Re: One little concern - Currency Exchange

[JJay]

I'm a little concerned about wandering off to get some currency at the airport as I don't know my way round and would hate to miss the coach or lose my husband.  He is quite easy to lose particular in shops and at airports, he just assumes I know where he is!!!  
 
 I could wait until I arrive at the hotel but it will be 6/7pm so the currency exchange may well be shut.  The only money we will need the first night particularly is tip money for the bellboys, but I would feel completely uncomfortable not being able to tip them.  
 
 I imagine the queues at the airport will be fairly long.
 
 I have plenty of small US$ but I know these are no good in Cuba.  Or do you think they would be ok just as a first night tip?

[bellagio]

JJay:
 
 I see you are going to the Playa Pesquero on May 6th.   Well the good news for you is that the Cadeca at the PP is open until around 10.45pm so you will have no problem obtaining currency there.  
 
 The rate of exchange is exactly the same as at the airport.     In actual fact last time the rate of exchange they offered me at the airport was only 1.52 so I didn't bother as I knew it was a rip off.  When I arrived at the hotel it was 1.55.
 
 I would just wait until I arrived at the PP to exchange unless you just get £10 worth at the airport.   Best time to exchange at the airport is whilst you are waiting for your luggage to come off the carousel.   The Cadeca is to your left after you have passed through immigration and the hand luggage security scanner.

[JJay]

Thanks Bellagio.  I can stop panicking now.  That was my main concern, getting hold of some currency.
 
 If the queue at the airport is too long I'll simply wait till I get to the hotel and change some as soon as I get there.
   
 Is the hotel exchange in the reception area?  should I expect to get about 1.55 to the pound?
 
 Many thanks.  It was your beautiful photos that made me decide on the PP.  Plus we do like large hotels with plenty of eating options.  I'm sure we'll have an amazing time.

[bellagio]

The Cadeca is in the reception area but is about 50 yards away from the front desk.  In fact it is very close to the point where you will get off the bus on your arrival - just to the right in actual fact.
 
 The rate varies daily and is mostly between 1.55 and 1.58.   One litle tip is that whatever the rate is on Saturday it will be the same on Sunday and Monday.