Stores in Cuba begin to accept dollars and euros in cash

The Cuban government has begun to allow cash payment of foreign currencies in some stores that operate in freely convertible currency (MLC), as confirmed by the media. theTOUCH.

Workers from the Caribe Store Chain and the Cimex SA Corporation have reported that several establishments already accept payments in dollars and euros, while others are preparing to implement this measure.

Although the possibility of paying with foreign currency in cash is not yet available in the entire MLC store network, it is expected that in the coming months the number of establishments authorized to receive foreign currency will increase.

In this sense, a store clerk in the province of Cienfuegos explained that the change will be given in Cuban pesos, using the exchange rate of the day established by the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC).

This new payment mechanism was confirmed by various sources, including stores such as Vitola 360 in Old Havana, which already promote on social networks their acceptance of payments in cash and with international cards valid in the country.

Cuba allows payment in dollars and euros in some MLC stores

Likewise, Cimex announced its intention to extend the points of sale of the Classic card, denominated in dollars, which has a cost of 4 USD.

So far, this card can only be purchased at Exchange Offices (Cadeca) or through applications from abroad, but the company plans that in the future customers can purchase it and recharge it directly in stores.

The implementation of payment in foreign currency was mentioned by the Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero, during the sessions of the National Assembly of People’s Power. The president pointed out that this measure is essential to attract foreign currency to the country, especially in sectors such as tourism, although it partially contradicts the banking process, whose objective is to digitize the majority of transactions.

Marrero highlighted that the measure seeks to alleviate the loss of income due to the lack of access to some 2 billion dollars that currently circulate in the private sector and in the informal foreign exchange market.

“We will not eliminate banking, but tourists cannot arrive and cannot book because their cards do not work,” said the prime minister, emphasizing that this measure will not only benefit tourism, but also other sectors of the Cuban economy.