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CUBA > popular all-time > People live here... in Havana, Cuba

CUBA > popular all-time > Cuban cars

CUBA > popular all-time > Cuban Bank...
Cuba now has switched from using the US Dollar as their primary monetary system. Prior tothis switch, Cuba printed their own convertible Peso which was equal to one US dollar while on the island of Cuba. The new money called Chavitos requires a 10% conversion fee from US Dollars to Chavitos. So $1 US equals 90 cents in Chavitos. Chavitos are only valid in Cuba and can not be exchanged anywhere else in the world. So there is basically an additional 10% commission or tax for using Chavitos to buy anything in Cuba.

This is not to be confused with the Cuban Peso which is about 20 to 26 for $ 1 USD. This is the money used in the non tourist open markets. It also is not valid anywhere else in the world.

Estimates say that Cuban households are holding/saving/circulating about one-half billion US dollars outside of the banking institutions. Prior to 1993, it was illegal for Cubans to have US dollars in their possession. Cuaba legalized the US Dollar in 1993 to provide an avenue for Cubans to use and obtain dollars from whatever source available.

Fidel wittingly removed all US coins from circulation. He replaced them with Cuban minted coins. This brought in a one time installation of world wide usable money into the Cuban government. The question is...whenever the embargo is lifted, how long will it take for Cuba to develop is own strength so they won't need to resort to measures such as this ? Or will actions like this continue. At this time it might be better to travel to Cuba with Euros than US dollars, depending on the exchange rate you can get.

One last note.... since tax is included in any prce you see in a Cuban restaurant, store or tienda...take note that all prices end in a zero or five...there are no pennies in Cuba... So could you say that Cuba is penniless ? But don't travel there without sufficient cash if you only have access to US banks...or you will feel penniless...

Money can be sent via Western Union or Transcard...but if you don't know anyone living there, or you are not there legally... it might prove to be a pain... but do able...(once every 3 months)....

CUBA > popular all-time > The Stacks in the University of Havana Research Library

In spanish it is known as
La Universidad De La Habana http://www.uh.cu/

CUBA > popular all-time > University of Havana Student Internet Access

http://www.uh.cu/

CUBA > popular all-time > Street of Palm Trees - Cuba

CUBA > popular all-time > Gas Station - Cuba

CUBA > popular all-time > Soroa Waterfall - This is a 66 foot (20 m) watefall. The water is cool.
Vinales, Cuba

CUBA > popular all-time > ***** The Last Supper - La Ultima Cena de Jesus *****

This appears to be a mold made from a metal blend of primarily copper. People around the world have e-mailed to ask more about it. Seems there are many similar yet different "models" of this
artwork... Beautiful.

People live here... in Havana, Cuba

> People live here... in Havana, Cuba

People live here... in Havana, Cuba

Photo by: Scott York • see photo in gallery

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