What to Bring and Wear in Cuba

When planning your trip to Cuba, it's crucial to pack carefully to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. From clothing to health essentials and electronics, here's a comprehensive guide on what to bring and wear in Cuba.

Clothing:

• Pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for sweating in the sun, as Cuba generally experiences hot weather.
• For evening events or iconic venues like the Cabaret Tropicana, opt for smart casual attire, avoiding overly formal or beachwear outfits.
• Remember that beach clothes or shorts may not be acceptable attire at most evening venues.
• Bring a light jacket or sweater for places with cold air conditioning, especially at restaurants, buses, and hotels.
• During the rainy season, don't forget to pack a compact umbrella or raincoat to stay dry during occasional downpours.

Accessories:

• Sunhats are not only fashionable but also offer protection from the intense Cuban sun, making them essential items for both men and women.
• Sunglasses are crucial for eye protection against the bright sunlight in Cuba, but consider leaving expensive pairs at home to avoid loss or theft.
• Sneakers are recommended for walking on dusty roads and trekking in mountainous areas, providing comfort and support for long journeys.
• Comfortable walking sandals are ideal for exploring touristy locations in Cuban cities, offering both style and convenience.
• Flip-flops or water shoes are essential for beach outings, especially in areas with rocky terrain.

Health and Hygiene:

• Bring a filtered water bottle to mitigate the risks of water pollution, as purified water may be scarce in some areas of Cuba.
• Mosquito repellent is essential to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika, which are prevalent in Cuba.
• Sunscreen is vital for protection against sunburn, ensuring a comfortable experience while enjoying outdoor activities.
• Hand sanitizer is recommended due to limited access to soap and water, helping maintain good hygiene standards.
• Pack toilet tissues, as they may be difficult to find outside of high-end tourist facilities.
• Bring a toiletries kit, including basic items like shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant, as availability may be limited in local stores.
• Consider bringing over-the-counter medications for common ailments like pain relief, allergies, diarrhea, and motion sickness, as shortages of basic medicines are not uncommon in Cuba.

Electronics:

• Install a VPN on your devices to bypass Internet restrictions and ensure secure browsing, especially for accessing US-based websites.
• Bring a portable charger to keep your devices powered up, especially in case of emergencies when you're away from your accommodation.
• Consider bringing a pin adapter to ensure your electronics are compatible with Cuban outlets, which generally accept Type A plugs used in North America.

By packing these essentials, you'll be well-prepared for a memorable and comfortable trip to Cuba, regardless of your itinerary or destination on the island.

What Gifts to Bring for the Cuban People?

Any gift for the Cuban people you bring will usually be appreciated as there are shortages of pretty much everything you could imagine. However, there are three main things that are extremely hard to come by in Cuba: medicine, clothing, and toiletries.

Medicine

Most over-the-counter medicines, ointments, vitamins, supplements, etc. are next to impossible to find in Cuba. These are probably the most necessary things that are hardest to come by for the Cuban people. Below is a list of ideas for medicines and medical supplies you could bring:

• Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen/Aspirin
• Antihistamines
• Antacids
• Antibacterial ointment/cream
• Vicks Vaporub
• Bandages
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Sterile gauze pads
• Anti-itch creams for children

Toiletries

Anything related to personal hygiene is hard to obtain in Cuba. When you can find it, the supply is very low or it’s very expensive for the average Cuban person. Here is a list of things that don’t take up much space in your suitcase and would make great gifts for the Cuban people:

• Bars of soap
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Sponges/Loofahs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Baby powder
• Disposable razors

Pro Tip: If you bring shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel for your trip, you can just leave them behind for the cleaning lady at your casa and even if they’re just half full, they’ll make great gifts for the Cuban people. And as a bonus, your suitcase will be much lighter on the way back home!

Clothes

Clothing of any kind can also be difficult to find for many Cuban people. When you can find it, it’s expensive, very low-quality, and often in poor condition. For this reason, we always suggest bringing clothes as gifts for the Cuban people. They don’t have to be brand new or high fashion; even lightly used, but in good condition is alright.

Pro Tip: We recommend children’s clothing because these are often the most expensive and difficult to find in Cuba.

Miscellaneous

Pretty much everything under the sun in Cuba is hard to find so any little extras that you would like to bring will be great gifts for the Cuban people. If you bring bottles of any liquids or creams, even half-full bottles are OK! The items below are not essential but are still hard to get. Here is a list of miscellaneous items that you can bring to help out the Cuban people:

• Rechargeable batteries and lightbulbs (due to the recent power outages)
• Perfumes/Colognes
• Lotions/Beauty creams
• Makeup
• Deflated soccer/basket-/kickballs
• Small, handheld ball pump
• Children’s backpacks
• Hair accessories (i.e. brushes, combs, hair ties, bobby pins, etc.)
• USB cables (for phone chargers)
• AA or AAA batteries
• Pens/markers
• Small candies or lollipops