Send money to Cuba from the Dominican Republic 2025: Complete guide

Sending money to Cuba from the Dominican Republic is a common process for thousands of Dominicans with relatives on the island. In 2025, there are multiple safe, fast and economical methods to perform remittances. This guide details everything you need to know.

Why send money to Cuba from RD?

Dominican Republic houses a significant Cuban community, and many Dominicans have family ties with Cuba. The main reasons for sending remittances include:

• Family support: Financially help parents, children or brothers
• Medical emergencies: Hospital expenses or medications
• Education: Payment of courses or study materials
• Dwelling: Home or rental repairs
• Celebrations: Birthdays, weddings, or family parties

Legal Framework: RD Remittances → Cuba

Dominican regulations

Banks Superintendency (SIB):

• Authorizes remittance agents operating in RD
• Requires AML/CFT registration (anti-lavade)
• Limits: up to $ 3,000 USD per transaction without additional documentation
• More than $ 10,000 USD: Requires declaration of origin of funds

Authorized suppliers:Only use SIB license companies to guarantee legal security.

Cuban regulations (Etecsa/Fincimex)

Reception limits:

• Maximum $ 1,000 USD per month per person (from outside the USA)
• Quartinally accumulate: up to $ 3,000 USD every 3 months
• Without limit from countries however (RD qualifies)

Collection methods in Cuba:

• Effective in CUP (Cuban weight)
• MLC cards (freely convertible currency)
• Bank deposits

Methods to send Money RD → Cuba

Method 1: specialized online platforms

Characteristics:

• Transfers from computer or smartphone
• Delivery in 15 minutes - 24 hours
• Commissions: 3-8% of the amount sent

Typical process:

1. Create Platform Account
2. Verify identity (Dominican ID)
3. Enter beneficiary data in Cuba
4. Select amount and payment method
5. Confirm transaction

Advantages:

• ✅ Fast (majority on the same day)
• ✅ Convenient (from home)
• ✅ Traceable (confirmation number)
• ✅ Spanish support

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Requires Internet access
• ⚠️ Variable commissions according to payment method

Method 2: Physical remittance agencies

Main in RD:

• Western Union: 300+ locations
• Moneygram: 250+ points
• Quisqueya sends: Dominican National Network
• Dominican remittances: Specialized RD-Cuba

Process:

1. Visit agency with card
2. Fill form with receiver data
3. Deliver cash in Dominican pesos or USD
4. Receive control code (MTCN)
5. Share code with beneficiary in Cuba

Advantages:

• ✅ Does not require a bank account
• ✅ Payment in cash
• ✅ Personal assistance
• ✅ Multiple locations

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Requires physical displacement
• ⚠️ Limited schedules
• ⚠️ Higher commissions (8-12%)
• ⚠️ There may be long rows

Method 3: International bank transfers

Dominican banks that process Cuba:

• Dominican Popular Bank
• BHD León Bank
• Banreservas

Process:

1. Have an account in Dominican Bank
2. Request international transfer (swift)
3. Provide receiver bank data in Cuba
4. Wait 3-7 business days for processing

Advantages:

• ✅ Large amounts (up to $ 50,000 USD)
• ✅ Safe and regulated
• ✅ Formal Banking Registry

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Very slow (3-7 days)
• ⚠️ High commissions ($ 25- Fixed USD + 1-3%)
• ⚠️ Beneficiary must have a bank account in Cuba
• ⚠️ Bureaucratic procedures

Method 4: cryptocurrencies (advanced)

Process:

1. Buy cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT) on RD
2. Send Wallet of the beneficiary in Cuba
3. Beneficiary turns Cup into local exchanges

Advantages:

• ✅ Low commissions (1-3%)
• ✅ Fast (minutes)
• ✅ Without banking intermediaries

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Requires technical knowledge
• ⚠️ Price volatility
• ⚠️ Scam risk
• ⚠️ Legal gray zone in Cuba

Cost comparison: RD → Cuba

Example: Send $ 100 USD

Verdict:Online platforms offer better balance-speed-convenience.

Best RD online platforms → Cuba

1. Remitly

Availability in RD:✅ YesAverage commission:3-5%Delivery time:15 minutes - 24 hours

Payment methods in RD:

• Dominican Visa/MasterCard cards
• Bank transfer from RD Banks

Collection methods in Cuba:

• Effective in CUP
• Bank deposit

Advantages:

• Spanish interface
• First transfer without commission (promotion)
• IOS/Android mobile app

Disadvantages:

• USD $ 1,000 limit per transaction
• Requires identity verification (it can take 24h)

2. XOOM (PayPal)

Availability in RD:✅ YesAverage commission:4-7%Delivery time:4-24 hours

Payment methods:

• PayPal account
• International cards
• Bank transfer

Collection methods in Cuba:

• Effective in CUP
• MLC card

Advantages:

• Integration with PayPal (if you already use)
• Frequent promotions
• Real -time tracking

Disadvantages:

• Higher commissions than competition
• Less favorable exchange rate

3. Ria Money Transfer

Availability in RD:✅ Yes (also physical agencies)Average commission:3-6%Delivery time:30 minutes - 2 hours

Payment methods:

• Cash in RD agencies
• Bank cards
• Direct account of account

Collection methods in Cuba:

• Effective in CUP
• Collection in Cadecas or Fincimex points

Advantages:

• Hybrid option (online + physical)
• No amount of amount
• Good coverage in Cuba (200+ points)

Disadvantages:

• Less intuitive app than competitors
• Limited customer service in Spanish

4. Worldremit

Availability in RD:✅ YesAverage commission:4-8%Delivery time:15 minutes - 48 hours

Payment methods:

• Dominican cards
• Bank transfer

Collection methods in Cuba:

• Effective in CUP
• Cubacel mobile recharge (bonus)

Advantages:

• Option to send mobile recharge directly
• Promotions for new users
• Multiidioma interface

Disadvantages:

• Variable delivery time
• Non -competitive commissions

Step by step: send money with online platform

Registration and verification

Step 1: Create account

1. Download app or visit website
2. Enter email and create password
3. Provide Dominican phone number
4. Verify email (confirmation code)

Step 2: Verify identity

Required documents:

• ✅ Dominican identity card (both sides)
• ✅ Selfie with ID card (verification photo)
• ✅ Proof of address (optional, for amounts> $ 500)

Verification time:5 minutes - 24 hours

Make first transfer

Step 3: Add beneficiary

Required information:

• Full name of the receiver
• Cuban identity number (identity card)
• Address in Cuba
• Contact phone (optional)

Step 4: Select amount and method

• Enter quantity to be sent (USD or DOP)
• See Total Commission and Amount you receive
• Choose delivery method (cash/card/card)

Step 5: Pay

RD options:

• Card:Visa, Mastercard issued in RD
• Transfer:From Banco Popular, BHD, Banreservas
• Cash:In authorized points (if available)

Step 6: Confirm and track

• Receive confirmation number (MTCN or similar)
• Share with beneficiary
• Track status on app

Total process time:10-15 minutes

Tips for sending safe remittances

Security

1. Verify the platform

   • ✅ SIB License in the Dominican Republic
   • ✅ SSL certificate (https: //) on website
   • ✅ Verified Reviews (Google Play/App Store> 4.0)

2. Protect your information

   • ❌ Never share passwords
   • ❌ Do not send money to strangers
   • ✅ Use unique and safe passwords
   • ✅ Enable two factors authentication (2FA)

3. Confirm receiver data

   • Verify correct name and surname
   • Confirm identity number
   • Call the beneficiary to warn of the shipment

Money savings

1. Compare rates

   • Use online comparators (monito, wise, etc.)
   • Check exchange rate + total commission
   • Not only do you see "Commission $ 0" (you can have worse rate)

2. Take advantage of promotions

   • First free transfer (Remitly, Worldremit)
   • Discount codes on social networks
   • Referral programs ($ 10- $ 20 USD per friend)

3. Send optimal amounts

   • Avoid multiple small shipments (commission c/u)
   • Group in unique monthly transfer
   • Amounts greater than $ 200 USD usually have a better rate

Speed

1. Optimal schedules

   • Monday to Friday 9 AM-5PM RD → faster
   • Weekends/holidays → can take up to 48h
   • Avoid shipments on December 31 or holidays

2. Collection method

   • Effective at Fincimex points → 30 min - 2h
   • Bank deposit → 1-3 business days
   • MLC card → 4-24 hours

Frequent questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to send $ 500 USD to Cuba from RD?

It depends on the method:

• Online platform:$ 15-40 USD Commission
• Western Union:$ 40-60 USD Commission
• Bank transfer:$ 50-75 USD Commission

Total received:~ $ 460-485 USD on online platforms.

How long does the money take to arrive?

• Faster:15-30 minutes (online platforms)
• Average:1-4 hours (physical agencies)
• Slower:3-7 days (bank transfers)

Does the beneficiary need bank account?

NoIn most cases. You can charge in:

• Fincimex points (effective)
• Cadecas (exchange houses)
• Banks (if you have an account)

Are there shipping limits?

From RD:Up to $ 3,000 USD without additional documentation.

Towards Cuba:$ 1,000 USD monthly per beneficiary (Cuban regulation).

Solution to send more:Divide in 2-3 different beneficiaries.

What happens if there is an error in the name of the beneficiary?

• Contact the supplier immediately
• If not charged: free modification
• If it was already charged: Research may require (2-4 weeks)

Prevention:Verify 2-3 times before confirming.

Can I send money to charge it in USD?

Not directly. Cuba forces conversion to:

• CUP (Cuban weight) at the official rate
• MLC (freely convertible currency) on card

There is no collection in USD.

Is it legal to use cryptocurrencies?

In RD:Yes, legal buy/sell cryptocurrencies.

In Cuba:Gray zone (not explicitly prohibited, but not regulated).

Risk:Possible confiscation or fines if Cuban authorities detect.

What documents do I need to send?

First time:

• Dominican ID
• Verification selfie
• Email and telephone

Subsequent shipments:

• Just log in (already verified)

Can I cancel a transfer?

Before it is charged:

• Yes, contact the supplier immediately
• Refund in 3-10 business days

After charged:

• Cannot be canceled
• Only by formal dispute (rare to proceed)

Alternatives: Mobile recharges

If your relative needs communication instead of cash, considerCubacel rechargesas a complement:

Advantages:

• Cheaper ($ 10-20 USD vs $ 100+ usd rough)
• Snapshots (2-5 minutes)
• No commission (in some suppliers)
• Include mobile data bonds

When to use:

• Urgent need for communication
• Small amounts (<$ 50 USD)
• Complement large monthly prayer

RD suppliers:Ticket, Cuballama, Ding, Fonoma

Conclusion: Best RD Method → ​​Cuba

For the majority:

Online platformsas Remitly or Ria Money Transfer

Because:

• ✅ Fast (15 min - 24h)
• ✅ Economic (3-5% Commission)
• ✅ Convenient (from home)
• ✅ Insurance (SIB regulated)

For large amounts (+$ 1,000 USD):

International bank transfer

Because:

• ✅ Sure sure for large amounts
• ✅ Bank formal record
• ✅ Without amount limits

For urgent emergencies:

Western Union or Moneygram

Because:

• ✅ I charge in 30 minutes
• ✅ Wide network in Cuba
• ✅ Available 24/7

For recurring shipments:

MOBILE RECHARGES + quarterly prayer

Strategy:

• $ 15 USD/Month in Cubacel Recharges
• $ 300 USD every 3 months in cash
• Total:$ 480 USD/quarter

Advantages:

• Constant communication (recharges)
• Effective for big needs (bensing)
• Optimizes commissions

Ready to send money to Cuba?Compare options, choose the method that best suits your needs and keep your family connected from the Dominican Republic.

Last update: October 2025 | Regulations and commissions subject to changes