Arrivals hall cash-only taxi? Forex Bureau in Terminal 1 saves you.
Forex Bureau sits landside in Terminal 1 at Juan Gualberto Gómez International, near the arrivals area where the package-tour buses line up. It’s a basic currency counter, not a full bank branch, and locals on Facebook say they mainly see visitors changing just enough money for tips and a 20–30 minute taxi into Varadero. Expect the classic airport trade‑off: speed and convenience against a weaker rate than you’ll see in town or at some hotel desks.
Hours track flight banks more than strict posted times, roughly from the first morning arrivals to the last evening departures. Staff work in Cuban pesos and occasionally handle major currencies like EUR, CAD, and USD, but supply can vary by day. One traveller in the Varadero airport Facebook group warned that the rate here was “not great” versus what they got later in Varadero, so treat the counter as an emergency top‑up, not your main exchange stop.
Regulars landing on long‑haul package flights often change just €20–40 or the equivalent at the airport, enough for a taxi, a drink, and initial tips, then do larger exchanges in Varadero town or at a trusted hotel front desk. Before you queue, check your wallet for small foreign notes and coins you’re happy to convert, and decide your minimum cash need so you don’t over‑exchange at the weaker airport rate.