Packing List For Cuba

LUGGAGE

  • 1 carry-on bag (it must fit under your seat)
    • Put enough to survive for one day (include here only essential fragile items, valuables, perishable items, medicines, and toiletries)
  • 1 checked suitcase
    • There is a fee for checking luggage.  Check with your airline to find out how much. If total weight of all luggage from MIA or TPA to HAV, including carry-on, exceeds 44 lbs., there may be a charge of $2 per additional pound per person. Any luggage over 66 lbs. will have customs fees. Cuba charges $5 per pound for anything over 66 lbs.
  • Read and adhere to TSA’s (www.tsa.gov) liquid, gel, and aerosol regulation for carry-on bags. As of 4/1/2010 the rules are:
    • All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. They must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag only. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
  • Packing tips
    • Pack heaviest items first
    • Make a list of the contents of your suitcase in case luggage is lost or stolen
    • Be sure to have your name and contact information on both carry-on and checked luggage

CLOTHES

(for an average 7-day tour) – Keep in mind temperatures will be 80-90° F

___ 1-2 bathing suits
___T-shirts / Tops (one for each tour day)
___1 additional shirt WITH LONG SLEEVES to protect from sunburn
___1 rashguard (aka rashie, sunguard, surf shirt, etc.) to wear with bathing suit to protect against sunburn in the water.
___Shorts, skirts
___Jeans, light long pants, dress or nice outfit for dinner
___2 pairs of sneakers or walking shoes for extended walking (1 pair for possible wet muddy areas)
___1 casual evening restaurant outfit (nothing too fancy)
___Sleepwear
___Socks, underwear, toiletries – Toiletry items are scarce in Cuba so make sure you bring everything you will need.
___A roll of toilet paper, tissues, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer.
___1 pair of beach sandals and/or tevas, crocks…

ADDITIONAL NECESSARY ITEMS

___ Valid U.S. Passport
___Photo I.D. (Official government-issued photo ID)
___Airline paper flight ticket if applicable (remember to keep your paper ticket for the return flight)
___ Cuban Visa (This item will be provided to you by Vamonos in your personal Cuba travel folder at the airport)
___Medications in original bottles (at least 2 weeks’ worth) if needed – bring all you need plus a bit extra as you won’t be able to refill a prescription
___Copy of Passport
___Quart-size bag for liquids/gels
___Sun block
___Backpack for walks and day trips (with your name)
___Plastic bag for wet clothes
___Beach towel
___Money (see Spending Money section)
___Raincoat / poncho

OPTIONAL ITEMS

___Camera, charger, extra batteries, film or memory cards (make sure you pack all you need because you won’t be able to buy it in Cuba)
___Cell phone & charger (don’t expect to use it in Cuba to make calls…) – In very limited internet zones you will have a good chance to connect using WhatsApp. An ETESCA internet card must be purchased and it offers 1 hour of internet access after your first connection. Hotel lobbies are also good areas to connect to the internet.
___220v adapter for the hotel (Most of Cuba uses a 110v outlet, but there are numerous hotels that  only offer 220v outlet)
___ Accessories: Sunglasses, belts, watch, hand sanitizer, wipes…
___Hat to protect from sun
___Headsets and snacks for the plane (no more free food on flights)
___Insect repellent (3 oz. or less unless you check it)
___Book to read, pens, pencils, diary writing paper, stamps….
___Vitamins / personal first aid kit – You will not be able to get these items there

SPENDING MONEY

Vamonos will cover most of your meals and activities while in Cuba as per the itinerary*. You will need money for:

___ONE meal per day, usually dinner ($15-$20 is more than plenty per meal), snacks, internet, calls, optional activities, miscellaneous items, and donations.
___CASH EXCHANGE– Exchanging US dollars for CUCs will cost you around 13% in fees (the government charges a 10% dollar fee plus an exchange fee).
___ BRING CASH (minimum of $35 per day is suggested). Bring more if you are planning to buy gifts and other items. Plan to bring as much as you think you will need. CREDIT and DEBIT cards DO NOT work in Cuba at present, but this may change in the near future.  It is up to individual banks to decide if they will allow this in the future so check with your bank to find out.

* For those traveling with limited meals and services offered, we suggest planning on bringing $100 per day to cover lunch, dinner, snacks, transportation, tips, gifts, internet, entrance fees….)

Tipping suggestions

We recommend the following for your group:

​Tour Guide: 6 CUC per day per person; Bus Driver: 3 CUC per day per person; Meals:
2 CUC per meal per person; Tour Manager: $4 USD per day per person

WHAT NOT TO BRING

  • Traveler’s checks
  • Any expensive equipment that could get lost (fancy camera, laptops, etc.)
  • Credit cards
  • Knives, weapons, or dangerous equipment which are all forbidden.

ON THE DAY YOU LEAVE

  • Wear comfortable clothes without any metal for flight
  • Make sure your contact information is on each bag, even on carry-on.
  • Double check you have your passport, photo ID, documents, itinerary, and cash with you.
  • Make sure any important medicine is in your carry-on in case luggage is lost.
  • Be well rested. Drink plenty of liquids the day before you leave.
  • Arrive to the airport early. You will NOT be eligible for a refund due to a missed flight.