The rate Google gives you is the official rate, fixed at 125 CUP = 1 USD. This is the rate you will get at a bank, atm, cadeca or paying by credit card. The informal rate you will get at most private sector establishments is around 350 and fluctuates. The rate can be found at www.eltoque.com . More on reddit.com

I feel like this could have easily been figured out by doing even the slightest bit of reading, even on this sub. There are like 2-3 posts a week where people ask what kind of money to bring. Their money has been absolutely useless for a while now. When I went in November family told me not to even mess with the official exchange and to let them exchange it for me on the black market. People don’t want pesos because they’re worthless. They want American dollars, euros, Canadian money etc and the black market rate is insanely higher than the official rate. More on reddit.com

Banks and money exchange places will not take Cuban pesos because outside of Cuba it’s worthless. Best bet is to try to find someone that’s going to Cuba soon and try to exchange with them. Good luck man More on reddit.com

The government rate is meaningless. As is most things governmental. It is phony rate. The street rate is the real effective rate. People want to get rid of pesos and buy dollars and they are willing to pay 300 to 325 pesos per dollar. So, you should get nothing less than 300 pesos. Be aware that in restaurants, bars and stores you will get an inferior rate. Like 240, 200 or less. You are ALWAYS better changing your dollars for pesos and paying for dinner in pesos. If you pay in dollars they will calculate it at the lower rate. Just do not get stuck with any because they are worthless outside of Cuba. You can change in the street. If a guy offers you 280, just say 310. But be aware they may short you if you do not speak Spanish. I just came back. More on reddit.com