What to pack for Cuba is a little different from other countries. As this one of a kind travel destination slowly opens its borders to more travelers, your packing list for Cuba needs a few special additions – as well as the common items for travel. This post details what I brought to Cuba, as well as items that I wished I had with me.

I’ll also explain why some of the more obscure items made it onto my Cuba packing list. So, whatever your travel plans are for the Caribbean gem, here is a comprehensive list of what to pack for Cuba.

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When will you visit Cuba?

Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, it will slightly alter your packing list for Cuba. You can put together your own itinerary of Cuba from what interests you about travel to this unforgettable destination. Cuba’s rainy season, from May to October, often sees powerful storms.

November to April is the dry season and is full of hot and sunny days. While the humidity ranges from 70-80% throughout the year, the temperature varies quite a bit depending on the season. December and January are, on average, Cuba’s lowest temperature months ranging from 21-23 Celsius.

Whereas the hottest months of the year, June to August, average around 27 Celsius, but can reach up as high as 38 Celsius – couple that with 80% humidity, this can be unbearable for some. Technically, Cuba’s hurricane season is from June to November but has a much higher chance of a hurricane from mid-August to early October.  

 

What to pack for Cuba

This packing list for Cuba covers the basic items for visiting. Even if you’re traveling in the wet season, not taking any reef-safe sun precautions with you to Cuba is a bad idea. Everything listed below is what I took with me to Cuba, or something I wish I had with me at one stage or another.  

 

What backpack should I take to Cuba

Personally, I took a carry-on, 36L Osprey Stratos Backpack with me to Cuba, along with a little day pack of around 10 L. This was plenty for me, as I was only spending around 16 days in Cuba. On top of that, travel packing cubes help so much with organization and keeping your pack tidy.

Dry bags are also another great pack to take to Cuba as you’re never too far from the water – especially if you’re looking to scuba dive in Cuba (or snorkel). Not to mention a thunderstorm that catches you off guard. The sizes of bags you need for Cuba will heavily depend on one traveler to the next.

Your Cuba packing list all depends on choosing the right bag for your style of travel!  

 

What was the handiest item I took to Cuba?

Seeing as Cuba has limited Wifi, getting up to date and helpful information can be difficult. Lonely Planet’s Cuba Guidebook is invaluable. These guidebooks aren’t the cheapest out there, but the tips and information it provides daily to travel through Cuba is second to none.

I spent 16 days in Cuba and used my copy multiple times Every. Single. Day. Get your copy through Lonely Planet before you leave.  

 

Pack for the weather conditions in Cuba

Dressing for the weather is so important. You don’t want to get caught out in that Mediterranean sun for too long if you’re prone to burning.

Likewise, if you’re caught in a storm that you’re unprepared for, not only could getting wet ruin your day, if your bag gets drenched, that could ruin your trip! Rain pack covers are a great investment. Most in this section are items that you would pack when traveling to many places around the globe.  

 

Packing for rain in Cuba

Rain in Cuba can be unpredictable to say the least. It’ll be hot and steamy one minute, and a storm rolling in the next. The items below will help in making sure you, and your belongings stay safe and dry.

• A good rainproof, breathable rain jacket
• A rain cover for your bag – one size for each that fits snuggly around your pack
• A small dry bag is also a handy item for an extra layer of protection.

 

Packing for hot weather in Cuba

Whenever it’s hot, most travelers were singlets. Personally, I have a very thin, long-sleeved shirts that keeps most of the sun off my skin and has plenty of breathability.

• Thin, long-sleeved shirt
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Sunscreen. Bonus if waterproof, especially for those spending time on the coast. Make sure the oils won’t damage the fragile ecosystem.
• Sunglasses

 

What clothing to pack for Cuba

Cuba is very humid throughout the year and when the temperature nears 30C, that humidity can be exhausting. Packing breathable clothing helps to deal with high humidity. If you tend to wash clothes more than a couple times a week, then you may need to alter the list below.

Most of my washing is by hand in the sink and twice a week is usually enough for me. If you’re spending just a few days in Cuba, or a full month, you may want to adjust the amounts below to suit.

• 5 lightweight shirts. I usually try to steer clear of darker clothes in hot climates where black fabric absorbs more heat.
• 3 pairs of quick-dry underwear. I can’t stress the benefit of quick-drying underwear enough.
• 3 pairs of socks. I took two sets of ankle-high socks and one pair of thick socks in my pack to Cuba. The thicker socks weren’t used outside cold air-conditioned airplanes.
• I took 2 pairs of shoes with me to Cuba. One was a versatile pair of runners/joggers. This would be my hiking and walking shoes. I also brought with me a pair of thongs (flip flops for those of us that aren’t Australian). They need to be comfortable!
• Swimmers (or boardies for us Australians out there) – You’re never too far away from the water in Cuba. Exploring the waterways and oceans of Cuba is a beautiful activity. Cuba is hot. Having the option to let your legs breathe a little is a great option.

 

Cuba Packing List – What documents do I need?

Packing the correct documents you might need to enter Cuba is very important. I use the word might as many of these documents might not be requested when you enter Cuba. However, if you don’t have them and are asked to present them, you will be causing yourself much more of a headache than needed. 

• Passport – goes without saying. Your passport should be the first document you pack for international travel.
• Color passport photocopy – losing your passport while traveling is a terrible thing. By having this photocopy in a different location than your passport itself, it won’t get you out of all the trouble, but it can save a lot of headaches. It’s also a good idea to leave a second copy of the print off at home, in case family members need to track you down they have a copy of an official document.
• Copy of all other important information and cards – if you lose something important while traveling, having a photocopy on hand of all-important documents may save a lot of trouble either in proving your identity and/or getting
• First night stay in Cuba – you may be asked to show you have at least your first-night accommodation in Cuba booked.
• A print out of flight exiting Cuba – you need to have proof you have a way out Cuba It doesn’t have to be a return flight home but has to be international from Cuba.
• Print of your travel insurance policy – proving you have travel insurance is another thing a Cuban immigration officer could ask for.

Don’t think you need travel insurance? Read these 18 stories from travelers where travel insurance saved their trip!  

Why should I bring cash to Cuba

Bringing cash to Cuba makes life much easier once you arrive. However, Cuban currency (CUC) isn’t available outside the country. Anywhere. ATMs in Cuba are rare and limit the amount you can withdraw per transaction to around 300 CUC. (roughly $300 USD).  

You will be hit with lots of separate ATM fees while in Cuba. You want to bring a major currency. Other than the U.S. Dollar. I’ve heard travelers have issues when changing USD to CUC. You will also be hit with another separate transaction fee than any other currency – so just steer clear of bringing US Dollars to Cuba.

For example, I took 1000 Canadian Dollars with me to Cuba and while it wasn’t enough to last me my 16 days, it made it so I only had 2 ATM withdrawal fees. If you’re flying into Havana, the best and first place to exchange your currency is at the airport itself. Money exchangers in Cuba are known as ‘cadecas’ and they are found in most cities and some towns.

After you exit the Havana Jose Marti International Airport, you can find the airport cedeca outside near the taxi rank on your right-hand side. Havana has a number of these cadecas, one is on the corner of Obispo and Compostela Street. There will often be a long line waiting for the cadeca.

Banks are also not really what you’re after if you’re looking to exchange or withdraw Cuban CUC. Locals use banks to pay bills and this means the lines can be huge.  

 

Electronics to take with you to Cuba

Even though WiFi in Cuba is sometimes a challenge, electronics are part of almost every traveler’s backpack these days.

• Phone – even offline, your phone can be a great tool for helping store valuable travel details, planning your next trip or even navigating with offline maps. Think Me.
• Camera – if you’re into taking photos, you probably already have your camera on your list of things to bring to Cuba.
• SD Cards – Cuba is a beautiful place to visit, taking plenty of pictures is easy to do.
• Chargers – your phone, camera, and almost every other electronic device is useless without a charged battery
• Headphones – a quality pair of headphones that block out noise well are one of the first things in my pack. Not only do they give you a sense of your own space, I use them when sleeping in hostels to block out people returning late at night and/or snorers.

 

First aid you’ll need in Cuba

Packing a first aid for Cuba is a great idea, and some of these items are often overlooked by travelers. You might not need any of them, but if you do get into a situation where one would help, you’ll wish you had them!

• Hand sanitizer – This is one item I always take with me to protect against getting sick. A little bottle attached to the front of your bag is accessible and a great way to kill germs.
• Bandaids – Pretty common item, in almost every first aid kit. Still kind of easy to overlook.
• Tensor Bandage – If you’re hiking a lot, a sprained ankle can be a terrible thing. As well as the cobblestone streets of Cuba are very uneven at times.
• Painkillers – Having different types of painkillers is a sensible addition to your travel first aid kit for Cuba. Ibuprofen also reduces swelling.
• Tweezers – Pesky splinters/slivers are easy to remove.
• Oral rehydration tablets/sachets – These little packets contain electrolytes and a perfect for replenishing lots of nutrients from the body. Whether you’re on an exhausting hike or sick with food poisoning, keeping hydrated is important.
• Anti-nausea medication – Whether you’re on a boat, collectivo taxi or bus, nausea medication is handy. Gravol is a common tablet for North America and is effective.
• Sleeping aid tablets – If you’re staying in hostels or catching overnight transport, having something to help you sleep is a great tablet to have with you.
• Melatonin – This handy tablet helps you have a better and relaxing sleep.

 

What toiletries should I bring to Cuba

Toiletries in Cuba are pretty similar to this for the majority of countries you’ll ever visit. They are all pretty common items but it’s always handy to have them on your Cuba packing list. A lot of items on this list in Clyde aerosols and liquids, of you’re flying as I did with just carry-on luggage only, remember to keep these liquids to under 100ml each and no aerosols.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap
• Deodorant
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent – you definitely don’t need 100% DEET to keep those mosquitos off you, but something is necessary.
• Sunscreen – 50 SPF or above and water-resistant is a great idea!
• Toilet paper – Yes, a bit of a different item, but none the less important. Toilet paper can be scarce at restrooms in Cuba. Packing your own can get you some sticky situations.

 

Leisure and comfort items to take with you to Cuba

• Travel pillow – Taking a pillow with you while you travel is a great comfort item. Sleeping on a plane or overnight bus/train is hard enough. A blowup travel pillow is super comfortable, lightweight and take up very little space.
• Card/dice game – Sometimes travel days are long and there’s no much to do. Having a game is also a great way to interact with fellow travelers along the way.
• Books – Taking a book with you on the road is a great way to kill a few hours waiting for a flight or even relaxing by a beach.
• T.V. shows/movies – Downloading entertainment on your phone is another great way to pass the time if you have long layovers or transport day. Downloading before you leave is advised as the internet in Cuba is slow.
• Snacks – Taking muesli bars (or granola bars, depending on where you live) and other snacks are a great way to always have small amounts of sustenance with you. Plenty of packaged food is allowed through customs. Fruit is almost always allowed on to planes, but sometimes not allowed into the new country you’re visiting.

 

Other things you may need in Cuba

There are plenty of little things you can pack for Cuba to help you travel better. This part of the list is random things that are so handy!

• Quick-dry Towel – Pretty common packing list item, especially for those spending time near the water. Most casa particulars and hotels will provide you with towels, but if you want to dry off after the beach, it’s best to have your own. Microfiber towels dry fast so they won’t get everything else wet if you’re in a rush.
• Travel Clothesline – As I mentioned earlier, I hand wash a lot of things. Having one of these travel clotheslines that you can hang up almost anywhere allows your things to dry quicker. They also help if you’re caught in a storm.
• Money belt – Even though Cuba is a safe country to visit, taking safety precautions, like a concealable money belt, is a perfect away to safely store cash and cards as you explore.
• Carabiner – Something I always have with me when I travel. They can hook onto plenty of different items. They are super handy.
• Earplugs – Many travelers use these for sleeping. Personally, I prefer headphones, but they are still handy to have as a back-up.
• Snorkel set – I didn’t bring a snorkel set with me to Cuba, but it appears a lot of people did. If you’re hopping around the coastline and want to explore random reefs, a snorkel set would be handy. Some places don’t even allow the hire of snorkeling gear.

  While choosing what to pack for Cuba is similar to many other travel destinations, there are a few extra considerations to be aware of (like the documents to travel Cuba!). Enjoying your trip to Cuba begins at packing the right things. If you have any other suggestions on what people should add to their packing list for Cuba, let me know in the comments below!

• Help others pack for Cuba by sharing this to social media!
• You can also improve your trip planning for Cuba by downloading the free 8-page travel checklist PDF – sign up over to the right!

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown