Send Money from Canada to Cuba

If you are a Canadian customer, there are several options available for sending money to Cuba.

However, the process is generally not as easy as sending money to other countries due to restrictions on financial transactions with the country.

The Canadian banks have limited capabilities on sending money directly to Cuba, and many other popular online transfer services such as Wise and Remitly also face restrictions on transactions sent to the country.

Some alternative online transfer options include Duales and EnvioDinero.

Depending on what you value (cheapest cost, fastest speed), each of these providers may be a worthwhile option for you.

What Currency Does Cuba Use?

Cuba uses the Cuban Peso as its official currency.

From 1994 to 2020, Cuba had two currencies that co-circulated in the economy.

These were the Cuban convertible peso which was pegged to the US dollar, and the Cuban Peso.

From 2021 though, the Cuban convertible peso was abolished and the Cuban Peso became the only legal tender in the country,

Current CAD/CUP Exchange rate:

1 CAD = 17.5492 CUP at 5:43 AM UTC on Friday April 26, 2024

Steps to Send Money to Cuba

1. Select a Money Transfer Service

When looking to send money to Cuba, you have the option of using various online platforms such as Wise (previously known as Transferwise), Remitly, WorldRemit, Skrill or XE.

Alternatively, you can also use your banking provider (such as RBC, CIBC, BMO, Scotiabank, TD) to complete a wire transfer directly to your recipient’s bank account.

2. Create an Account

Provide your personal identification details, bank account details, and other relevant information that the provider requests.

3. Enter Recipient’s Details

In most cases, you will be asked basic personal information about the recipient as well as their online banking details to ensure that the money is sent to the right account.

4. Choose Funding Method and Send

You can often choose between paying via direct debit, bank transfer, debit card, and credit card with each having different fees and processing times.

At this stage, you will be able to view the exact fee structure including any administrative fees and currency conversion fees.

Key Considerations When Sending Money from Canada to Cuba

Below is a list of items you should keep in mind before transferring money from one country to another:

CAD/CUP Exchange Rate

If you are converting between Canadian and the Cuban Peso, you should monitor the exchange rate that the provider offers and compare it to the market rate to see the differential.

While some providers may offer lower administrative fees, they may take a higher cut of the foreign exchange (FX) conversion.

It is important to know this beforehand to make the best decision for yourself.

Fees

Most online transfer platforms will charge a fee for their service.

This fee may vary based on the provider, the amount of money being sent, currency, etc.

As such, it is crucial to assess the net amount that the recipient will receive in hand to understand the total fees charged by the provider.

Speed

The total turnaround time that it takes for your recipient to receive the money from the time you send it.

Service

While this may not be a primary consideration in the way that costs and processing time would be, it is still important to know what type of customer support you can expect if there is a processing error or other barrier preventing your money from being transferred correctly.

Sending money from Canada to another country

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best way to send money from Canada to Cuba?

  • Select online transfer services such as Sendvalue and Duales are generally the best way to send money from Canada to Cuba as they offer speed, cost-effectiveness and convenience.

  • Which Canadian banks can send money to Cuba?

  • Yes, you can use Western Union to send money to and from China using either the web app, mobile app or visiting a branch in person.

  • How long does it take to send money from Canada to Cuba?

  • Depending on which provider you use and your method type (credit/debit card, bank transfer, etc.), you can typically expect a processing time that ranges between 1 to 5 business days.

  • Can I send money from Canada to Cuba for free?

  • The short answer is no. Even if someone advertises ‘zero fees’ in their marketing materials, you usually will have to pay an exchange rate that is unfavourable compared to other providers.

Harshil Dhanky

Harshil Dhanky is a financial services professional based out of Toronto, Ontario with extensive experience in the Canadian banking industry across Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver in the capital markets, asset management, and lending sectors.

In the past, Harshil has worked with a range of consumer lending websites, personal finance advisors, investment managers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions to write and edit whitepapers, articles, blog posts, and other collateral read by consumer audiences to help them make better financial decisions.

His work spans a wide range of Canadian personal finance topics including savings and retirement programs, debt management tips, mortgages and personal loans, and other key financial issues for Canadian consumers at each stage of their life.