Cuba Packing List
What to pack for Cool & Dry
A curated packing list for your trip between Havana boulevards, Viñales tobacco country, and the Caribbean coast at Varadero. Built for tropical heat, daily blackouts, a strictly cash economy, and an island where every traveler arrives prepared or arrives stuck.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
eVisa or tourist card required
UK, EU, Canadian, and most other visitors apply online for the Green eVisa (~£22, 90 days, processed in 72 hours). US travelers must hold the Pink Tourist Card ($50-100 from the airline) and travel under one of 12 OFAC categories (tourism is not one; "Support for the Cuban people" is the most common). Mandatory travel health insurance.
Cash only, US bank cards do not work
Cuba is a cash economy. Cards issued by US banks do NOT work, anywhere. Visa and Mastercard from non-US banks work at some hotels but ATMs are unreliable due to power cuts. Bring all the cash you need: Euros get a better rate than USD (about 15% more buying power). Calculate generously.
Tipping is significant
Service workers earn tiny state salaries; tips often exceed wages. CUC $1-2 (or USD/Euro equivalent) per drink at bars, $5-10 per night for casa particular hosts, $10-20 per day for guides, 10% at restaurants. Bring small Euro/USD bills (€1, $1, $5) for daily tipping.
Pack everything you need
Cuba's shortages are real. Toiletries, medications, electronics, tampons, anything imported is unreliable. Pack double of everything you might need. Locals appreciate gifts: school supplies, toiletries, medications, dropped off at casas particulares or hospitals.
Daily blackouts are normal
Havana sees 12+ hour daily power cuts due to fuel shortages. Hotels run generators (sometimes); casas particulares often go dark for hours. Carry a power bank, headlamp, and a real flashlight. Plan ATM trips for early morning when power is more likely on.
Type A, B, C, and L plugs at 110V or 220V
Older buildings use Type A/B at 110V (US-style). Newer hotels use Type C/L at 220V (European). Universal adapter is the safe choice. Most modern phone, laptop, camera chargers handle either; check single-voltage hair tools before plugging in.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Light, breathable, dressy enough for Tropicana evenings. Modest enough for cathedral visits.
Shoes
Cobblestones in Old Havana and Trinidad. Sandals for the beach.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Pack everything; Cuban shortages mean simple toiletries can be unfindable.
Health & Medications
Cuban pharmacies are sparse. Bring more than you think; donate the leftover at trip's end.
Documents & Money
eVisa + insurance + cash are the entry combo. Prepare a thick stack of small bills.
Tech & Electronics
Type A/B/C/L plugs, mixed 110V/220V. Universal adapter is the safe play.
Luggage & Organization
Cars and Viazul buses prefer soft bags; Havana stairs are no fun with a wheelie.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long flights, slow Viazul buses, classic-car drives that take twice as long as Google says.
Weather & Climate Gear
Tropical sun, Caribbean trade winds, hurricane risk in summer/fall.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Salsa, cigars, classic cars, snorkeling, all ask for something specific.
Safety & Precautions
Cuba is one of the safer Latin American countries. Petty scams (jineterismo) are the main concern.
Cuba travel FAQ
- Do I need a visa to visit Cuba?
- eVisa required for most travelers. e-Visa replaced the green/pink tourist cards on Jan 1, 2026: $50, valid 90 days. US travelers must also qualify under one of 12 OFAC categories ("Support for the Cuban People" is the most common). Plus mandatory health insurance and D'Viajeros customs form.
- What currency does Cuba use?
- Cuba's currency is the CUP. Carry a card plus some local cash for smaller vendors.
- What power plugs and outlets are used in Cuba?
- Cuba uses Type A/B/C/L, 110/220V outlets, so pack a suitable travel adapter (and a voltage check for high-draw devices).
- Which season is this Cuba packing list built for?
- This guide is tailored for Cool, dry season (Nov–Apr) in Cuba. Use the live weather and your trip dates to fine-tune the list.
- What should I pack for Cuba?
- A curated packing list for your trip between Havana boulevards, Viñales tobacco country, and the Caribbean coast at Varadero. Built for tropical heat, daily blackouts, a strictly cash economy, and an island where every traveler arrives prepared or arrives stuck. The full checklist covers 100 curated items across clothing, footwear, electronics, toiletries, and documents, with carry-on and "required on arrival" items flagged.