Since we offer money transfer to Cuba, our customers have asked a lot of questions: What is an AIS card? How does an AIS card work? How much does it cost to create an AIS card? How long does it take to create an AIS card? How long does it take to recharge an AIS card? How do I load an existing AIS card?
In this blog post we would like to answer all the questions and give you an overview of everything you need to know about AIS cards.
1. What is an AIS card?
With an AIS card Cubans are able to receive money from abroad on the AIS card. They can either pay directly with the AIS card or withdraw money at any ATM on the island. The cards were developed by the Cuban office FINCIMEX so family member from abroad could support Cubans with money transfers. There are two types of AIS cards: AIS CUC card to withdraw money from ATMs, or AIS USD card to buy at MLC stores.
2. How much does it cost to create an AIS card?
Nothing! Creating a new AIS card in Cuba is free of charges. With Fonmoney you can request a free AIS card in the course of your first recharge transaction. Your relatives can pick up the card at a FINCIMEX office in Cuba of your choice.
3. How long does it take to recharge an AIS card? How long does it take to create an AIS card?
Recharging an existing AIS card is the fastest way to send money to Cuba! Your money will be recharged on the AIS card within 3 to 72 hours.
If you have to create a new AIS card for your recipient you can do so within your first transaction at Fonmoney. The new AIS card is free of charges, but it may take a bit longer because FINCIMEX has to check the validity of the data first. It may take up to 25 days if the recipient lives in Havana and to 45 days if the recipient lives in another province of Cuba. As soon as the new card is created you and your recipient will be contacted via e-mail and the recharged AIS card can be picked up at a FINCIMEX office of your choice.
4. Where can the new AIS card be picked up?
The recipient can pick up the new AIS card at a FINCIMEX office in Cuba of your choice. While creating the AIS card you can choose from a list of FINCIMEX offices, we advise you to choose the office that is closest to your recipient.
The list of FINCIMEX offices in Cuba:
| Provincia | Dirección |
|---|---|
| BARACOA | Martí No. 356, Baracoa, Guantánamo |
| BAUTA | Ave. 251 No. 13015, Bauta |
| CAMAGÜEY | Gral Gómez 105 con Independencia y Maceo |
| CIEGO DE ÁVILA | Calle Cuba con Honorato del Castillo y Maceo |
| CIENFUEGOS | Calle 33 entre 56 y 58 |
| GRANMA | Ctra. Vía Santiago Edif. The News, Bayamo |
| GUANTÁNAMO | Crombet entre Los Maceo and La Línea |
| GÜINES | Calle 86 esq 45, Güines |
| HOLGUIN | Frexes Esq. Calle Carbo |
| ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD | Calle 39 e / 30 y 32. Altos del Servicupet. El parque |
| HABANA | Ave. 3rd No. 408 e / 4 y 6, Playa |
| LAS TUNAS | Ave. 1 de Mayo s / n Esq. A 45 La Victoria |
| MATANZAS | Calzada de Esteban Esq. San Ambrosio, Pueblo Nuevo, Matanzas |
| MOA | Ave. 1 de Mayo s / n Moa |
| PINAR DEL RÍO | Luis Pérez Esq. Gerardo Medina s / n Pinar del Río |
| SANCTI SPÍRITUS | Ave. de los Mártires s / n Esq. Circunvalante Olivos 1 |
| SANTIAGO DE CUBA | Felix Pena No. 565 e / Jose A. Saco y Aguilera |
| TRINIDAD | Fausto Pelayo s / n, Servicentro Oro Negro, Trinidad, St.Spiritus |
| VARADERO | 1st Street Ave. e / 15 and 16 |
| VILLA CLARA | Ctra. Ctral. Morata and / San Pedro and Virtudes |
5. Does the recipient get the money in USD or CUC?
The recipient always receives CUC or USD.This depends on the type of AIS card your recipient has AIS CUC or AIS USD MLC At Fonmoney you always get the current exchange rate and you can see the end amount of CUC while completing the transaction.
6. How much does an AIS recharge cost?
The transfer fee for our transactions is 7,5 €. No matter if you want to recharge 10 € or 100 €, it always stays the same. It makes no difference if you recharge a new AIS card or an already existing. The recipient does not have to pay any taxes or fees.
7. Is it necessary to own a bank account to use an AIS card?
No, the recipient of your transaction does not need to have a bank account in Cuba. Transferring money to an AIS card is quicker and safer than a bank transfer.
8. Where can I get money with an AIS card?
With an AIS card you can withdraw money at any ATM or at any bank in Cuba. Many shops and stores also accept AIS cards as payment method.
We hope we could answer all of your questions about AIS cards, but if not, do not hesitate to contact [email protected] at any time. We are happy to help!
