Frequently asked questions about money transfer to Cuba

General

How can I send money to Cuba with Fonmoney?

With Fonmoney you can send money to Cuba quickly, easily and securely. You have three options: a bank transfer to an account in Cuba of the banks BPA (Bancos populares de ahorro) and Banco Metropolitano and to a credit card from the banks BANDEC, BPA and Banco Metropolitano. The third option is to send money in cash to Cuba with Fonmoney Cuba.

In what currency can I pay for my money transfer to Cuba?

Currently with Fonmoney you can pay in Euro €, in British Pounds GBP and in Mexican Pesos MXN your money transfers to Cuba. Your recipient will receive the money in CUP or USD (MLC), depending on the type of transfer you choose.

What happens with a transfer to Cuba if carried out over the weekend?

You can use Fonmoney over the weekend, our customer service is also available to you by e-mail at [email protected]. However please keep in mind that because banks and partnering financial Institutions in Cuba only work during the weekdays, any transfer carried out by Fonmoney will not processed until the next working day.

Is it safe to transfer money with Fonmoney?

Yes, Fonmoney is secure and trustworthy. We are an Authorised Payment Institution and are licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. This means that both your data as well as you money are completely safe. You can read more about our money transfer license here.

Can I trust Fonmoney with my money Transfer to Cuba?

Since 2012, Fonmoney started offering mobile top up recharges to prepaid card mobiles all over the world. However it was in April 2014, that it became possible to charge a Cubacel mobile phone with Fonmoney. Since that time countless customers have given us their trust and successfully loaded a Cuban mobile phone through out top-up service. Visit our Facebook page Fonmoney Cuba or check out our 5 star reviews on trustpilot and give us your trust. Your money is in safe hands with us and we will always do everything we to make sure your money arrives safely and on time to Cuba.

What documents do I need in order to make a money transfer with Fonmoney?

Are you ready to transfer money with Fonmoney? We certainly are! But first, we want to get to know you just a little better. Depending on the amount you want to send, we will be required by FCA regulations to confirm your identity by verifying your ID documents. What we need from you:

- Personal Identification (with picture)
- a Selfie.

How do I upload the documents required?

As soon as you start your money transfer, you will be asked to provide certain information and complete certain fields in every step. Over the course of the process, the system will, depending on the amount being sent, automatically request certain documents. We ask you to upload these documents so that we are able to verify your identity and process the transaction.

What can I do if my documents cannot be uploaded or if my identity cannot be verified automatically?

If there are any difficulties in uploading your documents or verifying your identity, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Support Team!

Do the documents I am uploading need to have a certain format?

For us to quickly verify your identity, we ask that you upload them in a PNG, JPG or PDF format, with a width of over 800 px. Attention! The uploaded documents must be clearly visible and not blurry, so that your personal information is easy to read.

What is HooYu? What is SignD?

HooYu is our partner with whose support we are able to verify your documents. You can read more about this partnership from our article.

Can I make a transfer from my phone or tablet?

Yes. With Fonmoney you can send money online also by using your mobile phone or tablet. Our web page is optimized also for the mobile use so that you can easily proceed with your money transfers.

What do I need for a money transfer to Cuba?

To send money to Cuba you just need to comply with the minimum legal requirements. All people over 18 with a bank account or a credit card in Europe can send money to Cuba with us. For this, they only need to have an account on our Fonmoney website and follow the steps indicated. In a very short time your beneficiary will receive money quickly and effectively.

From which countries can I send money to Cuba?

You can send money to Cuba from the Europe and Mexico.

Do I need to provide any additional information or comply with any other requirement?

In order to guarantee the effective and secure arrival of your money transfer to Cuba Fonmoney is obliged to ask you to provide a declaration of consent which necessary for the proper processing of the transaction. To send money to Cuba you must confirm that:

- That the beneficiary is not a member of the Communist Party of Cuba.
- That the beneficiary is not Restricted (Military) Official of the Government of Cuba.
- That the transfer of money is not related to the migration of the beneficiary or sent for migration purposes.

Is there a limit amount for money transfers to Cuba?

Yes. Current limits for money remittance of Cuba allow you to send your recipient up to 10.000 MLC or 240.000 CUP in a time period of one month. If you exceed the limit, we recommend you to contact [email protected]. Our customer support is happy to assist you.

Is it possible to send money to a bank account in Cuba?

Yes, you can also transfer money to a bank account in Cuba.

How our currency exchange works.

In Fonmoney we try to offer you the best exchange rate Euro to CUP. However, due the banking situation in Cuba and also because we have to collaborate with various financial agents in order to be able to send the money to your recipient in Cuba, our exchange rate may differ from the most accurate one. But as you may know, there is currently no cheaper way to send money from Europe to Cuba than with Fonmoney.

We can assure you that our team in Fonmoney is offering you daily the most adjusted and beneficial exchange rate for you.

AIS

What is an AIS debit card?

The AIS Debit Card (American International Service) is a free debit card in Cuba. It is accepted in Cuba, and is therefore a popular means of payment which allows Cuban nationals to receive money from their relatives abroad in a comfortable and fast way.

What are the advantages of charging the AIS debit card compared to other types of money transfer to Cuba?

Sending money to Cuba from Europe on an AIS debit card is an easier, safer, and faster way to do it than through traditional money transfer. With AIS debit cards the money arrives to its destination faster - a maximum of 48 - 72 hours when traditional methods can take up to 7 days - and it is not necessary for the recipient to go to a bank to receive the money. Money sent to AIS debit cards arrives automatically on the card after a certain amount of time and is accepted in Cuba in a lot of shops and a large number of ATMs (ATM) on the island, where you can withdraw money free of charge.

Can I send money if my recipient does not have an AIS card yet?

If your resipient in Cuba does not have an AIS debit card, there is no problem sending money to Cuba. At Fonmoney we offer you the option of requesting a new AIS card, completely free of charge, during your first transfer. As soon as your beneficiary in Cuba has an AIS credit card, future money transfers will be much faster and more comfortable, with the money coming within 48 - 72 hours directly to your new card.

How can I request a new AIS debit card?

It is possible to request an AIS debit card for your repient when you make your first money transfer with Fonmoney. In order to make it easier, Fonmoney collaborates closely with the official Cuban institution FINCIMEX.The application process is very simple:

1. Choose the option to send money to AIS debit card.
2. Create a new Fonmoney personal account or log in if you already have one.
3. Click on the "I do not have AIS debit card" option.
4. Enter the name and surname of the beneficiary (you must be over 16 years old), your address in Cuba and choose the location in which you prefer to pick up the new card.
5. Choose your preferred method of payment.

We will contact FINCIMEX to approve your AIS card, and in a few days the recipient will be able to pick it up at the chosen office presenting his passport or identity document.

Can I request a new AIS USD card?

Yes, with Fonmoney you can request a new AIS USD card to Cuba from Europe. To do this, you only have to choose the AIS Card transfer method. When the calculator appears to write the amount of money to send, you must click on the flag of Cuba and choose USD currency instead of CUP. When you press continue you must choose the option to request a new card and fill in the details of your recipient.

Where can recipients collect their AIS debit card?

Please find a list of all of FINCIMEX offices where your recipient will be able to pick up the AIS debit card. Please keep in mind that the recipient must come with his identification document or passport to the pick up office in order to receive the card with the money transfer. Depending on the address of your beneficiary, the card will be prepared in a specific period of time, and you can choose among the following offices to pick it up: Al mismo tiempo que usted realiza su primera transferencia de dinero con Fonmoney es posible solicitar una tarjeta AIS gratuíta para su destinatario. Para ello Fonmoney colabora estrechamente con la institución oficial cubana FINCIMEX. El proceso es muy sencillo:

Nosotros nos pondremos en contacto con FINCIMEX para que se apruebe su tarjeta AIS, y en pocos días el destinatario podrá recogerla en la oficina elegida presentando su pasaporte o su documento de identidad.
- AIS CARD - BARACOA
Martí # 356, Baracoa, Guantánamo
- AIS CARD - BAUTA
Ave. 251 No. 13015, Bauta
- AIS CARD - CAMAGÜEY
Gral Gómez 105 e / Independencia and Maceo
- AIS CARD - BLIND OF ÁVILA
Calle Cuba e / Honorato del Castillo and Maceo
- AIS CARD - CIENFUEGOS
Calle 33 e / 56 y 58
- AIS CARD - GRANMA
Ctra. Vía Santiago Edif. The News, Bayamo
- AIS CARD - GUANTÁNAMO
Crombet e / Los Maceo and La Línea
- AIS CARD - GÜINES
Calle 86 esq 45, Güines
- AIS CARD - HOLGUIN
Frexes Esq. Carbo Street
- AIS CARD - YOUTH ISLAND
Calle 39 e / 30 y 32. Altos del Servicupet. El parque
- AIS CARD - HAVANA
Ave. 3rd No. 408 e / 4 y 6, Playa
- AIS CARD - LAS TUNAS
Ave. 1st of May s / n Esq. A 45 La Victoria
- AIS CARD - KILLS
Calzada de Esteban Esq. San Ambrosio, Pueblo Nuevo, Matanzas
- AIS CARD - MOA
Ave. 1st of May s / n Moa
- AIS CARD - PINAR DEL RÍO
Luis Pérez Esq. Gerardo Medina s / n Pinar del Río
- AIS CARD - SANCTI SPÍRITUS
Ave. de los Mártires s / n Esq. Circunvalante Olivos 1
- AIS CARD - SANTIAGO DE CUBA
Felix Pena No. 565 e / Jose A. Saco y Aguilera
- AIS CARD - TRINIDAD
Fausto Pelayo s / n, Servicentro Oro Negro, Trinidad, St.Spiritus
- AIS CARD - VARADERO
1st Street Ave. e / 15 and 16
- AIS CARD - VILLA CLARA
Ctra. Ctral. Morata and / San Pedro and Virtudes

How long does it take to issue an AIS credit card?

If the recipient lives in Havana, the issuing process could take 25 working days before the AIS card is ready for pick up. If the recipient lives in other Cuban province, the issuance of the free AIS card can last 45 working days.

Where can you withdraw money in Cuba with AIS cards?

Every holder of an AIS debit card can withdraw money at any ATM on the island (ATM), as well as in exchange offices (CADECA) and banks spread throughout the Cuban territory.

Where can I pay in Cuba with an AIS debit card?

Cardholders of an AIS debit card can pay and carry out transactions in all Cuban premises and businesses that have a Point of Sale (POS) terminal. With this new form of payment you can purchase goods and services without having to pay in cash. There are more than 11,000 establishments throughout Cuba that already use this new method of payment!

Having an AIS card, does imply any costs?

Both the issuance and use of AIS debit cards are completely free of charge: you pay nothing when you apply for a new AIS credit card, and the recipient does not have to pay anything either when receiving it or when using it in any establishment in Cuba.

How can I send money to my recipients in Cuba if they already have an AIS debit card?

If your recipient already has an AIS debit card, sending money to Cuba with Fonmoney is even easier!

1. Choose the option to send money to an AIS debit card.
2. Create a new Fonmoney personal account or sign in if you already have one.
3. Fill in the data of the addressee: name and surname, address and AIS card number.
4. Choose the payment method.
And ready! Your money transfer to Cuba will arrive within 48 - 72 hours

How long does it take to recharge an AIS debit card?

It takes up to 48 - 72 hours to recharge an existing AIS debit card in Cuba. Therefore, recharging an AIS card is the fastest way to support your friends and family in Cuba.

Is there a limit for AIS cards?

AIS cards have a maximum limit of 10,000 CUP. An AIS card with a balance of 10,000 euros can not be recharged again.

Cash pick-up

How can I send money in cash to Cuba with Fonmoney?

Sending cash to Cuba with Fonmoney is a very easy and intuitive process, just follow these steps:

1. Choose the option "Send money in cash".
2. Create a new Fonmoney personal account or log in to your account if you already have one.
3. Fill in the data of the recipient: name and surname, number of your identity document, and address of the collection bank.
4. Choose the method of payment.

And ready! It is important that you choose the exact bank address at which your money transaction will arrive, since the beneficiary must pick it up in person at the same branch. To do this the recipient will need to present his identity document, and provide address and telephone number.

Which Cuban banks are available for cash collection?

Fonmoney has partnered with both the Metropolitan Bank and the Banco Popular de Ahorro. Your recipient will be able to collect cash in any of the branches belonging to any of these two banks. For your convenience Banco Popular de Ahorro has 78 branches in Cuba, and Banco Metropolitano has 88 locations in Havana.

How long does it take for cash transactions to get to Cuba?

The cash transfer to Cuban banks takes 3 to 10 business days.