Cuba...what to take

Saint_Chris

Hi
Daugther is going to cuba, has anyone got a list of essential things that she needs to take.

thanks

alanrowell

Holiday, to work, as a student?

For how long, when...

musicboy

Enough cash, there are about 2 cash points on the whole island and a couple of banks ... at the very least make sure she knows her pin numbers and has a contingency plan in place for readies !

pboae

As Alan Rowell says, why, where and for how long? There are plenty of cash points in Havana, but few and far between elsewhere. There are banks and branches of Cadeca everywhere, but there is a huge surcharge (11%) to withdraw cash over the counter, plus any charge your bank makes. Handy in an emergency though. We were told by everyone that our debit cards wouldn't work, but all our debit and credit cards worked fine (all non-US issued).

Sun screen, DEET, after sun and good moisturiser are hard to find. Shower gel, soap and shampoo are widely available.

If she is spending a while there and travelling there is a lot more stuff I'd suggest. If she's going to an all inclusive resort for 2 weeks then all she needs really are her clothes and toiletries.

Saint_Chris

Hi

They are 2 friends who are going all inclusive, for 2 weeks

i was just thinking about essentials like immodeum, torch, face cloth etc thanks

pboae

The all inclusive resorts have everything you would expect from a 'western' destination, including towels, etc. So just the same as they would take anywhere else, i.e. sun screen, after sun, toiletries, make up, clothes, etc.

Personally I always take a small first aid kit with stuff like diarolyte, immodium, anti septic, canestan, anti histamine cream and pills etc. Even if they are widely available it's a lot easier if you have your own immediately to hand when they are needed.

shudd1967

Would agree with above postings as to what to take but I think if you are in the Vardero area there is more available to buy. We have stayed in Guardalavca twice and this year there was more available to buy in the way of sun creams toothpaste etc but it can vary as to what they can actually get as don't forget they are still under massive trade embargos. It is also quite expensive to buy stuff too. We always take extra toiletries and sun creams, also buying it in boots in departures to help with luggage allowance and then leave it all behind for the Cubans

My partner became quite ill over there with bronchitus and I ws really worried about the lack of medicines and how much it would cost, however, it took an hour to get three types of anti biotics and drugs after being diagnosed by the hotel doctor and this supply plus 3 visits to the doctor cost just £45! So If you do run out of tablets and get a bad stomoch or something the hotel doctor will be able to help.

Take plenty of sterling to change, you get same rates at hotels. only 7 months til we go back!