appreciated and often expected in the tourism sector due to low local wages. In restaurants, 10-15% is standard if no service charge is included. Small tips in USD or EUR are widely accepted and preferred by staff, though CUP is also used. Carry small denominations for convenience.

Bargaining in Cuba

Bargaining is possible in Cuba's private sector ("cuentapropistas"), at artisan markets, paladares (private restaurants), and with private taxi drivers. State-run shops have fixed prices. A friendly negotiation in Spanish often yields discounts, especially for longer taxi rides.

Fuel prices per liter

  • Gasoline $MN240.96 / liter ≈ $0.38
  • Diesel $MN240.96 / liter ≈ $0.38

Fuel prices as of

Scams and safety in Cuba

What tourists actually run into, from overcharging tricks to local laws. Open any item for the details.

Scam or crime Havana Jinetero cigar and restaurant commission

In Havana Vieja, along the Malecón and in Trinidad, 'jineteros' befriend tourists and lead them to 'my cousin's paladar' (private restaurant) with 3-5× markups and 'factory-price' cigars that are banana leaves. Genuine Cohibas have holographic bands and receipts. Refuse all street offers, eat only at GastroCuba-verified paladares, buy cigars only at Casa del Habano stores and pay in USD or CUP pesos at official rates.

Law Currency, internet and photography rules

Cuba's peso (CUP) and 'dollar store' USD economy swap rules monthly; street 'cambios' give fake notes. Internet is restricted. VPNs are legal for tourists but politically critical posts can lead to detention under Decree 370 (3,000 CUP fine + deportation). Photographing airports, military, hospitals and police is illegal. Change only at CADECA offices or hotels, never discuss politics on Cuban Nauta WiFi, no camera pointing at uniforms in CUP pesos zones.

Health Dengue, medical evacuation and insurance rules

Cuba has year-round dengue with Oropouche virus emerging in 2024 (200+ cases). Cuban law requires tourist health insurance valid for Cuba, or you buy Asistur coverage at the airport (30 USD). Serious cases require Kingston/Miami evac (40,000 USD). Drugstores often lack common meds; bring your own prescriptions. Check your policy covers Cuba, buy Asistur if not, and stock paracetamol in peso cubano equivalent.

Emergency numbers in Cuba

Not sure who you need? Call this one. 106 Police

Medical costs

  • Doctor visit Private clinic, general consultation without insurance $30 –⁠ $50 ≈ $MN19,100 –⁠ $MN31,900
  • Hospital night One night in a general ward without insurance $150 –⁠ $500 ≈ $MN95,700 –⁠ $MN319,000
  • Ambulance Emergency transport to hospital $150 –⁠ $500 ≈ $MN95,700 –⁠ $MN319,000
  • Dentist Check-up or basic treatment at a private practice $25 –⁠ $60 ≈ $MN16,000 –⁠ $MN38,300

Typical private prices a tourist pays without insurance.

Good to know before you go

Gestures and etiquette 1 note

No photos of military

Don't photograph military personnel, police, or government buildings, it can lead to serious trouble. Avoid discussing politics critically in public settings. Respect queue culture by asking "¿el último?" to find your place in line, cutting in line is considered extremely rude.

Buying souvenirs 1 note

Cigars, rum & Cuban art

Cuban cigars (habanos) are the island's most famous export, buy from official La Casa del Habano shops to guarantee authenticity. Havana Club rum is excellent and far cheaper than abroad. Cuban art is vibrant: look for paintings and prints at Havana's galleries and the San José market. Cuban coffee and a guayabera shirt are practical, memorable picks.

Driving and tolls 1 note

Road conditions and night driving

The main east west highway is only partially complete. Livestock and slow vehicles are common hazards. Avoid driving at night outside cities due to poor lighting and signage.

Did you know? 4 notes

  • Cuba is famous for its 1950s American classic cars, the almendrones, with an estimated 60,000 still on the island. Many now sit idle: a fuel shortage that began in January 2026 has taken a large share of the shared taxis off the road.
  • Cuba officially uses the Cuban Peso (CUP). While some tourist services may accept foreign currency, the CUP is the legal tender for all local transactions. Always carry cash in CUP for daily expenses, as card acceptance remains inconsistent.
  • Cuban cigars are considered the finest in the world. You can visit tobacco farms in Vinales Valley and watch the entire hand-rolling process.
  • Cuba suffers frequent nationwide power outages lasting up to 12 hours or longer, caused by an unreliable electrical grid since late 2024.

Cities these prices cover 3 cities

The prices on this page are typical for these cities and the tourist areas around them.

  • Havana La Habana
  • Trinidad
  • Varadero

How Cuba compares

The TruePrice Index for Cuba, next to the countries people weigh it against and its nearest neighbors, all on one scale. 100 is the median of the 60 countries I track.

  1. Cuba 63 This page
  2. Dominican Republic 93 Prices about 48% higher than in Cuba
  3. Guatemala 98 Prices about 56% higher than in Cuba
  4. Colombia 100 Prices about 59% higher than in Cuba
  5. Mexico 117 Prices about 86% higher than in Cuba
  6. Costa Rica 175 Prices about 2.8× as high as in Cuba
  7. United States 222 Prices about 3.5× as high as in Cuba

Bars show each country's TruePrice Index. The dotted line marks Cuba.

See all 60 countries in the TruePrice Index Browse every country guide

Common questions about prices in Cuba

Is Cuba expensive to visit?

Short answer: cheap, if you pay what locals pay. Fair prices sit 37% below the 60-country median, while tourist prices are about 3.2× the fair price. On the TruePrice Index, Cuba scores 63, the 15th cheapest of the 60 countries I track.

How much does a day in Cuba cost, without flights and hotel?

Roughly $MN9,852 (about $15) a day at fair prices, or $MN34,850 (about $55) at tourist prices. That covers two meals, a coffee, a bottle of water, a beer, two transit rides and a short taxi ride. Sightseeing comes on top ($MN2,500 –⁠ $MN5,100 for a top museum or attraction), and accommodation is not included.

Do you tip in Cuba, and how much?

Tipping is highly appreciated and often expected in the tourism sector due to low local wages. In restaurants, 10-15% is standard if no service charge is included. Small tips in USD or EUR are widely accepted and preferred by staff, though CUP is also used. Carry small denominations for convenience.

What currency does Cuba use?

The Cuban peso (CUP). On October 3, 2026, 1 USD was worth 638 CUP. Card terminals and ATMs that offer to charge you in your home currency usually give a worse rate, so pay in CUP.

How much is a meal and a beer in Cuba?

A restaurant main course is $MN3,800 –⁠ $MN7,600 (about $6 –⁠ $12) at fair prices, while tourist menus charge $MN9,500 –⁠ $MN19,000. A street food meal runs $MN450 –⁠ $MN1,500. A local beer is $MN750 –⁠ $MN1,400 (about $1.20 –⁠ $2.20), or $MN1,900 –⁠ $MN3,800 in tourist bars.

How much money should I bring to Cuba?

Budget roughly $MN9,852 (about $15) a day for food, drinks and getting around at local prices, or about $MN34,850 (about $55) at tourist prices. Add $MN2,500 –⁠ $MN5,100 for each major sight, plus your accommodation.

What is the emergency number in Cuba?

If you are not sure who you need, call 106, the police line. Direct lines: ambulance 104, fire brigade 105.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from, and how sure I am about each one.

Prices
29 items: 9 verified, 13 estimates, and 7 rough estimates
Checked
Exchange rate
1 USD = 638 CUP,
Fuel prices
Cities
Havana, Trinidad, and Varadero
Page updated

What the labels mean

Verified
Checked against recent local sources.
Estimate
Based on related prices and not yet confirmed.
Rough estimate
Thin data. Treat it as a ballpark.
Fair price
What locals typically pay.
Tourist-trap price
What tourists are commonly charged in tourist areas.
Markup
The middle of the tourist-trap range divided by the middle of the fair range. 3.0× means three times the fair price.
TruePrice Index
Fair prices for all 29 items compared with the median of the 60 countries I track. 100 is the median, 50 means half the median price and 200 twice it.

How to cite

TruePrice Index, October 2026, truepriceapp.com/en/trueprice-index/

Spotted a price that looks off? Email me at [email protected] and I will check it.

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