How to send money to Cuba: remittances in dollars, euros or CUP (2026)
Cash at home or card deposit: which option is best, what it costs and how long it takes.
6 min readUpdated on
Sending money to family in Cuba is one of the most direct ways to help: they buy whatever they need most. But there are several ways to do it, with different currencies, fees and delivery times. Here we explain today's options and which one fits each case.
The ways to send money to Cuba
| Method | What your family gets | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Cash in US dollars | USD bills at home | Under 24 hours |
| Cash in euros | EUR bills at home | Under 24 hours |
| Cash in CUP | Cuban pesos at home, at today's rate | Under 24 hours |
| CUP card deposit | Pesos on their BANDEC, BPA or Metropolitano card | Under 24 hours |
Times are counted from when payment is confirmed. Cash is taken by a courier to the address you give; for a deposit you only need your relative's card number.
Dollars, euros or Cuban pesos?
- Cash dollars: the most requested. The dollar holds its value and your family decides when and where to exchange or spend it.
- Cash euros: useful if you live in Europe or if your family prefers euros for certain purchases.
- Cuban pesos (CUP): you enter how many dollars you send and instantly see how many pesos arrive, calculated with the daily informal rate published by elToque. Handy for everyday expenses in pesos.
- CUP card deposit: nobody has to go to the house; the money shows up on their card for stores or transfers.
How much a remittance costs
The fee is a percentage of what you send and you see it in full before paying. Today it is 3% for dollars and Cuban pesos and 5% for euros. Example: for your family to receive $100 in cash, you pay $103. You can send from $50.
Step by step
- Go to Remittances and choose how your family receives it.
- Enter the amount: you'll instantly see the fee and the total.
- Enter the recipient's name, phone and address (or card number).
- Pay by credit or debit card.
- Track the status in your account. In under 24 hours the money is in their hands.
Prefer to send food instead? Sometimes a food bundle goes further than the cash to buy it there, especially chicken, oil and coffee. And if they need phone credit, top up their Cubacel in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a remittance take to reach Cuba?
Under 24 hours from when payment is confirmed, for both cash and card deposits.
Can I send cash dollars to Cuba?
Yes. Your family receives US dollar bills at home. You can also send euros or Cuban pesos.
What exchange rate do you use for Cuban pesos?
The daily informal rate published by elToque. You see how many pesos your family gets before paying.
What is the minimum to send?
$50 for cash in dollars or euros.
