Returning to Cuba after a year away presents a whole new set of challenges, especially when it comes to transportation. Navigating through a maze of expenses, fuel shortages, and mechanical issues is exactly what a woman from Cienfuegos experienced. She shared her ordeal on TikTok under the username @yuyudecuba, highlighting the numerous hurdles involved in renting a car on the island today.
High Costs and Payment Challenges
The initial hurdle was the steep cost of private transportation. Hiring a vehicle to pick her up at Havana's airport and drive her to Cienfuegos—245 kilometers away—would have set her back a staggering $450 for a single day. "A car for one day to pick us up at the airport cost $450 with the price of gasoline," she explained in her video.
Faced with such a high cost, she opted to rent a car through the Rentacar platform for three days at a total cost of $320. "It was more economical to rent the car for three days than for just one," she summarized. Many viewers questioned her decision, not grasping the economic rationale behind it.
Another common confusion among travelers arose during the payment process: Visa and Mastercard stopped functioning in Cuba on June 6, 2026, when Fincimex ceased operations with these networks due to expanded sanctions by the Trump administration. However, Rentacar processes payments from Europe in euros, allowing those with European cards to book and pay before setting foot on the island.
Unexpected Surprises and Fuel Shortages
When the cars were delivered at 7:30 p.m., they came with an unpleasant surprise: "The car was supposed to come with 35 liters of gasoline but only had 18," the user reported. This wasn't the only issue. The following day, the vehicle experienced technical problems and needed to be replaced. "On the second day, the first car had some technical issues, and we went to Rentacar and had no problem switching," she recounted.
In Cienfuegos, the fuel situation was more manageable than in other parts of the country. Tourist vehicles are assigned a specific gas station where they can purchase up to 10 liters daily at nearly two dollars per liter. For longer journeys, the agency provides additional tickets to purchase an extra 20 to 30 liters.
The Bigger Picture: Fuel Crisis in Cuba
This structured system stands in stark contrast to the widespread fuel chaos in Cuba. Gasoline shortages have driven prices to extreme levels: the official price for special B100 gasoline was set at $2.60 per liter as of May 15, 2026, while on the black market, it ranged from six to eight dollars per liter by June. Venezuela halted its oil shipments to Cuba in December 2025, followed by Mexico in January 2026, leaving the country nearly devoid of supply. Even Díaz-Canel admitted in April 2026 that Cuba "absolutely lacks fuel for almost everything."
Visitors and Cuban expatriates traveling to provinces far from the capital frequently encounter agency failures: waits of up to 12 hours for the reserved vehicle, poorly maintained cars, and nearly empty tanks are common complaints.
The account shared by @yuyudecuba illustrates that despite the obstacles, navigating the system is possible with prior information and planning—though the experience is far from what any traveler would expect under normal conditions.
FAQs on Renting Cars in Cuba
What are the challenges of renting a car in Cuba?
Renting a car in Cuba can be complicated due to high costs, fuel shortages, and mechanical issues with vehicles. Payment processes can also be tricky due to international sanctions.
How can tourists pay for car rentals in Cuba?
Tourists can pay for car rentals in Cuba using European-issued credit cards, as Rentacar processes payments in euros from Europe. U.S.-issued Visa and Mastercard are not accepted due to sanctions.
How does the fuel situation affect car rentals in Cuba?
Fuel shortages have significantly affected car rentals in Cuba, with tourists often needing to rely on specific gas stations and limited daily fuel allocations.