Russian Mir bank cards to work in Cuba soon - ombudsman

MOSCOW. Oct 19 (Interfax) - Cuba will start accepting Russian Mir bank cards soon, including for ruble-denominated transactions, Russian Presidential Commissioner for Entrepreneurs' Rights, Russia-Cuba Business Council Chairman Boris Titov said.

"We were told that Cuban banks had adapted the Mir card to POS terminals. Payments, including those made in rubles, will soon be accepted," Titov told reporters after visiting Cuba.

Titov met with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz and Central Bank head Marta Gonzalez during his visit.

It was reported in spring 2023 that Russian Mir cards might be used to withdraw cash from ATMs in Havana. The next stage is full-scale acquiring, i.e. the possibility to pay for goods and services at Cuban stores and restaurants with the card, Titov said.

The Cuban authorities expect the implementation of the Mir payment system to increase Russian tourists' interest in Cuba.