Transtur, the state company for tourist transportation, announced that the Habana Bus Tour service, on its route to the beaches of the East, now accepts payments in U.S. dollars (USD).
The ticket price is 10 dollars or its equivalent in national currency, "at a rate of 120 CUP for the exchange," according to what was explained on the official social media channels.
The tour begins at Parque Central in Old Havana and operates daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with departures approximately every 45 minutes. The ticket is valid for the entire day and allows for a round trip.
The service is promoted as a "comfortable air-conditioned transportation" with "panoramic" views of the Havana coast, allowing passengers to get on and off at various points along the route.
Although the option is presented as an opportunity to "facilitate access for both international tourists and local residents," it is part of the process of "partial dollarization of the economy," which reflects the increasing influence of the U.S. dollar in the country and aims to reorganize key sectors of the economy while attempting to control the impact of the informal foreign exchange market.
Although the Transtur announcement on social media does not specify how the payment will be made, the website states that tickets can be purchased through authorized travel agencies and that if paid on board the bus, the payment will be in CUP.
Dozens of Cubans wondered if 1200 would really be the cost in Cuban pesos, when it is impossible to obtain foreign currency at state exchange houses and they have to rely on the informal market.
With this type of exchange rate (informal), the amount would rise to over 3,800 Cuban pesos, more than a minimum wage and two pensions.
"10 USD is 3800 at the exchange rate," wrote a user; while Transtur denied it and said, "Of course not, the official exchange rate is 120, so it would be 1200."
Those who cannot pay either 10 USD or 1200 CUP will only have the option of a train that will go to the eastern beaches of Havana to facilitate mobility for the population during the summer.
The train convoy, consisting of a locomotive and three cars, will have a capacity of 48 passengers in each vehicle.
As part of the partial dollarization in Cuba, which means that many essential services and products can only be purchased in foreign currencies, the company Viazul announced that it only accepts payments in euros via bank cards, such as Visa or MasterCard. This means that it is not possible to pay in cash, not even in dollars, which limits access to its services for most Cubans who do not have international cards.
Viazul's policy also seems to be a strategy to attract remittances from abroad. This limits local access to the service and fosters dependence on foreign currency income.
Frequently Asked Questions about Transport and Economy in Cuba
Why does Transtur charge in dollars for trips to the Eastern beaches?
Transtur charges in dollars as part of the partial dollarization of the Cuban economy, which aims to reorganize key sectors and control the impact of the informal currency market. This measure reflects the increasing influence of the dollar in Cuba and prioritizes the collection of foreign currency over the needs of the local population.
What is the price in Cuban pesos for the Habana Bus Tour to the Eastern Beaches?
According to Transtur, the official rate is 1200 CUP, based on an exchange rate of 120 CUP per dollar. However, in the informal market, the actual cost could rise to more than 3800 CUP due to the inability to obtain foreign currency at state exchange houses.
What alternatives do Cubans have if they can't afford Transtur services?
For those who cannot afford the Transtur service, the only available option is the train to the Eastern beaches, which operates at a much lower cost of 35 CUP per trip. However, this option is also limited in terms of capacity and frequency.
How does the partial dollarization of the economy affect Cubans?
Partial dollarization limits access to basic products and services for the majority of Cubans who earn salaries in Cuban pesos. This measure fosters inequality between those with access to foreign currency and the rest of the population, exacerbating reliance on remittances and foreign currencies.
What payment methods does Viazul accept for its services?
Viazul only accepts payments in euros via bank cards such as Visa or MasterCard. This excludes cash payments and other currencies, making it difficult for Cubans without international cards to access their services.
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