During your visit to Cuba, you can expect the weather to range from hot and humid to well, just plain hot and humid! However, this Caribbean oasis can sometimes experience short spells of cool weather but don’t expect it to last long.
The first time I visited Cuba was in December, and I absolutely loved the warm weather as I was escaping the chilling temperatures in New York City. I’m also a huge fan of the humidity. I know, call me crazy!
As a frequent visitor, I’ve figured out what essential items I need to take with me and what things can stay home. Whether you’re visiting Cuba for five days or two weeks, this complete packing list includes recommendations for the best clothing and electronics to take with you to ensure your vacation is pleasant and hassle-free.
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This is the sixth post in the Cuba series. Here’s the complete 10-part series:
Cuba Travel Series
Travel Guide: The Complete Travel Guide For First Time Visitors
Money Honey: Cuban Currency Guide: Everything You Need To Know
For The Culture: 36 Ways To Immerse Yourself in Afro-Cuban Culture
The Ultimate Cuba Bucket List: 101 Fun Things to Do in Cuba
Cuba Bucket List: Top 10 Epic Things To Do in Cuba
Packing Tips: The Complete Guide To Packing For Your Trip To Cuba
Inspiration: 30 Photos That Will Inspire You To Visit Cuba
Travel Tips: 10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Cuba
Trinidad: How To Explore Trinidad in 3 Days
Viñales: How To Take the Perfect Day Trip From Havana To Viñales
What to pack for your Cuba trip
Passport
Let’s start with the first essential item you’ll need to begin your trip, your passport! Before leaving home, be sure to check it’s not expired or close to the expiration date. A good rule of thumb is to ensure your passport doesn’t expire within the next eight months of your travels.
Also, make copies of your passport, leave one at home with friends and family and take the other copies with you.
Cuban tourist visa
Tourist visas are required to enter the country. For U.S. travelers, air carriers including American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United have visas available for sale in the boarding area at a price ranging from $50-$100. You can also get the visas at the airport. Upon arrival, you will need to fill out the tourist card and show it to customs and immigration officials.
Medical insurance
All travelers to Cuba are required to have travel medical insurance. Travel medical insurance must include coverage for medical evacuation, emergencies, and repatriation. U.S. airlines include the mandatory level of travel medical insurance with your ticket purchase. Visitors can buy additional coverage at their discretion.
Other travel documents
Regardless of the country, I am visiting, I always bring my photo ID (driver’s license), global entry card, and Airbnb and tour reservation printouts. When I’m out and about, I carry my global entry card.
Luggage
During my first visit, I threw a bunch of unnecessary stuff into a giant suitcase and ended up lugging that thing around Havana. Whenever I moved to a new location, I regretted my poor packing decision. Don’t be like me; pack what you need and pack light!
Since my tragic first experience, here’s the luggage I’ve been using that has drastically changed my travel experience for the better:
- I never leave home without my Herschel Little America Backpack – I put my accessories, clothing, toilet trees, books, medication, electronics, and travel documents here.
- A small suitcase with wheels because, well, it’s just easier to manage! My go-to is the Travelpro Carry-on Spinner. I love this suitcase because it’s expandable and durable and I can fit everything in here without worrying that airport officials will stop me! I put most of my clothes, shoes, towels, and whatever did not fit in my backpack.
- A small cute purse – I usually opt for a small non-flashy black bag that goes with everything. My purse is big enough to carry my phone, portable charger, mints, chapstick, sanitizer, and tissues.
Clothing and shoes
The weather in Cuba is warm day and night, so I recommend packing light, airy, colorful clothing. Cuba is fairly casual so leave your formal and dressy attire at home. I packed lots of bright dresses, shorts, skirts, swimwear, and cute tops. The entire island is so colorful, and since I planned my outfits, my photoshoots came out beautifully.
Here’s a breakdown of outfits and shoes for you to consider when packing for your trip. Depending on how long your stay is, you can decide how much or how little to pack but remember, packing light and repurposing outfits will save you lots of time!
- 3-4 Tops and Blouses – Stick to lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
- 3 Dresses – I love dresses and brought flowy colorful dresses that didn’t need to be ironed.
- 4 Shirts/Tank Tops – Lightweight cotton and linen fabric tops
- 1 Pair of Pants – Linen or cotton pants, just in case the temperature drops
- 2 skirts – One long and one short
- 3 Pairs of shorts – jeans and cotton
- 3 Swimsuits – I like to switch it up and have options!
- 1 Cover-up – I packed a black cover-up that complemented my swimsuits
- 1 Pair of Flip Flops – Ideal for walking around the city or for the beach.
- 2 Pairs of Sandals – Again, I like to have options, but you can get away with bringing one pair of sandals.
- Comfortable walking shoes – You will do a lot of walking, be sure to bring comfortable closed-toed shoes.
- Socks
Accessories
I don’t know about you, but I can’t leave home without a few staple accessories. This is, of course, all dependent on the type of activities you have planned and your personal preference. Here are a few items to bring with you:
- Hat – It’s almost always hot and sunny, and you’ll want to make sure to protect yourself. Plus, hats are great for the beach.
- Sunglasses – Always a must!
- Small umbrella – Just in case
Toiletries
For ease and convenience, I recommend packing your toiletries as you’ll find it difficult to find brands you are familiar with in Cuba. While there are plenty of pharmacies to choose from, there’s a high probability you won’t be able to find what you need.
Here is the toiletries list
- Face wash
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Shower gel or a bar of soap
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hair ties
- Sunscreen – The sun is scorching hot, and having sunscreen is essential.
- Body and face lotion – I opt for lightweight lotions with SPF sun protection
- Shea butter – It’s an excellent alternative to sunscreen!
- Makeup remover wipes
- Facial tissues
- Chapstick/lip balm
- Makeup – mascara, lipstick/lipgloss, a light foundation, or concealer. However, it’s so hot; I choose to go makeup-less!
- Hand sanitizer – I bring at least 2 travel-sized sanitizers, one for my purse and another just in case I misplace one bottle.
- Face masks – We are still in a pandemic, and you want to make sure to protect yourself.
- Satin bonnet or pillowcase – I like to bring both in case my bonnet slips off during the night. Double protection!
- Bug spray – I’ve started using this plant-based bug repellent. It smells great and isn’t greasy like other bug sprays.
- Feminine products
- Baby wipes
- Toilet paper – Some restaurants and other locations will either make you pay a small fee for a few sheets of toilet paper or not have any at all. Trust me; you will be happy you packed a roll.
- Travel size detergent
- First aid kit – Safety first!
- Personal medication
- Tylenol
- Condoms – Cuba has a shortage; at the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Miscellaneous Items
- LifeStraw – The water bottle with a built-in purifier or Nomader – collapsible water bottle. Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Cuba due to poor sanitation, old pipes, pollution, and even human waste. Stick to bottled water or one of the water bottle options listed above.
- Lightweight sand-free microfiber towel – You will thank me later; this towel comes in handy for the beach too!
- A key or combination lock
- Earplugs
- Zip-lock bags
- Laundry bags or plastic bags
- Snacks – I always like to pack my snacks. Late-night snack bars and gas stations were difficult to find after certain times.
- Packing cubes – ideal for keeping items in your suitcase organized.
Electronics and Entertainment
Cuba is honestly the ideal place to completely disconnect from the world and be fully present with your surroundings. The internet isn’t readily available, and I don’t recommend working in Cuba, especially if you need an internet connection. Here’s what you will need:
- Phone – To take pictures, use offline maps, and listen to music.
- Universal charger/adaptor – The power outlets in Cuba are the same as in the U.S. and Canada. If you’re traveling from outside of North America, you’ll need an adaptor. Best of all, this adaptor works in 150 countries! This is my go-to adaptor when traveling outside of North America.
- Portable charger – I never leave home without my portable charger! Having multiple ports is perfect for charging multiple devices.
- Charging cable
- Headphones – Perfect for in-flight entertainment, on the go, and on day trips. Get noise-canceling headphones here.
- Speakers – I don’t leave home without my JBL 4 speakers. These speakers are small enough to travel with and loud enough to keep the party going! Oh, and the speakers are waterproof, making them perfect for bringing to the beach!
- Camera and memory card – I use my phone to take pictures. I plan to get a camera next year!
- Kindle
- Book – I prefer having a physical copy
- Travel notebook – to log your travels or significant contacts numbers
Important Apps for Cuba
As I mentioned before, internet access in Cuba isn’t always available. Here’s a list of apps you should download before your trip:
- Offline maps – maps. me and Galileo maps
- Triposo Travel Guide – I like this app because it has information on sights, places to eat and drink, hotels, hostels, weather, currency, and transportation. The app also features details on different locations, the history, and reviews from other travelers, which I found helpful.
- Duolingo – awesome app for brushing up on your Spanish speaking skills
- Google Translate – comes in handy for translating Spanish into English or any other language.
- Splitwise – great for friends tracking shared expenses
- XE converter – perfect for checking exchange rates
Should I bring a gift for your host?
It’s totally up to you whether you want to give a gift to your casa particular host or new friends. In the past, I’ve brought clothes and hygienic products. Trust me, whatever you decide to give will be greatly appreciated.
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste. These things can, of course, be found in Cuba, but there’s not a lot of variety.
- Female hygiene products
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Mouthwash
- Beauty products such as moisturizers and even makeup
- Sunblock
What not to bring to Cuba?
Here’s a list of a few items I would recommend leaving at home
- Expensive jewelry or anything important you wouldn’t want to lose
- Heels – I guarantee you won’t even want to wear them!
- Formal/fancy clothing
- Designer handbags
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
Cuba is such an incredible place, and I hope this guide helps you narrow down what to bring to Cuba and plan for your trip. Feel free to share your comments below, and let me know if you have any questions!
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