What should I not forget to pack for Cuba?

The Cuba-specific ones people forget: enough cash for the entire trip (U.S. cards don't work), your own medicines and toiletries (shortages are common), a power bank and torch (blackouts happen), an eSIM set up before you fly (internet is patchy), and printed copies of your visa, insurance and D'Viajeros QR.

Do I need to bring my own toiletries and medicine to Cuba?

Yes, bring what you'll need. Cuba has faced shortages of medicines and everyday toiletries, so pack your prescriptions, a basic first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent and personal items rather than counting on buying them there.

How much cash should I pack for Cuba?

Enough for your whole trip plus a buffer, because U.S. cards don't work and ATMs are unreliable for foreign cards. Bring clean, undamaged euros, U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars to exchange, and split the cash across your luggage and a safe. See our money guide for detail.

What should I wear in Cuba?

Light, breathable clothing year-round, with a layer for cooler evenings from November to February. Bring swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, and one smart-casual outfit for restaurants; add a rain jacket in the wet season (May–October).

Do I need a power bank and torch for Cuba?

They're strongly recommended. Cuba has frequent, sometimes long, power blackouts; tourist hotels often run generators but casas and services may not, so a power bank and a small torch or headlamp are genuinely useful.

Practical Cuba · Packing

Cuba packing list

Pack for a normal Caribbean trip — then add the things that make Cuba different: all your cash, your own medicines and toiletries, a power bank, and an eSIM. Here’s the full checklist.

Money →Internet →Safety →When to go →

Cuba-specific essentials (don't skip these)

This is what makes a Cuba list different from any other beach holiday.

Enough cash for the WHOLE trip — U.S. cards don't work; euros/USD/CAD in clean, untorn notes
Any medicines you take, plus a basic kit (pain relief, rehydration, plasters, antihistamine, stomach remedy) — pharmacies are short
Everyday toiletries you actually need — sunscreen, insect repellent, tampons/pads, shampoo — can be scarce
A power bank (and a torch/headlamp) for frequent power blackouts
An eSIM that covers Cuba, set up before you fly (internet is patchy; U.S. roaming usually won't work)
Printouts: eVisa/tourist card, insurance proof, D'Viajeros QR, casa addresses — don't rely on a signal

Documents & money

Passport (valid well beyond your trip) + a photocopy stored separately
Cuban eVisa / tourist card and travel medical insurance proof (required for entry)
A second stash of cash split across bags and a safe
For U.S. travellers: a note of your OFAC travel category and a record of your plans

Clothing

Light and breathable year-round; add a layer Nov–Feb evenings.

Lightweight, breathable clothes; a light jacket/layer for cooler winter nights
Swimwear, flip-flops and comfortable walking shoes
A rain jacket or compact umbrella in the wet season (May–Oct)
One smart-casual outfit for paladares and evenings
Sun hat and good sunglasses

Health & sun

High-SPF sunscreen and after-sun (bring your own — expensive/scarce there)
Strong insect repellent (DEET) for mosquitoes
Reusable water bottle + a way to be sure of your water (many drink bottled)
Hand sanitiser and a small supply of tissues/toilet paper

Tech & extras

Phone + charger, power bank, and a universal/US-style plug adapter
Downloaded offline maps, music and your itinerary before you go
Small gifts are appreciated by hosts (optional): school supplies, toiletries
A day bag that closes securely (petty theft is the main risk)

Tip: use your browser’s print (Ctrl/Cmd+P) to save this checklist as a PDF or print it. What you can and can’t carry in and out is on the customs page.

Frequently asked questions

What should I not forget to pack for Cuba?: The Cuba-specific ones people forget: enough cash for the entire trip (U.S. cards don't work), your own medicines and toiletries (shortages are common), a power bank and torch (blackouts happen), an eSIM set up before you fly (internet is patchy), and printed copies of your visa, insurance and D'Viajeros QR.
Do I need to bring my own toiletries and medicine to Cuba?: Yes, bring what you'll need. Cuba has faced shortages of medicines and everyday toiletries, so pack your prescriptions, a basic first-aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent and personal items rather than counting on buying them there.
How much cash should I pack for Cuba?: Enough for your whole trip plus a buffer, because U.S. cards don't work and ATMs are unreliable for foreign cards. Bring clean, undamaged euros, U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars to exchange, and split the cash across your luggage and a safe. See our money guide for detail.
What should I wear in Cuba?: Light, breathable clothing year-round, with a layer for cooler evenings from November to February. Bring swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, and one smart-casual outfit for restaurants; add a rain jacket in the wet season (May–October).
Do I need a power bank and torch for Cuba?: They're strongly recommended. Cuba has frequent, sometimes long, power blackouts; tourist hotels often run generators but casas and services may not, so a power bank and a small torch or headlamp are genuinely useful.

CubaAtlas is an independent, non-commercial information project. This is general packing guidance, not medical, financial or legal advice, and sells nothing. Conditions (including shortages) change — check current advice and your own needs before you travel.