10 Essential Tips for Visiting Cuba

Planning a trip to Cuba can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to be well-prepared for the unique challenges and experiences you’ll encounter in this captivating country. From visa requirements to accommodation, currency exchange, and local insights, this guide provides 10 useful tips that every traveller to Cuba needs to know.

So, let’s dive in and make your trip to Cuba an unforgettable one!

Table of Contents

1. Visa Requirements

The majority of travellers heading to Cuba will require a visa ahead of arrival, more commonly known as the Cuba Tourist Card not to be confused with the Cuban Visa, which are two separate documents. The Cuba Tourist Card is essentially an entry permit for all foreign nationals who arrive in Cuba for both tourism and leisure purposes only and is a single-entry visa. For most countries, the Tourist Card is valid for 30 days. With the exception of Canadian passport holders who can stay up to 90 days.

There are two types of Tourist Cards – a green card, and a pink card. If you are a US passport holder OR you are travelling to Cuba directly from the USA, you will need to apply for the pink tourist card which costs between $75 – $100.

Anyone who does not plan to travel to Cuba directly from the US, and/or is not a US citizen, needs to apply for a green tourist card which can cost between $25 – $60.

The variation in price depends on where you buy your Cuban Tourist Card. There are many different ways you can buy a tourist card such as:

Apply Online:

Via a reliable visa website such as Easy Tourist Card.com. This is the easiest and quickest option as Easy Tourist Card ships worldwide. We received our tourist cards within three days of ordering online! But shipping can take up to one week so order in advance. You will receive your cards by courier with instructions on how best to complete the form.

Via The Embassy:

From your local Cuban Embassy or Consulate, see – here – for a full list. This is sometimes the cheapest option but also one that takes a lot of time and effort between making appointments and attending. You will need to attend with your passport, confirmed flights to Cuba, a completed application form and the fee depending on what colour tourist card!

From The Airline:

You can buy it directly from the airline you plan to travel to Cuba with. Different airlines charge different prices so either contact them or enquire when booking. This is usually the more expensive option but can be a good last-minute fix! If you have booked through a travel agency, they will sort your visas for you.

In Cuba

You can purchase your visa when you arrive at Havana airport, however, the airline you plan to fly with may not allow you to board the plane without a valid tourist card so best to apply before departing. You will also be up against queues, and possible language barriers in Cuba, so this should be your plan Z!

Visiting Cuba and Traveling to the USA

As most will know, Cuba is currently on the USA’s restricted list. So, if you plan to visit the USA at any stage with a Cuba stamp on your passport, you won’t have the same easy access as before. This doesn’t mean that you cannot visit, but instead puts a bit of an obstacle in the way.  

This obstacle is in the form of a physical interview and application via your nearest USA Embassy. The process to book is simple and will cost around $180. You will need to fill out an application form in advance and bring some documents with you.

You can visit the official Travel State Gov website, input your nationality, and see what the requirements are. You can also find the nearest embassy to you and book an appointment.

The effort, time and extra costs are the main disadvantages to visiting the USA after Cuba, however once approved, you will usually receive a US tourist visa with a 5 to 10-year validity, meaning you can come and go. This is especially handy if you want to transit via the USA over the coming years.

As Irish passport holders, we are entitled to the USA’s visa waiver programme, also known as the ESTA visa. Usually, we can apply online, pay the $21 processing fee, and have our ESTA approved within minutes. The ESTA lasts for two years.

Unfortunately, because we have now been to Cuba, we can no longer avail of this waiver programme. Instead, we have to apply for an in-person interview and pay $180 to enter the US.

2. Travel Health Insurance:

It is mandatory for all visitors to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

You will be asked to present your travel insurance on arrival, to immigration officials. And it is best to have it printed, with an offline/downloaded copy on your phone. The policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Cuba.

There are many available trusted travel insurance companies available, with World Nomads and Safety Wing being quite popular with backpackers and nomads. Also ask friends, and family and search for insurance that suits your style of travel.

Personally, we went with a local company who we have been with for a number of years called Blue Insurance – available in Ireland and the UK only. We go our recent quote via their trading business – Backpacker Travel Insurance and are happy with our two-year policy that covers worldwide travel, including Cuba.

A little tip, if you do not plan on travelling through the USA when requesting insurance quotes select Worldwide excluding USA to get a cheaper quote than Worldwide including USA.

Also, check with your insurance company that they cover Cuba!

3. Accommodation

Staying in Casa Particulares is a must-do if visiting Cuba! These private accommodations offered by local residents provide such a unique and authentic experience, allowing us tourists to immerse fully in Cuban culture and hospitality. Spending your time with local people is the best way to learn about any country. And we should jump at any chance to interact with friendly locals, enjoy home-cooked meals, and gain insights into everyday local life.

Additionally, staying in casa particulares can be a way to support local communities and contribute directly to the Cuban economy. In fact, it’s something we strongly encourage.

Booking accommodation in Cuba can seem overwhelming at first, especially since the usuals, such as Booking.com, don’t operate there. Even with a VPN (more on that later!), Cuba is very much a ‘word of mouth’ country. Meaning it’s so easy to get contacts and book anything when you are actually there. This is why we will share contacts for all the casas we stayed in throughout our month’s trip at the end so you can book with them directly!

In the meantime, if you want to have accommodation booked for your arrival, the quickest and easiest option is to use Airbnb. Casas are hugely popular on Airbnb so you have plenty of options, but between the extremely high fees for the Cubans, and the need to always be online, Airbnb tends to screw Casa owners a lot.

This is why we suggest the following (Airbnb will kill us for this!):

We originally booked our first few days in Havana via Airbnb, but when we arrived at the accommodation, we extended our stay in person so both of us could avoid extra fees, and the host could give a better rate. We also realised that paying in cash is a lot more welcomed and helpful to locals than online, so it’s a win, win!

So, to help local hosts overcome the financial burden of hefty online fees and additional government charges, we recommend booking 1 -2 nights online, merely to preview and secure your accommodation. Once you arrive and get a feel for the place, book any further nights directly with your host.

Once you’re settled into your awesome casa particular, don’t forget to tap into the local expertise of your friendly host. These guys are like walking guidebooks with unlimited contacts all over the country. Seriously, they know people! So, if and when you’re heading to a new destination, ask your current host for other casa recommendations, and no doubt they will help with booking too!

Don’t miss the opportunity to have a delicious, home-cooked local meal in your casa. It’s not only another great way to support your host but is guaranteed to be some of the best meals of your life. And we had no problems with them catering to our no-meat diet. All casas offer breakfast and dinners so confirm the costs beforehand to avoid any awkward confusion. When paying, try to pay in foreign currency.

By paying in a currency such as Canadian dollars, Sterling, USD or Euros, you’re making it easier for them to buy essential items for their casa and support their livelihood. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way, making your host smile and keeping their casa stocked with all the good stuff.

By following these nifty tips, you’ll make the most of your casa particular stay and dive headfirst into a genuine Cuban experience. You’ll be savouring tasty meals, creating unforgettable connections, and supporting local communities along the way. So, get ready for an incredible adventure, where every casa particulares becomes a doorway to new friendships and amazing memories. Viva Cuba!

Our Recommended Casas:

Havana

• Apartment in Central Havana – see on Airbnb
  • Contact Miguel on Whatsapp: +53 5372 2702

• Casa in Central Havana – see on Airbnb
  • Contact Maria on Whatsapp: +53 5266 9808

Viñales:

• Yineris’ Casa – see on Airbnb
  • Contact Yineris on Whatsapp: +53 5804 0629

• Cassie & Ronnie’s Casa
  • Contact Cassie via email: cassieincuba@gmail.com

Trinidad:

• Elena’s Casa – see on Airbnb
  • Contact Saimi (who runs the casa) on Whatsapp: +53 5879 5384

Cienfuegos:

• Anabel’s Casa – see on Airbnb
  • Contact Anabel on Whatsapp:

4. Cash and Currency

Oh god, we think this is always the part we dread talking about as the currency in Cuba situation can be so complicated, that not even the Cubans themselves understand!

First of all, during the pandemic, the Cuban government bid farewell to the old CUC currency that most tourists used. Now, it’s all about the CUP (Cuban Peso). Demolishing the dual currency system means bringing cash, in foreign currency, is a must!

Bring Cash

The most popular and favourable currencies to bring are Euros, Sterling, Canadian Dollars, and US Dollars. You can pay and shop pretty much everywhere in these currencies, although the exchange rate might not be great! It’s easy to exchange large denominations into CUP when you arrive. But do keep some foreign currency handy in your pocket as tipping and paying for some small services with foreign currency is very much appreciated.

We spent one month in Cuba and brought in a total of €1,000 in cash. We also had our pre-paid debit cards and a credit card for backup but thankfully didn’t need them. We split up our cash, stashing it in various places when on the move, and keeping it secure when in our accommodation. We used our credit card a select few times to shop in MLCs (more on that later!) and thankfully didn’t have to ever visit an ATM.

We paid for transport, some tours, and all of our accommodation and any meals in the casas in euros. We would also tip in euros when we could. We then exchanged a small budget into CUP and used that day-to-day. So yes, bring cash, have backup cash, and only exchange as you need it.

This brings us to the next point, let’s talk about getting your hands on some shiny CUP. And how best to exchange when you arrive in Cuba.

How To Exchange

Firstly, one of the best sites to check current CUP exchange rates is ElToque.com. Here you will find what is called ‘informal’ exchange rates, also known as black market rates. And these are the rates you want!

The official government currency rates are what the local banks, such as Cadeca Bank, will offer. This is the same rate you will find on most currency exchange websites and apps.

For example, at the time of writing (which is undoubtedly already outdated as Cuba moves that fast when it comes to currency!), the informal foreign exchange rate is €1 = 212,000CUP (according to ElToque.com). Whereas the official foreign exchange rate is €1 = 26CUP. No, that’s not a typo.

The difference is staggering. This is why going for an informal rate and exchanging directly with locals is far more appealing. Again, mentioning that it’s hugely helpful for them too, as they walk away with foreign currency. So, skip the banks, and embrace the black market!

Just don’t forget to know the rate and be prepared to receive a slightly lower one which is only right, your host deserves to pocket a few pennies for the service. The same way banks and foreign exchanges charge. You will still walk away with a wad of cash and everyone is happy!  

The only other advice is to avoid exchanging on the street with a stranger. Fake money is common and with no repercussions.

5. WIFI & Internet

Let’s start by saying that we work online, so the thoughts of navigating remote work and Cuba did initially feel a little stressful. We couldn’t take on any big projects for the month and had to turn on our ‘out of office’, but those little tasks still needed attention and we thankfully we managed to have a connection for a client’s launch.

So, while it is doable, thanks to a slow and dipped connection, it isn’t always enjoyable!

VPN

Ok, so having a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a must! A VPN allows you to access certain sites and apps that may be restricted such as PayPal, online banking, and even Airbnb. It’s like a secret tunnel that allows you to securely connect to the internet and access these restricted sites. It keeps your information safe and your online activities private.

We recommend using ExpressVPN, which offers a 30-day free trial for you and a friend. Perfect for that month-long visa! Claim it – here!

WiFI Cards:

While some Casas may promise WiFi access, it’s important to note that you’ll typically need to purchase WiFi cards to actually get connected – using their router but connected to your WiFi card. And if free WiFi is available, it will most likely be in the form of a topped-up phone where you then connect to the phone’s hotspot.

To get your hands on WiFi cards, you can visit ETECSA shops or Cubacell agents. For just 125CUP, you can purchase a 5-hour WiFi card. The beauty is that you can use the 5-hour card within a 30-day period, but remember, you must be near a WiFi point to connect. These points are usually found in parks, main squares, or even through the router provided by your gracious casa host.

Additionally, you can buy a 1-hour WiFi card for 25CUP. You can also buy WiFi cards directly from locals but at a hiked-up price.

A little tip for anyone working remotely on a WiFi Card, connections become even more slow the more people that join the network so if you find yourself using a router or hotspot wake early! In Havana, we would wake and work from as early as 5 am and by 8 am the connection was too slow to connect to. So if you have something urgent try to do it early in the mornings before the country starts waking.

Tourist Sim:

Our preferred choice so we could keep the business running, ECTECSA offer a Tourist Sim card for anyone who needs regular connection without relying on routers and WiFi-friendly areas. There are different packages starting from $30 (for 10GB), so it’s not exactly cheap! But this allowed us to work and stay connected especially during the frequent power cuts. The sim card last for 30 days.

Ordering online, ahead of your arrival to Cuba, is recommended as you will find yourself queuing for hours to get into ECTESA, never mind the time it takes to wait, buy, and set up within the store. That’s from experience (we lost 4 hours that day!)

So, order online and collect the sim from the ETECSA centres across the country. The opening hours of ETECSA are from 9am-11am and 1pm-4pm; make sure to bring a copy of your passport. You can also collect from the ECTECSA booth in Havana’s Jose Marti Airport. This is very popular so it is common for them to run out of Tourist Sims. Don’t rely on it and have everything you need already downloaded for offline use.

Before leaving ETECSA make sure the sim is working and the APN is set up properly. Also, your 4G is active. And note that you cannot hotspot with a tourist sim. We visited an ETECSA store to ask as we wanted to connect a spare phone for Cora to watch some shows but it’s a big fat no.

A little tip we found out about far too late in our trip from a member of ETECSA in Viñales, tourists are actually allowed to buy a ‘regular sim’, the same ones the locals use. It costs 1000CUP and gives you 3.5GB of data, you can recharge it as much as you want. The regular sim is particularly beneficial for remote workers as you can easily hotspot from a regular SIM to work on your laptop.

However, some ETECSA agents may try to steer you towards buying a tourist SIM but don’t be discouraged. You can legally purchase a regular sim (but you will need to speak good Spanish!). Pop into the ETECSA in Viñales, the staff there are happy to sell you a regular SIM so if you could wait until Viñales you’ll have less hassle and fewer queues.

6. Buying & Shopping

When it comes to shopping and buying in Cuba, it’s important to be aware of the unique challenges and differences the country faces, and so ones you may encounter. One of our hosts told us that Cuba produces the same amount of food it did 70 years ago yet has doubled in population, currently importing 80% of the food they need.

From the scarcity in the farmer’s markets, long tiring queues for local supermarkets, and the cashless MLC stores, let’s explore the shopping options available, including recent updates and changes, so you know what to expect and can arrive prepared.

Local Supermarkets:

In the hopes of purchasing essential items, and paying in local CUP currency, the supermarket scene is a heartbreaking one. Long queues in the hot sun to hopefully find what you need, knowing the harsh truth that you will be met with empty shelves and limited products. This is daily life for a Cuban, and as a tourist, it’s truly shocking.

This is why we suggest avoiding supermarkets. To play whatever part we can, avoid the intense queues and leave essential items for the locals to buy. Tourists have plenty of options to purchase, far more than Cubans so let’s give some space.

Farmers Markets:

If you’re looking for fresh produce, visiting farmers’ markets in the morning is your best bet. However, don’t expect to find full markets with various vegetables. Usually, you’ll come across the same, standard fruits and vegetables, and if you’re fortunate, some essential pantry items like oil, spices, and salt.

It’s customary to pay in the local currency (CUP) at these markets, and it’s a good idea to bring your own bags (you will also find locals selling bags outside for a small fee.) Arrive as soon as it opens for the best but still a limited selection!

MLC Stores

For what could be described as a better shopping experience, the MLC stores are where most tourists make their purchases. These cashless stores have fewer queues because not everyone has access to shop there.

To shop at an MLC store, you’ll need a debit or credit card loaded with foreign currency. Keep in mind that not all locals have access to foreign currency, which is why this option may not be available to everyone. You will need a copy of your passport, and if you are using a card which requires online verification to approve, you might need data and a VPN to approve the purchase.

The items in MLC stores are priced in dollars rather than the local currency. While the shelves may not be fully stocked, you’ll have access to products not commonly found in local supermarkets, such as cheese, jams, spreads, legumes, pasta, and sauces.

Front Doors

And as a final quick tip, make sure to glance in any opened windows and doors as you explore. Usually, locals will stock up on items to then re-sell them from their front door. Prices are marked up but not by much and it was this way we found some hidden gems such as washing powder, baby food, porridge oats, and yoghurt! It quickly became our favourite way to shop!

Bodegas

We threw this in to help prevent any confusion as tourists we are not allowed to shop in the bodegas. We also think it’s important to be aware of the system as a whole!

Bodegas are small local shops that hold great importance in the daily lives of Cubans. These stores are renowned for selling essential food items and basic necessities at subsidised prices, making them a vital resource for the local residents.

Due to Cuba’s economic situation, many people rely on bodegas to access affordable food and supplies. The government regulates the distribution and pricing of goods in bodegas to ensure their availability for the population. And from our experience talking with locals, it simply is not enough! We’re talking a bar of soap and a kilo of rice per month for each household.

7. Eating Out

As vegetarians, we are often asked how we handled food in Cuba, especially with a little one. And to be honest, eating out in Cuba is as easy as anywhere else. With plenty of restaurants, cafes and even popular paladares all with a variety of options, including meals to suit dietary requirements. So, eating out isn’t a worry, coming from privileged tourists with access to foreign currency.

There are two types of establishments to eat out in Cuba. The first is state-run restaurants that are owned and operated by the government. These are often found around tourist areas, hotels, resorts, and government-owned facilities. Often their prices are displayed in foreign currencies as well as CUP.

You also have paladares which are privately-owned restaurants that have emerged as hidden gems within Cuba’s culinary scene. Paladares are privately-owned restaurants that offer a far more intimate and authentic dining experience. You basically eat in someone’s home, one that has been temporarily converted into a restaurant for the day. And a great way to discover Cuban cuisine.

It’s easy to find the popular paladares that target tourists, but finding those little hidden gems, down a narrow alley and through an unmarked door is the real challenge. But so worth it. Just arrive knowing that, because it is privately owned, the full menu may not be available. It’s too easy to run out of ingredients and difficult to replace so quickly so be prepared to hear “no hay” (there’s none) a lot.

Although we love to delve headfirst into local cuisines, we do prefer cooking as we travel, and usually, it’s finding a kitchen that’s the struggle, not the food to cook! All the casas we stayed in allowed us to use the kitchen so we could make breakfast and lunch for those picky infant days. On the days we found say pasta and sauce, we stocked up and carried it around the country with us as our backup.

On most evenings for dinner, we relied on our host’s cooking. Which was hands down some of the best meals we’ve ever had. Breakfasts usually cost $5 whereas dinner was $10 per person. Dinner includes a number of dishes, the entire table is usually covered so it’s absolutely bang for your buck (Lobster was always on the menu which is mind-blowing!).

To wrap this up (excuse the pun), street food is our ‘go-to’, and Cuba has plenty. Unfortunately for us, it was quite meat-heavy. Burgers, cheap pizza slices, tostadas, Cubano sandwiches etc. Know it is possible to eat for quite cheap, especially if you eat meat.

8. Transport

Getting around Cuba can be an adventure in itself, with a variety of transportation options available to explore the country. When reviewing our budget, most of our spending was on transportation around the country. It’s important to note that Cuba is facing severe gas and fuel shortages which is affecting the entire transport system. These shortages have led to longer waiting times and limited options for public transportation.

So, make sure to plan your travel arrangements in advance and set aside a budget. As an example, we took the national bus from Havana to Viñales with no issues and for only €12. Returning back to Havana so we could travel onto Trinidad, the Viazul bus had to cancel all foreseeable trips due to the fuel shortages. And suddenly our €12 bus ticket jumped to €50 shared taxi.

Buses in Cuba

One popular choice is Viazul, the national bus company, which offers comfortable and reliable long-distance bus services connecting major cities and tourist destinations, at low costs.

It’s simple to book online and you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express as well as others. You might need a VPN to verify payment with your bank. Viazul also runs a bus from Havana airport to various locations and a great way to keep costs down (once it’s running!)

Shared Transport

Shared taxi services, known as “colectivos” or “maquinas,” are another common mode of transportation in Cuba. These are shared cars or vans that follow fixed routes, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. Colectivos are quite reliable but expensive. Our trip is to always get your driver’s Whatsapp so you can keep in touch and arrange other shared journeys.

Our colectivo costs:

• Viñales to Trinidad €50 per person
• Viñales to Cienfuegos €45 per person
• Trinidad to Cienfuegos €15 per person
• Cienfuegos to Havana €25 per person

Local Taxis

In cities such as Havana and Trinidad, you will find small rounded, yellow cabs called a cocotaxi, Cuba’s answer to the tuktuk. A great and fun way to zip around the cities, but always agree on a price beforehand.

We were also relieved to discover that there is a taxi app called La Nave. Make sure to download it before you arrive in Cuba, setting up a profile when you have a local Cuban number. La Nave worked really well for us in Havana, especially when trying to get to the Viazul bus station at a ridiculous o clock in the morning!

Private Hire:

Hiring a private taxi or car is also a popular choice. Private drivers often offer their services for day trips or longer journeys, giving you the freedom to customize your itinerary and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations at your own pace.

For example, you can hire a classic car to bring you to Viñales or Trinidad, agreeing on a price and making multiple stops along the way. Now doesn’t that sound fun? You can arrange private pick up in a classic car to and from the airport for $25 (total)

Private Hire Contacts

• Rolli via Whatsapp: +53 5858 6192
• Cassie via email: cassieincuba@gmail.com

Domestic Flights

For those looking for faster travel or wanting to reach more remote areas, domestic airlines like Cubana de Aviación and Aerogaviota offer flights to various destinations within the country.

These flights can save you time and allow you to cover larger distances efficiently, particularly if you have limited time for your trip.

9. What To Pack

We found packing for Cuba a little stressful, mostly because we had the little one. We absolutely overpacked and were delighted that we did, but still managed to run out of Calpol for Cora, thanks to four new teeth and a cold (all within one month!).

It’s the kind of country you overpack for, bringing anything essential, and then a backup as there is far too much that is not readily available or easily accessible. Here are some suggestions to get the brain ticking:

Medications:

It’s important to bring any prescription medications you require, as you will be met with empty pharmacies and limited brands. It’s also a good idea to pack basic over-the-counter medications like painkillers, antacids, antihistamines, and cold/flu remedies. Prepare a first aid kit and bring extra medication for kids.

Toiletries:

While basic toiletries like soap and shampoo can be found in Cuba, it’s a good idea to bring your preferred brands or any speciality items you might need. Items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of personal hygiene products. Ladies, it’s a good chance to try out the reusable menstrual cup or pads, but if that’s not for you. Overpack feminine hygiene products, you can also hand them out to local women who are in dire need!

Electronics:

Don’t forget electronics such as power adapters and converters. It’s also a good idea to bring portable chargers, as power outages can occur regularly. Cuba uses a different electrical system (220V) and two-pin plug sockets. In each casa you will notice all the outlets are assigned with voltage for example 220 or 110. If you have any equipment such as laptops or cameras don’t plug them into the 220V. In fact, avoid using them unless advised by your host!

Snacks:

Pack some non-perishable snacks that you enjoy, especially if you have dietary restrictions or preferences. If travelling with kids, having familiar snacks can be convenient during long journeys or when exploring areas with limited food options. Boxes of oat bars were our saving grace (as parents!).

Water Filter:

If there was a thing we couldn’t do without in Cuba, it was our Sawyer Water Filter. We’ve been using this brand for years and have both the Sayer Tap Filter (that fits most taps in Cuba) and the Squeeze Mini Filter. We are a family of fish who love our H2O, and really dislike single-use plastic so it’s a match made in heaven as we travel. But when it comes to Cuba, it’s not just because of the environmental factor, it saved us so much time and money

Extra Gifts:

If there was one thing you could do as a tourist, please consider bringing extra items that are either non-existent or difficult to find in Cuba. This can be a thoughtful way to contribute to the local community, and as you meet your hosts and locals you may regret not having extra gifts to share!

We gave out items through locals we met and our hosts. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it seems. It’s not like you will stand on the street handing out free items but as you make connections you will find plenty of people who need what you have. If you are not comfortable approaching people, you can contact organisations who will help distribute it

Some basic items that are in high demand and can be easily distributed include:

• Medications: Basic over-the-counter medications, such as painkillers, cold and flu medicine, and first-aid supplies, are valuable in Cuba due to limited availability. If it’s easy for you to get your hands on medication such as contraceptive pills or antibiotics, pack as much as you can! Antihistamines, antibacterial creams and lotions, bandages, medical gloves, sterile gauze pads, anti-inflammatories etc. Load it up! Bring first aid kits and medication for kids also.

• Toiletries: Items such as feminine hygiene products are essential and can be scarce or expensive to purchase. It would make sense to bring reusable items such as reusable pads and menstrual cups, reusable razors, and reusable cotton buds—also toiletries for babies such as rash creams.

• School Supplies: Basic school materials like pens, pencils, notebooks, and backpacks can greatly benefit Cuban students who may have limited access to educational resources. We cannot tell you how many times people asked if they could have our reusable water bottles! So if you have the space, bring extra water bottles!

• Baby Supplies: There is a huge scarcity of baby products and the ones we found were very expensive! Nappies cost roughly $10 for a pack of 20 so we’d suggest bringing reusable nappies (you can buy bundles online). We noticed many Cubans still use the old cloth method for nappies so modern reusable nappies would be much appreciated! Baby formula, baby food, soothers, and teethers are really needed by families with infants or young children.

10. Miscellaneous

To end this, what we hope is a helpful post, this a quick collection of random, little tips we couldn’t help but note and share. Sure look, we are here to help you feel fully prepared for your adventures

Queues

Traffic Lights

Sundays and Mondays closing

Power Outlet