A traveler named Rachel Zanabria recently shared a TikTok video that captures the essence of renting a car in Cuba: receiving a vehicle completely out of gas before even leaving the airport premises.
The viral clip, which has garnered over 174,000 views, shows Zanabria exclaiming, "God, help me out of this situation. And look, we haven't even left the airport. And they make gasoline," while the text overlaid on the image conveys the message: "When you rent a car at the airport in CUBA and they give it to you without gas."
The Fuel Crisis Deepens
This situation is not an isolated incident; it highlights a systemic fuel crisis that turns car rentals on the island into an experience fraught with unpredictability. Back in July 2026, another traveler faced a similar ordeal: she rented a car through the Rentacar platform for three days at $320, with the promise of receiving it with 35 liters of fuel. Instead, it arrived with just 18.
Stranded on the Streets
Recently, another video surfaced showing Cubans who returned to visit the island, only to find themselves pushing their rental car through the streets after it ran out of fuel. This reflects the severe fuel shortage that Cuba is experiencing—the worst in its recent history.
The crisis stems from the disruption of Venezuelan oil supplies, which worsened following Nicolás Maduro's capture in January 2026, along with reduced imports from Mexico, leaving the island without strategic reserves.
Financial Struggles for Tourists
Car rentals in Cuba are priced in freely convertible currency or international credit cards; Cuban pesos are generally not accepted, complicating matters for visitors who lack access to foreign currency.
Understanding Cuba's Car Rental Challenges
Why are rental cars in Cuba often without fuel?
Rental cars in Cuba often come without fuel due to a severe fuel shortage, exacerbated by disrupted oil supplies from Venezuela and reduced imports from other countries.
What are the payment options for renting a car in Cuba?
Car rentals in Cuba typically require payment in freely convertible currency or through international credit cards. Cuban pesos are not commonly accepted, posing a challenge for tourists without foreign currency access.