FAQ

Many of our travelers to Cuba want to bring gifts, knowing that there is a great need for everyday supplies, including such basic items as milk. However, the distribution of gifts is complicated, and most likely, you will not be able to present these gifts yourself. If you would like to bring some small items with you that we will collect from you and distribute on your behalf, please refer to the list below.  

• Hand Sanitizer
• Antibiotic creams 
• Antibiotic pills (ask your medical/dental providers for samples)
• Vitamins for adults and children
• Aspirin or other analgesics in sealed bottles
• Band-Aids
• First Aid supplies
• Cold medicine
• Cough drops
• Notebooks, spiral or bound
• Mechanical pencils with lead refills
• Washable markers
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Art Supplies
• Powdered Milk 

Most items will be distributed to school children (through their principal or teachers) and families who have difficulty sourcing even basic supplies like pencils and paper.  If you do bring any items with you, please refer to them as “gifts” and not “donations”. It isn’t necessary for you to add any of these items to your customs declaration upon arrival to Cuba.

Seasons in Cuba correspond to the seasons in the United States. Weather is similar to Florida. During the summer months (May through September), pack light clothes, as it will be very hot. During the rest of the year, it’s advisable to bring a long-sleeved shirt or light sweater for the evenings. 

Casual walking shoes or sneakers are recommended, as you’ll be walking from place to place throughout your stay. Dress can be casual, but should be presentable. You may also want to pack a nicer outfit for evening dining if you choose. 

Reasonable laundry and dry-cleaning services are often available at hotels in Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Bringing a bathing suit is wise if you want to go swimming, as some hotels feature pools.

Sundries

In Cuba, goods aren’t as readily available as most travelers are accustomed to. As a result, it can be challenging to find specific items in a pinch. When traveling to Cuba, you should bring what you need in daily life. That way, the comforts you regularly enjoy and require will be at hand.

Some items to consider bringing are:

-Walking shoes 

-Hat for sun 

-Sunblock

-Shaving cream 

-Razor 

-Sunglasses

-Insect repellent 

-Contact lens solution 

-Toothpaste

-Cigarette lighters 

-Light rain jacket 

-Dental floss

-Bandages, creams & ointments 

-Toothbrush

-Reading materials 

-Toilet paper or tissues for public restrooms

-Compact umbrella

-Feminine hygiene products

-Over-the-counter drugs 

-Hair dryer

As is the case with most international destinations, we advise bringing prescription drugs in their individual, original, pharmacy-issued bottles.