What to Bring
THINGS TO BRING TO CUBA ON YOUR OWN
Though all gifts are well received, many folks want to understand which items are needed. For instance, Band-Aids, though helpful, aren’t a much-needed item. Please review this “living-list” and consider packing an extra bag, or which items can fit in your luggage. All items should be shelf stable.
One thing to consider is the space/cost relationship. For instance, powdered milk is in high demand. However, the cost per kilogram in Habana is typically the same as on Amazon. In this case, a financial donation makes more sense than packing a pound of powdered milk.
NOTE: DO NOT BRING ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Medicines
- Antibiotics: penicillin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin
- Blood Thinners: apixaban, rivaroxaban, warfarin
- Antidiarrheals and laxatives
- Anti-anemics: ferrous fumarate, iron, folic acid
- Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, Excedrin or any generic
- Multivitamins: kids, prenatal, adults, +50
- Supplements: Iron, melatonin, omega, folic acid
- Antihistamines: Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl
- Any of the above, but in liquid form, ie suspension
- Cold medicine: Nyquil, Dayquil, Pepto, Theraflu
- Iodine
- Electrolyte powders
- Bedsore/wound care creams and supplies
- Inhalers: salbutamol, salmeterol
- Menthol gel/cream: Bengay
Medical Supplies
- Needles and syringes (all gauges)
- Thermometers (glass preferred)
- IV catheters and tubing
- Stethocopes
- Manual blood pressure cuffs
- Urinary catheters
- Pediatric & adult Nebulizers
- Oxygen nasal cannulas
- Diabetic supplies: glucose monitors, strips, medications
- Gauze and dressings: all types
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Surgical Gloves
- Compression Socks
- Colonoscopy Supplies
Hygiene Products
- Menstrual Products: menstrual cups, tampons, pads
- Dental Products: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Condoms
- Reading Glasses (cheaters)
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Soap/Shampoo
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray with DEET or IR3535
- Deodorant
- Hot Water Bottle
- Adult and Children’s Diapers
- Hairbrushes/Combs
Electronics
- Power Bank/Battery Backup
- Solar Panels with Batteries
- Thumb Drives
- Surge Protectors/Extension Cords
- Extension Cords
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Rechargeable Flashlights
- Lanterns
- Computers
- Unlocked Phones – Android is preferred
- iPads
Materials
- Bicycles: Tubes, Tires, Seats, Chains
- Fishing Supplies: Hooks, Floats, Monofilament
- Sandpaper
- Drill Bits
- Saw Blades
- Solder
- Shoes
- Sheets/Towels
- Guitar Strings, Reed, Sticks, Valve Oil
- Reusable Shopping Bags
Food
- Goya – Anything – Chorizo is much Prized
- Canned Meats – Tuna, Ham – High Protein
- Beef, Chicken, Lamb, or Pork Bullion
- Nuts: Almonds, Cashews, Peanuts
- Granola Bars
- Coffee – Café La Llave
- Cutting Boards
For Children
- Shoes
- Notebooks
- Crayons/Markers/Chalk
- Backpacks
- Small Toys
- Dolls
- Playdoh
FAQ
The best way you can help is with a cash donation to Corazon for Cuba. Your generosity allows us to buy prescription medication at up to 90% off US prices. Your cash donation will provide medicine, wheelchairs, feminine hygiene products, dietary supplements, and other essential equipment. We accept cash donations as well as equipment and sealed medicine.
Your donations will be used to procure and transport medicine to the Corazón for Cuba warehouse in Havana. From there it will be distributed from a free pharmacy to Cuban’s in need, or directly to Hospitals. We take great care to ensure that the medicine we provide is not resold or ends up on the black market. We have extremely low administrative costs, including tax filing fees and this website. We are all volunteers, and no one has a salary.
Yes, we are federally recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization with the IRS 99-3405658 and registered with the Texas Secretary of State. Upon receiving a donation of $100 or more, you will receive a letter with our Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Although all gifts are well received, many folks don’t understand which items are needed. For instance, Band-Aids aren’t a high-demand item. If you would like help packing a bag, please let us know. We do offer a $1-for-$1 donation service that is tax-deductible.
Please review the living ‘What to Bring’ list and consider packing an extra bag, or consider which items can fit in your carry-on luggage. All items should be shelf-stable. Please note that if you gather your own supplies, it is NOT tax deductible.
You can also see our Amazon Wish List. Please note if you order any of these items, please ensure they are sent to your address. You will be the one carrying them, so make decisions based on your spatial constraints.
Wheelchairs are always in need, and did you know that airlines are required to transport them regardless of whether you are handicapped? AA, DELTA & SW will all allow you to check a wheelchair free of charge. A new Wheelchair can be delivered to your door for a one-time $129 donation.
Yes, and we hope you visit Cuba. Three US airlines, American, Delta, & Southwest, currently fly to Habana. You only need to purchase a Visa at the airport on the day of your travel. If you are traveling with the stated intention of ‘Aiding the Cuban People,’ the US State Department does not object to your visit. Please note that there may be idiosyncrasies to traveling in Cuba, so it is recommended to research housing, currency, credit card options, and meal choices before booking your trip.
There are other airlines that also travel to Cuba. An incomplete list includes: COPA, Aeromexico, Cayman Airlines, and Iberia (until June 1),
- Novelacuba.com – is the go-to site for downloading a Visa. However, you can only do it 5 days before you get on your flight. You will need your flight information, passport number, and other personal data. The cost is €23, and they will send you the link directly to your phone. Pay by Credit Card. Do not fall for the older $49 or $112 fee options where they mail you the pink card. Those days are over. You can also, rent a car from this site, but please reserve well in advance.
- D’Viajeros – This is a health declaration form that the Cuban government requires you to fill out prior to arriving at the airport in Cuba. You will be asked for it by Cuban Customs. Please note that the country of origin and citizenship for US Citizens is sorted at the beginning of the ‘U’s, and is listed as USA; instead of before Uruguay, or under ‘E’ for Estados Unidos, where it should be alphabetically.
- LaNave – The rideshare of Cuba, La Nave doesn’t allow you to pay with CC, but it does allow you to call a cab if you have cellular/Wi-Fi. It also predetermines the rate so that you don’t need to negotiate the price. All payments are in cash, and tipping is appreciated. You can also watch where you’re going or the taxi coming on a map, if you have cellular service.
- ElToque.com – this cultural and news site is essential for following the currency exchange rates of $ USD, € Euro, $ CAD, and many other currencies. Cash can be a very complicated issue in Cuba. Just remember, as a US citizen,, you can’t bring more money into Cuba, so it’s better to bring more than you’ll need. Also, remember to bring crisp, clean, untorn, brand-new bills with no nicks, writing, or stamps.
- Maps.me – It is a free app that allows you to download maps of Cuba to be used with GPS technology when you don’t have internet or Wi-Fi. Download the Cuba and Havana maps before you arrive.
- Revolico.com – this is the Craigslist of Cuba and is not so much a need as a very curious site. Buy a car, sell a phone, rent an apartment.
