My daughter and her partner are traveling to Cuba later this month and have heard that cards often don't work in ATMs. She is wondering if this happens often and what other money she should bring. She doesn't want to be stranded without any money.
They travel from Australia and fly to Cuba via Mexico City. She wonders about carrying money with them and how safe this would be in Mexico City and even if it is necessary.
Has anyone been to Cuba lately and give some advice please.

Jill

Are they staying in Mexico City for some time?

The airport is as safe as any, in my opinion, but just like anywhere, I'd suggest using a moneybelt if carrying a large amount of cash. A relative had her purse stolen at Heathrow, and that's not the only such story I have heard, so anything is possible.

If they are staying in Mexico City, they should be taking an authorized taxi to their hotel, so they'll be safe then. Once they arrive at the hotel, they can put the money in the safety deposit box.

In other words, ordinary precautions to protect money are always a good idea.

I vaguely recall reading that travellers' cheques can actually be a good idea in Cuba, one of the last few places where this is the case. Don't take my word for it, though. I can't comment on ATMs working or not.

Travel advice for Cuba

There is a section dealing with money. I seem to recall that the Euro is accepted there (although I can't guarantee that). Above all, tell them to get in touch with the relevant bank in Australia before they go and find out which ATMs to use and ask them to notify their credit card issuer that they'll be using their credit cards there.

The advice on the website about making copies of passports is sound.

If they happen to lose or have their money and ID documents stolen, tell them to head straight for the Canadian Embassy BEFORE going to the police (I had a case of a woman who went to the police and spent the next 10 days in immigration detention, for being in Cuba without ID).

Good luck.

They have 4 days in Mexico City. I have sent the website to them, but hopefully they have already looked it up. I think it is a matter of being careful and aware of your surroundings.
Thank you

Jill

I've heard people say ATMs don't behave well in Cuba too, but travelers checks can be easily converted into CUC in Cuba.

ATMs work fine in Mexico. So I don't get what WT is saying about bringing cash to Mexico.

Bring some cash, convert them into CUC at the airport on arrival. Mexican Pesos work as well as Euros and Australian Dollars. Carry some travelers checks from Australia as backups. (you're from Australia right?)

Crime rates are low in Cuba, so use normal caution as one would travel elsewhere.

Steve

ATMs work fine in Mexico. I didn't mean to imply otherwise. But it sounded like they wanted to bring a lot of cash, for whatever reason.