The company specialized in passenger transportation by bus, Viazul, only accepts payments in euros and via bank cards, such as Visa or MasterCard, as confirmed by CiberCuba this Friday with employees of the company.
The main website of the company displays prices in euros, thus excluding other currencies. After inquiring about the payment methods using the contact number for Viazul provided on Facebook, an employee referred to the website and confirmed that it was the only way to book a trip.
The prices of the trips vary depending on the route. From Santiago de Cuba to Havana it costs 60 euros; from Camagüey to the capital, 36; from Varadero, 15; from Holguín, 50.
The price increases if the traveler wishes to add luggage. Only two pieces of luggage are allowed per booking ranging from 23 kg to 32 kg, and there is a fee of 10 euros for each one. Thus, a booking from Santiago to Havana with two pieces of 23 kg luggage would cost a total of 80 euros (approximately 30,800 CUP at the current informal market exchange rate for the euro).
To pay for a "Mini" luggage item, weighing up to 2.5 kg, the cost is 15 euros for each suitcase.
This method, which is not new, leaves Cubans who choose Viazul within the Island without the possibility of booking trips , which, despite its many shortcomings, offers a more reliable service than the interprovincial bus network.
A post made by writer and playwright Atilio Caballero emphasized this unique option for paying for tickets and pointed out that even having cash in euros, one could not purchase a ticket on Viazul.
"I just found out: if you want/can travel with ViAzul (because there are no other options, and you are traveling with children, as is the case), it turns out that you can ONLY pay in Euros (not in dollars, for example, our now 'second current currency'). But if you have those Euros in cash, you still cannot pay: payment is only possible with Visa or MasterCard. ViAzul, it seems, is not a bus company from Cuba for Cubans," he wrote on Facebook.
In its ongoing messages to promote its transportation service, Viazul has consistently praised its work and the "quality" of its buses, which few Cubans can afford.
However, internet users have criticized the company, which has numerous shortcomings. In addition to condemning the option to make reservations in euros through the website as a strategy to collect remittances from abroad, Cubans have reported that the service is neither reliable nor are the buses dependable.
Many trips are delayed and have caused Cubans to miss flights who rely on this mode of transportation. Others are stranded along the way due to breakdowns in the buses.
Reports collected by CiberCuba reveal that during a trip from Havana Airport to Camagüey, passengers waited for hours for a replacement bus after the rear window of the bus broke.
In 2020, Viazul announced that its services could only be paid for in Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) using an international card.
Before the pandemic, the online system of the entity already recorded the value of reservations in U.S. dollars and accepted eight different international credit cards, but at that time it was still possible to purchase tickets with cash in convertible Cuban pesos (CUC) at Viazul agencies throughout the country.
That measure, which highlighted the regime's attempt at dollarization, was already making an essential service less accessible to the population.
Now, with the euro as the only currency, the alternatives are becoming even more limited.
Frequently Asked Questions about Payment on Viazul and Dollarization in Cuba
What is the only accepted form of payment at Viazul?
Viazul only accepts payments in euros via bank cards, such as Visa or MasterCard. This means that it is not possible to pay in cash, not even in dollars, which limits access to their services for most Cubans who do not have international cards.
Why doesn't Viazul accept other forms of payment?
The Viazul policy of only accepting payments in euros via bank cards seems to be a strategy to attract remittances from abroad. This restricts local access to the service and encourages dependency on foreign currency income. Historically, the Cuban government has implemented similar measures in other sectors, such as energy and commerce, to strengthen its economy through foreign currency.
What are the prices for the most popular Viazul routes?
The prices for routes on Viazul vary depending on the distance. For instance, the trip from Santiago de Cuba to Havana costs 60 euros, while from Camagüey to Havana it costs 36 euros. Additionally, extra charges for luggage apply, which can significantly increase the total cost of the trip.
How does partial dollarization affect services in Cuba?
Partial dollarization in Cuba means that many essential services and products can only be purchased in foreign currencies, excluding those who do not have access to these currencies. This policy has generated economic and social inequality, leaving the majority of the Cuban population without access to basic services. The trend includes markets, transportation, and fuels, all of which are subject to payment in foreign currencies, further emphasizing the economic disparities on the island.
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