What to Bring
Cuba is a shortage economy — many things that are taken for granted elsewhere are not available here. Be sure to bring:
Mandatory
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — extremely expensive or unavailable in Cuba
- Insect repellent (DEET) — against mosquitoes, especially in the evenings
- Travel pharmacy — medications are scarce (see Health)
- Cash in EUR — sufficient! (see Money)
- Universal adapter — for US and EU sockets
- Power bank — power outages are frequent
- Offline maps — download maps.me beforehand
Recommended
- Gifts for Casa hosts: Soaps, shampoo, toothpaste, pens, clothing, children's toys. Highly appreciated and the nicest way to say thank you
- Ziplock bags: For documents, phone at the beach, wet clothes
- Copies of travel documents: Passport, tourist card, insurance — digital and on paper
- Spanish dictionary or app: Outside tourist centers, hardly anyone speaks English
- Flashlight: For power outages and nighttime walks on unlit streets
- Water purification tablets: As a backup, in case bottled water is unavailable
💡 Tipp
Gifts for hosts in Cuba are not only nice but really mean something. Soap, shampoo, and toothpaste are luxury items. A pack of pens for the Casa family's children opens hearts and doors.
