Famed for its world-renowned cigars, cool vintage cars, and crumbling colonial edifices, Cuba enchants the curious traveler at every turn. From scenic mountains to gorgeous beaches, Cuba has so much to explore.
With a fascinating history and important-to-note restrictions placed on foreign travelers, it can be difficult to know what to pack for your trip.
Our Cuba Packing List also includes what to wear in Cuba, what NOT to bring, and helpful frequently asked questions.
Cuba has had its share of economic struggles, and as is the case in many countries, pickpockets often regard tourists as an easy target. It’s not as common as you may think, but it’s certainly something to be aware of! To keep valuables like your passport and credit cards safe, bring this handy neck wallet to stash your belongings safely away under your shirt and out of sight. This lightweight and breathable model is just what you need.
Cuba’s beaches are a stunning sight, but with rocky entry points and dangerous coral reefs, we recommend bringing a pair of comfortable water shoes. These have great traction out of the water so you don’t slip, and will make you feel more secure and comfortable when snorkeling and swimming, especially in less developed beaches.
Mobile 3G internet only arrived in Cuba in 2018, so the signal is still sporadic throughout the country. Therefore, most travelers rely on hotel and restaurant WiFi networks for their daily internet fix. The issue is that public WiFi is notoriously prone to attack, which means another user could be watching your every move. And should they gain access to your online bank account – which is alarmingly easy to do – then you run the serious risk of losing your money and potentially other parts of your personal and financial identity. Thankfully, using a Virtual Private Network such as NordVPN can encrypt your traffic and keep you safe.
Are you the type of traveler whose clothes end up in every corner of your hotel room within minutes of arrival? Then you’re the kind of traveler who needs a set of packing cubes. These lightweight and malleable cubes have become incredibly popular in recent years as a means of keeping clothes organized on the road. Store each clothing article type together to maintain an orderly wardrobe as you travel. We love this set of packing cubes because it’s durable, includes multiple handy and easy-to-pack sizes, and comes in a variety of cute colors!
It’s an unfortunate truth that some countries’ food sanitation standards are just not what our tourist bellies are accustomed to. Sometimes, even if you’re careful, your stomach may react poorly to a meal. Don’t let it ruin your Cuban vacation, though. Bring along these activated charcoal tablets to quickly and effectively flush out the toxins in your system and keep you enjoying your trip in good health.
Some say Cuba has the best doctors in the world, which is excellent if you happen to need them! Unfortunately, a trip to the Cuban ER or other healthcare facilities will end up costing you quite a lot of money as a foreigner. Add that to the ever-present possibility of things like canceled reservations and lost luggage, and you’ve got some variables to plan for. This is why it’s always prudent to purchase a reputable travel insurance policy to cover your unforeseen expenses. Faye is our favorite provider for their cost-effective plans and generous inclusions.
For those Havana nights, you need something breezy and beautiful! This is super light to pack and feminine for hitting the live music scene, salsa dancing, or just feasting through the streets of Santiago De Cuba. It’s super flowy to look effortless while staying cool on warm evenings.
A cooling towel will be your best friend in Cuba's hot and humid climate. You can take them with you when walking around Old Havana, horseback riding, or touring a rum distillery. When you feel like you can't stand the heat any longer, simply wet the towel, wring it out, and it instantly becomes 20-30 degrees colder than the air temperature. They're so refreshing and easy to use, I never visit any place hot without one.
Cuba is a humid, tropical island, which means the mosquitoes come out in force. The last thing you want is to spend your vacation itching and worrying about catching a mosquito-borne illness. It’s best to avoid bites in the first place. Bringing your own mosquito repellent will be useful, and consider doubling up on the protection by using mosquito repellent wristbands as well! It can’t hurt, and the wristbands each last hundreds of hours, so you can put them on and just forget about them.
Bright luggage straps make your suitcase instantly recognizable on crowded baggage carousels and add an extra layer of security while traveling. This is particularly important for international journeys where baggage damage or loss is more common with multiple connections involved. We get real peace of mind from knowing our belongings aren’t going to get thrown out of our suitcase all over those bumpy airport conveyor belts (this actually happened to a friend of mine! Fair warning!)
Although Havana is quite close to the Florida Keys, you’ll face a long flight to Cuba if you’re coming from the Pacific Northwest. Add on a substantial time difference, and there’s a good chance you’ll suffer the effects of jet lag upon arrival. To offset the issue, it’s sensible to take the prescribed amount of jet lag relief pills. These nifty tablets work both as a prevention and a cure, helping you make the most of your precious first day in the country.
Tap water in Cuba is hit or miss and it’s not reliable for travelers to drink from the tap system. Not to mention, bottled water can be inconsistent or hard to find outside of major hotels. A filtered water bottle lets you safely hydrate anywhere while reducing plastic waste and saving money. This one is a bit of an upfront investment but well-worth it for all the use you’ll get on your travels (and preventing illness along the way!)
Cuba uses Type A/B and C/L power outlets throughout the country, which corresponds to both the American and European style. Therefore, your American devices will work with some outlets but not with others, which can be confusing and sometimes dangerous to your devices. However, the issue is easy enough to remedy when you bring a universal power adapter to solve all your electrical woes. This one includes built-in fuse protection, dual USB ports to charge multiple devices at once, and is tested right here in the USA by strict quality control standards so you can rest easy knowing your electronics are safe.
Mobile service and Wi-Fi access in Cuba can be limited and unpredictable. An international eSIM gives you instant data access for navigation, translation, and communication without needing to hunt down local SIM cards. They don’t even develop iPhones with a physical SIM card slot anymore; now the ‘e’ in ‘e-SIM’ stands for ‘embedded’, so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of that piece of plastic. Since everything is digital, you can hop networks as easily as you hop borders, and enjoy mobile data from the moment you land in Cuba. Pretty sweet, huh?
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Unless you plan to stay exclusively in 5-star hotels, you may not always be able to rely on Cuban lodgings to provide ample amenities. Therefore, you’re going to need a sizable toiletry case to carry your shampoo, toothpaste, and anything else you may need. We love this one because it’s compact yet roomy enough to hold all of our toiletries, and it’s got enough compartments to keep everything organized.
Now that 3G internet has finally arrived in Cuba, you’ll want to have a charged phone as you make your way around the island. If you plan on using your smartphone for navigation, music, and photos, you may find yourself in a situation where your phone has run out of battery at an inconvenient time. Bring along a convenient and reliable lipstick-sized charge like this one so you can charge your device on the go.
Much like hygiene amenities, you can’t always rely on budget lodgings to provide you with a towel. And even if they do, it won’t necessarily be clean. Pack one a good quick-drying microfiber travel towel like this one. It’s compact and lightweight so it will barely take up any space in your luggage, and will be a lifesaver for the shower, the beach, or a rainforest hike.
If you plan to visit Cuba during the summer, you will want to pack a travel umbrella. Cuba's rainy and hurricane season is from May to September. You can count on it raining just about every afternoon during these months, so you'll want a reliable umbrella to keep you dry for this trip and all the ones to come. In a good travel umbrella, I look for reinforced ribs that can withstand the rain, a comfortable handle, and portability. I personally use and love this travel umbrella because it checks all of those boxes.
Don’t risk your phone to the elements! Whether you’re swimming in the ocean, walking in a rainstorm, or boating off the coast, a waterproof phone pouch keeps your device protected while still letting you take photos and videos. It’s a must for beach days and boat excursions.
Flotation straps prevent your phone from sinking if it slips out of your hands in the water. If you plan on snorkeling, kayaking, or boating in Cuba, this tiny accessory can save your lifeline – AND your photos. We attach it to keys or anything essential so it stays buoyant and easy to retrieve if it falls in.
Sand in your suitcase? No bueno. Shoe bags keep dirty soles from touching your clean clothes and help organize your suitcase more efficiently. They’re especially helpful when you’re packing sandals, beach shoes, and walking shoes for different parts of the trip so you can keep your clean clothes pristine and not worry about any street grime following you home.
You may not be able to bring back Cuban cigars, but you will find yourself tempted by art, records, textiles, books, coffee, handmade jewelry, and vintage treasures along the way. A lightweight, foldable tote gives you a little extra room for souvenirs without needing to check another suitcase, and it packs down to almost nothing when you’re not using it.
Even if you don’t spend a lot of time on the beach, in tropical Cuba, you can’t go wrong with a pair of flip flops to keep your feet cool and comfortable. These are trendy, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors for you to choose from. Stick with something a bit higher quality to be sure they’ll last through your entire vacation.
Cuba is a sunny country, so you’ll need a trendy pair of shades. Be sure to bring something with good UV protection, as the sun’s rays in the Caribbean can be stronger than what you’re used to at home. We like these sunglasses because they’re stylish, offer UV protection, and are relatively inexpensive in case they get lost or broken.
Cuba is synonymous with the cigar, and there isn’t a more quintessential travel experience than puffing on a hand-cut cigar with gusto at an outdoor Havana café. That said, you can’t possibly finish the whole thing in one sitting, and it’d be a crime to let it go to waste. The solution is simple: bring along an elegant cigar cutter. You’ll impress locals and fellow tourists alike with your worldliness and smoking expertise.
A TSA-approved luggage lock adds peace of mind when checking bags or storing your suitcase in shared accommodations. It’s a simple way to keep your belongings secure during transit, and we’ve even used these for hotel and city lockers to secure our things, or on backpacks in busy areas or attractions which can be prone to pickpocketing.
¿Hablas Español? If not, you’re going to have a hard time communicating with the locals. Outside of the tourism industry, very few Cubans speak much English, so it’s vital to know a few phrases to get around. This phrasebook from Lonely Planet will help you with everything you need.
*I also highly recommend bringing small gifts to hand out to the Cuban people you meet, such as granola bars, small candies, socks, simple medications, bandaids, small toys, any extra shoes you don’t need, etc… The people really benefit from anything you can give, but be sure to form relationships first, as Cubans can be quite proud and aren’t looking for handouts. The exception to that is giving out candies; hand them to kids, cab drivers, whoever, as people like to give them to their kids and grandkids and may ask you for a few.
Despite the hardship that plagues Cuba’s economy, the Cuban people love to dress to impress, so you’ll want to look put together while walking the streets.
Cuba is a hot and humid country so you’ll want to dress accordingly with clothing that’s both stylish and will keep you cool. Pack versatile pieces that work with different outfits and fit for any occasion. Think breezy skirts, sundresses, neutral-colored shorts, t-shirts and tank tops.
Roman Catholicism may reign supreme in Cuba, but the perpetually hot climate and a relatively relaxed attitude towards sexuality give Cuban women the freedom to wear what they wish. As a westerner, you’ll enjoy similar liberties as well. However, there is one big caveat to consider: Cuban men tend to be quite forward in their admiration of women. Whether Cuban catcalling is a compliment or sexual harassment depends on who you ask. Either way, you’re sure to receive proportionally more of it the less clothing you wear.
However, you decide to dress, remember that Cuba is hot and humid year-round. Light and breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are your best bet. Avoid clothing that is thick and heavy and doesn’t dry quickly, like wool.
Cuban men tend to dress casually in their day-to-day life, and it’s perfectly acceptable for foreigners to follow suit. That said, men should still appear put together in public, so be sure that your clothing is clean, free from holes, and of a proper fit.
Lightweight cotton and linen shorts and t-shirts do the trick, and sandals and flip-flops are acceptable just about everywhere. The one exception is on a night out if you plan to go somewhere higher-end, in which case you’ll need closed-toe shoes (not sneakers) and a nicer shirt or you may not be allowed entry.
Like other Caribbean nations, Cuba doesn’t experience the four seasons that we’re used to in much of the USA. Rather, the country has an extended wet and dry season each year.
Stretching from November through to the end of April, the dry season sees slightly lower temperatures and significantly less rainfall than the rest of the year. Unsurprisingly, this balmy weather also coincides with the country’s peak tourist season that runs between December and March as the northern hemisphere heads on holiday to escape the winter chill.
Daytime temperatures tend to fluctuate between a comfortable 75° to 80°F (24°-27°C), making shorts and a t-shirt perfect attire. In January and February, northerly winds bring cold fronts that see night-time temperatures plummet, so it’s wise to pack a long shirt and light trousers.
Cuba’s wet season lasts from May to September. The precipitation peaks in June and again in October, and there will be a dry spell in either July or August. Downpours can last several hours or several days, so wet weather gear is a must if you’re planning a trip during this season.
The wet season also sees higher average temperatures of 86° to 90°F (30°-32°C, so bring plenty of breathable clothing. August is the hottest and most humid month of the year, so pack accordingly.
Cuba’s annual hurricane season runs between June and November. Keep a close eye on the news if you’re traveling during this time of year.
Cuban streets and sidewalks are notoriously uneven, so it pays to don a pair of comfortable shoes such as trainers should you plan on doing a lot of walking. Flip-flops are fine fashion-wise, although they’re not ideal for walking long distances.
Religous Sites - Although there’s no written dress code to govern Cuba’s countless Catholic churches, local worshippers appreciate it when tourists wear modest attire inside.
The easiest option for women is to pack a lightweight shirt or shawl to quickly slip on over a tank top that doesn’t cover the shoulders.
Both genders should remove hats and sunglasses upon entry and keep the volume to a minimum.
Beaches / Resorts - The short answer is to wear whatever you like. Much like other Latin American cultures, Cubans won’t think anything of a scantily clad swimsuit on the beach. Some stretches of sand even accommodate topless and naturalist sunbathers
A Night Out - Sipping on a mojito while listening to a lively local band is a quintessential Cuban experience, and you’ll enjoy it a whole lot more if you’re dressed for the part.
The amount of effort you should put into preparing for a night out really depends on where you want to go. Cheaper watering holes and touristy restaurants are pretty casual, so most travelers get away with shorts and flip-flops.
However, upmarket restaurants and hotels sometimes have a dress code in place, which may or may not be strictly enforced.
If you plan on mingling with high society at any point, it pays to pack at least one set of smart attire. A button-up shirt for guys and a cocktail dress for gals is enough to blend in at most classy establishments, while polished leather shoes and heels wouldn’t go astray at the famous Hotel Nacional de Cuba.
Although Cubans do love flashing a little bling, it’s never a good idea to draw attention to yourself as a tourist traveling with valuables. Thankfully the solution is simple: leave your valuables at home.
Drones are banned in Cuba, as is any remote control flying toy, so leave yours at home.
Porn is also illegal in Cuba, so you should resist the urge to bring anything of the sort into the country.
Now is not the time to be reading about the Cuban Missile Crisis or the pitfalls of communism. Although you’re unlikely to suffer severe consequences, customs agents will confiscate any material that doesn’t align with the official government stance. That said, you’ll want to be careful about voicing any overt criticisms of Cuba, communism, or the government while in public…you don’t want to run into any trouble, political or otherwise, while in Cuba.
The Cuban government has long had strict control over communication technologies, and they even resisted the urge to install mobile internet infrastructure until as late as 2018. Any kind of networking hardware such as routers and switches are forbidden, as is radio equipment such as walkie-talkies.
Aside from the standard smartphone, you cannot import GPS-capable devices without expressed written permission from the National Office for Hydrography and Geodesics.
Feel free to take your personal electronics into Cuba, but refrain from bringing too many of the same type.
Customs agents will assume a tourist with multiple laptops or smartphones is looking to skirt the country’s strict tax obligations and will impose an appropriate fee.
The Cuban Peso (CUP) is Cuba's official currency. Unlike the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) which is no longer a valid currency in Cuba, the CUP is used by both Cubans and tourists. You will need to withdraw CUP to pay for most of your trip in Cuba. You can also use cash from your home currency when tipping. However, there are a few scenarios where cash is not accepted. For example, most hotels, resorts, and car rentals will only accept credit cards.
Compared to the United States and other developed countries, Cuba’s cost of living is meager.
However, the dual currency system means that tourists pay a premium for virtually all services, which makes the country quite expensive by Latin American standards. Nevertheless, it’s still pretty cheap in comparison to the other resort nations of the Caribbean.
A budget backpacker could get away with spending as little as $50 USD per day, excluding flights.
A midrange traveler would want around $100 USD daily, while a luxury trip would be closer to $200 USD per day.
The ideal itinerary depends on your interests and timeframe.
Havana is a must for its beautiful colonial old town and fascinating historical sites. Nearby, Trinidad provides travelers with an enticing glimpse into a bygone era. For beach resorts, the blindingly white sands of Varadero and Cayo Coco are pretty hard to beat. Santiago de Cuba is famed for its vibrant Afro culture, music, and festivals. The lush town of Viñales is an idyllic rural spot to unwind and explore the outlying tobacco farms.
US-issued credit and debit cards will not work in any Cuban ATMs or anywhere in the country. Therefore, you’ll need to bring all the cash you’ll need or take an expensive credit card advance from a local bank. Consider bringing an international credit card that will allow you to access ATMs in Cuba without charging international fees. Note that exchanging US dollars attracts a steep 10% commission on top of the usual forex fee, so it’s wise to first exchange your US dollars to Euros or Canadian dollars before entering Cuba. Debit and credit cards from other nations often work in Cuba but double-check with your bank before departing. Euros and pounds are readily accepted in Cuba and don’t attract the same hefty 10% commission.
Most tourists take domestic flights to cover longer distances. National carrier Cubana de Aviación serves 11 domestic destinations from Havana. Note that Havana has the only international airport in the country.
For shorter distances, it’s often more convenient to jump on an intercity bus. Viazul is the most prevalent tourist-friendly service and has frequent departures on all the major routes.
Most budget travelers prefer to rent a room in a private family home called a Casa Particular, a cheap and cheerful option that provides a fascinating insight into day-to-day Cuban life.
Midrange and luxury hotels are available throughout all the major tourist destinations, some of which are mind-blowingly extravagant.
Asher has been traveling the world since he left Australia to study in the USA in 2004. He received a Master’s in Business Administration degree in 2013. He has lived all over the globe including India, Europe, Hawaii, and mainland US. He enjoys researching the travel industry, loves being a dad, cooking & eating delicious food, photography (took many of our photos), surfing big waves on Maui, camping trips and walking barefoot on the earth.
