Trip readiness checklist for Cuba
Cuba runs on ingenuity, queues with elegance, and treats the internet as an outing. Here's the trip-readiness checklist for Cuba: what to pack, when to go, entry rules for your passport, and the official sources to confirm before you fly.
Build my free Cuba checklistWhat to pack
Cuba is vintage cars, music, and a cash-only economy that catches travelers out. Pack everything you'll need (supplies can be scarce), light clothes, and plenty of cash — your US cards likely won't work.
Plenty of cash (euros work well)
US cards generally don't work due to sanctions; ATMs are unreliable. Bring enough cash and exchange on arrival.
Any supplies and toiletries you need
Shortages are common — bring medicines, sunscreen, and basics from home.
Light, breathable clothing
Hot and humid; quick-dry fabrics and beachwear for the cayos.
Insect repellent and sun protection
Strong sun and mosquitoes, especially at dusk.
When to go
The dry season (Nov–Apr) is peak — sunniest, busiest, priciest; hurricane season runs Jun–Nov. Havana and Varadero are busiest over the winter holidays.
Money & getting around
Cuba runs largely on cash, and US-issued cards usually DON'T work (sanctions) — bring enough hard currency (euros are convenient) to exchange, and budget carefully. Casas particulares and paladares often want cash. Tipping in cash is welcomed.
Local quirks worth knowing
Cuba runs on ingenuity, queues with elegance, and treats the internet as an outing. Learn one magic word: '¿último?'
'¿Último?' unlocks every queue
Cuban lines aren't physical — ask '¿último?' (who's last?), remember that person, and relax nearby. You're in line now; it's brilliant.
The internet is an appointment
Connectivity means data cards and wifi zones, not always-on. Download maps and translations before arrival; embrace being unreachable — it suits the place.
Casas particulares beat hotels
Licensed home-stays (blue anchor sign) are cheaper, warmer, and come with the best breakfasts and advice on the island.
Patience is infrastructure
Shortages and waits are daily reality locals handle with humor ('no es fácil'). Flexibility isn't a travel skill here — it's the itinerary.
A week in Cuba, the list starts here
Quantities scale with your dates, the weather groups arrive once the app has your travel days, and your own plans add their gear on Trip Pass.
- Passport & travel documents1
- Phone charger & adapter1
- Wallet, cards & some local cash1
- Toiletries bag1
- Any daily medicationsenough for the trip
- Underwear7
- Socks7
- T-shirts / tops5
What am I forgetting?
A real answer from TripHappens for a sample week in Cuba, departing in five weeks with a checked bag and nothing packed yet. Yours is built from your own trip.
A week in Havana, five weeks out. Three gaps.
- 1.
Hard currency, brought with you
Cuba runs largely on cash and US-issued cards usually don't work, so an ATM fix mid-trip isn't a plan. Decide now how much you need for seven nights, casas, paladares and tips, and carry it in as euros.
- 2.
Your US entry paperwork, confirmed
You're travelling on a US passport, and that's the part worth settling before the flight rather than at the gate. Open the entry card and follow its official source for what a US traveler needs to enter Cuba.
- 3.
Everything you can't buy there
Late October still sits inside hurricane season, and supplies can be scarce once you land, so the checked bag should carry your own toiletries, medicines and anything you'd normally replace on arrival. Pack light clothes and something for rain.
Entry, advisories & health
Safety-critical — always confirm live at the official source before you book.
Entry and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Confirm the current rules for Cuba with the official source below before you book.
U.S. State Department travel advisory for Cuba — check the current level and any alerts before you go.
CDC traveler health page for Cuba — recommended vaccines, health notices, and a packing checklist.
Get the full Cuba checklist
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