After new resolution of the central bank of Cuba that strictly prohibits the extraction of Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) from the national territory, many questions and queries rained down, highlighting the absurdity of this policy.
"If they prohibit taking out the CUC of territory, how is it possible that the stores and services found in Duty Free offer them in that currency? Don't you think it's crazy?" a Cuban citizen posted on Facebook, as soon as the provision was known, to which another user of the same social network added: "And if I don't go out with CUC “How do I pay for my taxi when I return to Cuba?”
Well, now, alternative media outlets have begun to circulate what could be understood as a new procedure at the island's airports, although official media outlets have not yet commented on the matter. What would the new directive entail?
In essence it is the prohibition of accepting the circulation of CUC in the shops and services located at the island's airports, that is, once the threshold of immigration controls has been crossed.
A source from Havana's José Martí International Airport explained to the platform cybercuba that the guidance has been received to only receive foreign currency, at least that is what one of the news versions circulating indicates, and they acquire greater relevance precisely from the information gap or the slowness that distinguishes the press in Cuba.
However, on October 24th, in a statement released by the official press, it was made clear that all convertible pesos would be confiscated (CUC) who attempted to enter the national territory since November, thus complying with the aforementioned prohibition.
"The export and import of the convertible peso, a legal tender, in any denomination, is prohibited," stated the note, which in turn cited Resolution 276-2019, published in the extraordinary edition of the Official Gazette # 21 on October 16.
Thus, the restriction on the import or export of the CUC, has come into effect since November 16, that is, exactly 30 days after it was published in that bulletin. However, no official source has confirmed the procedure established at airports, at least with regard to Duty Free shops, where it is sold in CUC.
Until this minute Directorio Cubano has not been able to confirm the veracity of such a procedure, although it is expected that such a policy will be adopted, as some media outlets, such as Cibercuba, are assuming at this time.
In any case, this provision would come at a time when new economic measures announced by the island's government are being implemented, such as the declared policy of retaining every last dollar that enters the country, due to restrictions imposed by the White House.
By preventing the Cuban Convertible Peso from being taken out of the country, those who travel abroad would be forced to bring a larger amount of foreign currency with them upon their return, and not return with the supposed backup currency that operates in the country, that is, the CUC.
If the news reports are confirmed, the information would be as follows: The stores and services that are normally provided after passing through immigration controls at Cuban airports will only accept foreign currencies in their operations, in line with the recent provisions of the Central Bank of Cuba, and which strictly prohibit the export and import of official paper money, that is, CUP y CUC.
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2 comments
I find it funny that if I come to the country often I have to lose money in the exchange and that to avoid long lines at the ATMs I exchange a lot of money and that if I have more than 300 left over cuc I can't change them, nor can I take them with me. In my country, that is literally called stealing, because I don't know of any other country in the world where it is done like that. I can change the amount I want in the currency of the country I am visiting and then completely change the amount I have left or take it with me for a next trip. That is and would be the normal thing.
But a country with such good people and so beautiful that unfortunately the only thing that has expired and is not worthy of admiration are its politicians.
And how is it then assumed that the Cuban resident in the country who leaves and wishes to import merchandise with him upon his return divides the amount in national currency or the equivalent in CUC if it were a 2nd or subsequent import??? Why squeeze Cubans so much??? Why isn't this measure not only for foreigners or citizens not residing in the country??? The right to free movement is considered a fundamental human right, so by this I mean that Cubans who go abroad do not have to be discriminated against in some way. It's crazy being Cubans there to arrive with USD or another international currency to the country and have to carry out a chain exchange to pay in national currency, which is ultimately the one in which salaries are paid in Cuba, in order to pay for the imports that are made, in short, bills and more turns that only cause disadvantages and displeasure to Cubans.