End of the circulation of the U.S.
 dollar in Cuba

THE commercial circulation of the U.S. dollar is Cuba has been suspended from today, Monday, as announced two weeks ago, although the period for changing that currency for convertible pesos without paying a surcharge has been extended.

Up until November 14, Cubans can go to institutions, bureaus and other outlets authorized to change money without paying the established 10% surcharge.

In order to facilitate this exchange, in addition to hotels, visitors can acquire convertible pesos at 1,663 outlets, as well as in commercial centers, post offices and banks.

The island’s international airports are also offering an exchange service of unused convertible pesos for dollars or other accepted currencies.

The decision was announced on October 25 as a result of certain actions undertaken by Washington to hinder Cuba’s international transactions in U.S. dollars.

According to estimates, some 80% of tourists arriving in Cuba come from areas using the euro, GBP sterling, Swiss francs or Canadian dollars and thus the measure will not signify any alteration in their routine.