Little Known Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Cuba

Until January 1, 2021, Cuba operated under a rare dual-currency system—an arrangement unique in the world. Tourists typically used the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), while everyday Cuban citizens relied on the Cuban Peso (CUP). Though both currencies were officially called “pesos,” they had vastly different values, with the CUC pegged much higher than the CUP.

This system created sharp economic divides between locals and visitors. Neither currency was available for international exchange, and Cuban law prohibited importing or exporting them, meaning travelers had to obtain currency only after arriving. The dual system officially ended in 2021, unifying the economy under the CUP.