Cuba in cash.
Western cards are useless: the ENTIRE stay runs on cash — and the euro is the island's favourite currency. Casas, guides and paladares take it with a smile.
Helvetica Exchange prepares your EUR travel envelope at Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, 1204 Geneva (Rive district) — the posted rate, no separate commission, Monday–Friday 08:30–18:30 and Saturday 09:00–17:00. Reserve and your rate is held for 3 hours during opening hours; ID from the LBA thresholds.
The cities, chosen.
Havana
Time suspended — weathered façades, '52 Chevrolets and the Malecón at sunset.
Old Havana on foot — Four listed colonial squares, from the cathedral to Plaza Vieja.
A convertible classic-car ride — An hour of Malecón, hair in the wind — bubble-gum pink if possible.
Viñales
Mogotes, tobacco fields and orchards — rural, red-earthed Cuba.
A tobacco farm — Roll a puro under the drying barn, coffee from the finca.
Trinidad
A colonial jewel frozen in 1850 — cobbles, sugar palaces and salsa on the steps.
Casa de la Música — The whole staircase dances from 10 pm.
Getting around.
Viazul buses link the towns (book online before departure); collective American taxis do the same journey with more charm. Havana → Viñales: 2 h 30.
Cash & banknotes.
Bring the WHOLE budget in euros from Geneva: €60 a day travelling simply, €110 in comfort — no Swiss card works, no rescue on the island. Small denominations: change is scarce everywhere.
| Rate reservation | held 3 hours, during opening hours |
| Counter hours | Mon–Fri 08:30–18:30 · Sat 09:00–17:00 |
| Commission | none — the margin lives in the posted rate |
Before you go.
How many euros to bring for Cuba?
ALL of it: €60 a day travelling simply, €110 in comfort — no Swiss card works there, and there is no local rescue.
Euros or dollars in Cuba?
The euro — preferred and better quoted; the dollar suffers a discount. Small notes: change is scarce.
Indicative amounts — rate reservable for 3 hours · Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, Geneva · Guide complet en français