A young Cuban woman living in Miami recently shared her grievances about her arrival in Cuba, where she was forced to shell out $200 before leaving the airport. She recounted that upon retrieving her rental car, she was charged $140 for gasoline and an additional $60 as a tip for the person handing over the vehicle.
Known on social media as Claudeliña, she posted a video on Facebook detailing her frustrating experience, recorded right before departing the terminal.
“When I went to pick up the car, they told me I had to pay $140 just for gas. $140 for gasoline! We don’t even spend that much fueling our truck back home,” she exclaimed, clearly upset.
Claudeliña noted that the tipping expectations have also increased dramatically. “Previously, you could get away with tipping $20 or $25 to the person fetching your car. Now it’s $60. So, just arriving at the airport, you’re down $200,” she lamented.
She traveled with Delta Airlines and mentioned that during baggage claim, the power went out three times, which she had somewhat expected. However, the unexpected car rental charges caught her off guard.
“I’m recording this now because once you see family, you tend to forget everything. I’m super stressed and haven’t even left the airport,” she emphasized.
Widespread Discontent Among Travelers
Comments on her video suggest her ordeal is not unique. One user commented, “You got off easy; they charged me $250 for a full tank.” Another shared a similar experience in Santa Clara, where they were bluntly asked for a $100 tip. A third person succinctly described the situation: “It’s extortion level. It’s survival law.”
A woman from Camagüey, now residing in the U.S., recalled an even more frustrating experience from years prior: “My husband booked a car over three months in advance. Upon arrival, no car was available, and after three hours of negotiation, we ended up with a vehicle that couldn’t fit our luggage, had a faulty air conditioner, and a tire that went flat as we left Havana.” Upon reaching their destination and requesting a tire change, her husband was accused of swapping the good tire with an old one. “That was in 2018, and we never went back,” she concluded.
Fuel Crisis and Economic Strain
The root of these exorbitant charges is Cuba's ongoing fuel crisis. Since May 15, 2026, the regime has allowed gasoline prices in foreign currency to fluctuate freely, with B100 priced at $2.60 per liter through official channels. On the black market, prices can soar between $6 and $8 per liter.
Car rental operators pass these costs directly onto customers, leading to what many travelers describe as extortionate charges. In July 2026, a rental fee of $450 for a single day’s journey from Havana’s airport to Cienfuegos was reported. In August, Cuban Rachel Zanabria went viral with a video denouncing how she received her rental car without gasoline despite prepaying for a full tank.
This pattern persists: travelers pay in advance for a service, only to be met with unexpected charges, poorly maintained vehicles, and mandatory tipping upon arrival, with no effective regulation to protect consumers.
Understanding the Car Rental Challenges in Cuba
Why are car rental fees so high in Cuba?
Car rental fees are high due to the fuel crisis and economic policies in Cuba. The liberalization of fuel prices has led to increased costs, which rental companies pass on to customers.
What should travelers expect when renting a car in Cuba?
Travelers should expect to encounter unexpected charges, possibly for fuel and tipping. Additionally, vehicles may be in poor condition, and there might be a lack of consumer protection.
Is there a solution to these rental car issues in Cuba?
While regulation could help, the current economic situation in Cuba and the lack of consumer rights protection make it difficult to find a quick solution.