Scam in CubaBuses and trains
Car-rental insurance cash surcharge in Cuba
How it works
A clerk offers several insurance prices for the same car class and pushes a more expensive policy. They say only part can be paid by card and demand the difference in cash. The cash payment does not appear on the receipt or rental contract, and the clerk keeps it.
Warning signs
- Several insurance prices are offered for the same car class without a clear written explanation.
- The clerk insists the extra insurance payment must be cash.
- The extra amount will not appear on the contract or receipt.
How to avoid it
- Ask for the insurance terms and full price in writing.
- Check that every payment appears on the rental contract.
- Require a receipt for any cash payment.
- Ask a manager to explain any undocumented surcharge before paying.
If it happens to you
Keep the contract, card receipt and details of any cash payment. Raise the discrepancy with the rental company's management.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or argue with someone who threatens you.
- If a card is involved, contact the issuer immediately. Freeze or block it and report unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, contracts, messages and booking details. Write down the time, location, amount lost and a description of those involved.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance purposes.
- Contact your insurer if you may have a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the car-rental insurance cash surcharge scam in Cuba?
A clerk offers several insurance prices for the same car class and pushes a more expensive policy. They say only part can be paid by card and demand the difference in cash. The cash payment does not appear on the receipt or rental contract, and the clerk keeps it.
How can I spot it early?
Several insurance prices are offered for the same car class without a clear written explanation. The clerk insists the extra insurance payment must be cash. The extra amount will not appear on the contract or receipt.
How do I avoid car-rental insurance cash surcharge in Cuba?
Ask for the insurance terms and full price in writing. Check that every payment appears on the rental contract. Require a receipt for any cash payment. Ask a manager to explain any undocumented surcharge before paying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the contract, card receipt and details of any cash payment. Raise the discrepancy with the rental company's management.
Where in Cuba does this happen?
Car-rental counters
How much can it cost me?
You may be charged twice the real insurance cost.
How common is this scam in Cuba?
Occasional. Cuba is generally safe, but scams targeting tourists are common. The main risks are inflated taxi fares, costly invitations from strangers, dubious cigars, money-changing tricks and card fraud. Theft is also possible, including night-time muggings in parts of Havana.
Who can I report it to?
National Revolutionary Police: call 106 in an emergency. For a non-emergency theft or fraud report, seek help from a police station and ask for a report or reference number. Card issuer: use your issuer's official app or published contact number to block a compromised card and dispute unauthorised transactions. Business management: for disputed restaurant bills, missing change or rental surcharges, show your receipts or written agreement and ask a manager to resolve the charge. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report. Your embassy or consulate: contact its official consular service if your passport is stolen or you need urgent consular assistance.
What number do I call in an emergency in Cuba?
National Revolutionary Police: 106, SIUM ambulance services: 104, Fire Department: 105.
Reviewed by @snuck