What To Bring

Clothing

Despite its subtropical location, Cuba has distinct summers and winters. Winter is between November and April, with relatively little rain and pleasant, temperatures of 75º to 80º F. Cool, rainy spells are possible, due to cold fronts moving south from Florida. May through October is off-season and is the hottest period with temperatures between 85º and 90º F in mid-summer, and the possibility of severe storms and hurricanes. Casual, comfortable, light, loose fitting and washable cotton garments are the best options for Cuba. In the months when rain or cold winds are a possibility, a light sweater or water-proof hooded poncho will come in handy, as will a collapsible umbrella. Unless you are in Cuba for business, there is little use for a suit and tie. However, a cocktail dress or pair of dressy slacks may be needed at a fancy nightclub, disco or restaurant. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as are a good supply of socks. Also pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to guard against the strong, hot Cuban sun.

Electric Converters / Adapters

All of Cuba runs on 110 volts and 60 hz. The outlets are for flat prongs. However, the Parque Central Hotel has 220 volts. If staying there, make sure you bring an adaptor/converter like the ones use in most of Europe (round prongs). If you forget to bring one it will be hard to buy one in Havana; the hotel sometimes has adaptors to loan but they are rarely available.

Hair Dryers

The rooms at the Hotel Parque Central and Hotel Nacional are equipped with hair dryers, however, they are attached to the wall and are not the most convenient and comfortable to use. For the ladies that are accustomed to blowing their hair properly ….you might want to consider bringing your own hair dryer. Keep in mind the 220 volts and the different plug set up at the Hotel Parque Central.

Medical Supplies and Sundries

Although larger hotel stores carry some goods, travelers to Cuba should bring their own medicines, vitamins, bandages, contraceptives, sunscreen, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, soaps, prescription medications (in their original bottles) and other essentials as none of these items are readily available or available at inflated prices. It is best to assume you will have difficulty finding daily essential items in Cuba. It is recommended that travelers also pack rolls of toilet paper, tissues, pre-moistened towelettes, and anti-bacterial wash to anticipate the chronic shortages one can encounter on the road at locations outside of the hotel.

Laundry

There are no coin laundries in Cuba, and most hotels offer a laundry service that charges on a per piece basis.

Water

Sanitary standards are very high in Cuba and the drinking water is usually safe, however, it is recommended that travelers consume bottled water. Regardless, packing some Imodium or Lomotil for an upset stomach never hurts.

Gifts

In a country of chronic shortages and few retail stores, simple gifts are very welcome. We encourage our travelers to bring along a few items to leave behind. Your itinerary includes several visits that would benefit from your generosity.

Schools – pens, chalk, pencils, calculators, office supplies

Churches and homes for the elderly – aspirin, analgesic cream, vitamins, cold medicine, allergy pills, eye drops, reading glasses, hygiene products, shoes, antibacterial cream, DVDs with Spanish subtitles, anti-itch cream, band-aids

Religious Organizations and Medicine – Both churches and synagogues play an important role in distributing medicine and consumer goods to the community, often by organizing programs to assist the needy. If you have prescription pharmaceuticals that you can bring to Cuba, these can be given to non-denominational pharmacies operated by the religious organization. If you have sizeable amounts of medicine, Cuban importation regulations need to be considered. Please call Michael Sykes at (760) 645-3269 to discuss the best options for bringing large amounts.

** If quizzed by a Cuban Customs official, refer to your donations as gifts (not donations). **