What Cubacar is and where to rent from them

Cubacar is Cuba's state-owned car rental company and the largest rental operation on the island. You can rent from Cubacar at airports in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Varadero, as well as at city locations in major tourist areas. They are often the only rental option available at smaller airports, and they handle a significant share of tourist rentals across the country.

Cubacar operates under Cuba's government tourism structure, which means their policies, pricing, and vehicle availability follow Cuban regulations rather than the rental practices you may be used to elsewhere. Understanding how they work — what documents they need, how they handle insurance, and what happens if something goes wrong — is different enough from US or European rentals that it's worth reading through before you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid passport, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and your home country driver's license to rent from Cubacar; a US license alone is not accepted.
  • Cubacar requires a credit card in your name for the security deposit, and they will place a hold on your account that may not release when ready after you return the car.
  • Insurance through Cubacar is mandatory and covers collision damage, but the deductible is high — often $1,000 USD or more depending on the vehicle class.
  • Prices are quoted in Cuban convertible pesos (CUC) or USD and are significantly higher than rental rates in most other countries, with daily rates starting around $60 USD for economy cars.
  • Reservations made outside Cuba through their website or a travel agent may have different terms and cancellation policies than walk-up rentals at the counter.

Documents you need to bring and prepare

Cubacar will not rent to you with only a US driver's license or a license from most other countries. You must carry three documents: your valid passport, your home country driver's license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is a translation of your license issued by your home country's automobile association — in the US, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues them for a small fee, and they are valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase.

The IDP is not a license itself; it is a document that translates your existing license into multiple languages so that Cuban rental staff and police can verify your driving status. You must obtain it before you travel, as you cannot get one in Cuba. If you arrive without an IDP, Cubacar will refuse to rent to you, and there is no workaround at the counter.

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Cuba. Cubacar will photocopy your passport and driver's license as part of the rental agreement. Bring the originals; they will not accept copies you made yourself.

How insurance works and what it covers

Cubacar insurance is mandatory — you cannot decline it or bring your own coverage. The insurance is included in the daily rate quote, but the deductible (called the "excess" in some countries) is substantial. For a standard economy or mid-size car, the deductible is typically $1,000 USD. For larger vehicles or SUVs, it can be $1,500 USD or higher. This means if you damage the car and file a claim, you pay the first $1,000 out of pocket, and insurance covers the rest.

The insurance covers collision damage, theft, and third-party liability (damage you cause to other vehicles or property). It does not cover damage from driving off-road, damage from driving through water, or damage from mechanical failure. Read the rental agreement carefully, because the exclusions are printed in small text and vary slightly depending on which Cubacar location you rent from.

If you damage the car, you must report it to Cubacar when ready — do not attempt to repair it yourself or hide the damage. Cubacar will assess the damage, and you will be charged either the deductible (if you file an insurance claim) or the full repair cost (if you decline insurance, which you cannot do, or if the damage is not covered). Disputes over damage assessment are common and difficult to resolve after you leave Cuba.

Pricing, payment, and the security deposit hold

Cubacar quotes prices in Cuban convertible pesos (CUC) or US dollars, depending on where you book. Daily rates for economy cars typically start around $60 USD and go up to $100+ USD per day for mid-size or larger vehicles. These rates are higher than comparable rentals in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Central America, partly because Cubacar has limited competition and partly because the Cuban government sets pricing.

You must pay with a credit card in your own name. Cubacar will place a security deposit hold on your card — typically $500 to $1,500 USD depending on the vehicle — that is separate from the rental cost. This hold is not a charge; it is a temporary block on your available credit. The hold should release within a few days after you return the car, but some credit card companies take longer, and disputes with Cubacar over the hold amount are difficult to resolve from outside Cuba.

If you pay cash, Cubacar will ask for a cash deposit in addition to the rental cost, which they will return when you bring the car back. However, most tourists pay by credit card. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but may not work for the deposit hold, so confirm with Cubacar before you arrive if you plan to use a debit card.

Booking in advance versus renting at the counter

You can book a Cubacar rental through their website, through a travel agent, or by walking up to the counter at an airport or city location. Each method has different terms. Advance bookings made through their website or a travel agent often come with a cancellation fee if you need to change or cancel, and the rate is locked in at the time of booking. Walk-up rentals at the counter may have different availability and pricing, and you can negotiate or ask about discounts on the spot, though this is not may provide.

If you book in advance, confirm the cancellation policy in writing before you pay. Some travel agents and booking sites add their own fees on top of Cubacar's rate, so compare the total cost (including any booking fees) against the Cubacar website price. Cubacar's website is in Spanish and English, and you can check availability and reserve directly without going through a third party.

Reservations are usually held for 24 hours without a deposit, but if you are booking close to your travel date, call or email Cubacar directly to confirm they have the car you want available. Availability can change quickly, especially during peak tourist season (November through March).

What to check before you drive away

Before you leave the rental lot, walk around the car with the Cubacar staff member and inspect it together. Look for dents, scratches, broken lights, worn tires, and any damage to the interior. Point out every mark you see, no matter how small, and ask the staff member to note it on the rental agreement. Take photos or video of the car's condition with your phone — this is your evidence if there is a dispute later about pre-existing damage.

Check that the car has a spare tire, a jack, and a basic tool kit. Verify that the fuel gauge is accurate by filling the tank yourself at a gas station when ready after leaving the lot, so you know the true fuel level. Cubacar may charge you for fuel if you return the car with less fuel than when you picked it up, and the fuel prices they charge are higher than what you would pay at a station.

Test the brakes, steering, and windshield wipers before you drive on the road. If anything feels wrong, return to the lot and ask for a different car. Once you drive away, any mechanical problems become your responsibility, and Cubacar will not cover repairs if they claim the damage was caused by your driving.

Driving rules, checkpoints, and what to do if you have an accident

Cuban traffic laws require you to carry your rental agreement, passport, IDP, and driver's license at all times while driving. Police conduct random vehicle checkpoints, especially on highways, and they will ask to see these documents. If you cannot produce them, you can be fined or detained. Keep the documents in the car, not in your hotel room.

Speed limits in Cuba are typically 90 kilometers per hour (about 56 mph) on highways and 50 kph (31 mph) in towns. Seatbelts are required for all passengers. Driving at night outside major cities is not recommended because roads are poorly lit and many vehicles do not have working lights.

If you have an accident, call the police (dial 106) and stay at the scene. Do not admit fault or sign anything except the police report. Take photos of the damage, get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses, and get the other driver's information. Call Cubacar when ready and tell them what happened. They will tell you what to do next, which usually involves bringing the car to a Cubacar service center for assessment. If the accident is your fault, you will be charged the deductible or the full repair cost, depending on the circumstances.

Returning the car and what happens to your deposit

Return the car to the same location where you rented it, or to another Cubacar location if you arranged a one-way rental in advance. Fill the fuel tank before you return it — Cubacar will charge you a premium price per liter if the tank is not full. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your return time so the staff has time to inspect the car and process your paperwork.

The Cubacar staff will walk around the car, check for damage, verify the fuel level, and review the mileage. If there is damage that was not noted on the original agreement, they will take photos and ask you to sign a damage report. This is where disputes often happen, so stay calm and ask them to explain exactly what they are charging you for. If you disagree, ask to speak to a manager before you sign.

Your security deposit hold will release back to your credit card within a few days, but it may take longer depending on your bank. If Cubacar charged you for damage, that amount will be deducted from the hold before it is released. Check your credit card statement after you return home to confirm the hold was released and that you were not overcharged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in Cuba if I have a US driver's license?

No, not with only a US license. You must have a valid US driver's license, a US passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA). The IDP is the key document that allows you to rent; without it, Cubacar will refuse to rent to you.

What happens if I damage the car and cannot pay the deductible?

Cubacar will not release the car keys or let you leave until the damage is settled. If you cannot pay when ready, they may hold your passport or require you to arrange payment through your credit card company. This is a serious situation, so it is important to understand the deductible amount before you rent and to drive carefully.

Can I return the car to a different city than where I rented it?

Yes, but you must arrange a one-way rental in advance. One-way rentals cost more than standard rentals because Cubacar has to move the car back to the original location. Ask about the one-way fee when you book, and confirm that the return location has staff available during your planned return time.

What if my credit card is declined when I try to pay for the rental?

Contact your credit card company before you travel and tell them you will be renting a car in Cuba. Some US credit card companies flag Cuban transactions as fraudulent and decline them automatically. Your bank may need to approve the transaction in advance or issue you a temporary higher credit limit.

Is it safe to drive in Cuba as a tourist?

Driving in Cuba is generally safe during the day on main roads, but road conditions are poor, many drivers do not follow traffic laws, and nighttime driving outside cities is not recommended. Avoid driving alone if possible, stay on main highways, and drive defensively. If you are uncomfortable driving, consider hiring a driver through your hotel or a travel agent instead.