However, alongside these up-and-coming dining establishments are food vendors and casual eateries that aren\u2019t quite high-quality. Cuba\u2019s aging infrastructure also means that drinking water in Cuba can be tricky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make things worse, Cuba\u2019s hot, rainy climate<\/a> creates the ideal conditions for pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and molds to flourish. Yuck!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, this guide will provide you with the right information and tools in your travel kit. Follow our tips, and you will surely have an awesome (and healthy!) trip.<\/p>\n\n\n As a general rule, you should avoid tap water in Cuba and stick to drinking bottled water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This includes mixed drinks made with tap water and beverages containing ice made from tap water (pro tip: when drinking water in Cuba at local restaurants, ask for your drinks without ice).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Poor sanitation, old pipes, pollution, exposure to human waste, and pesticide run-off are all factors that impact water quality. Although drinking water in Cuba is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria, pollution is still a risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another fact about Cuba<\/a> is that even perfectly safe water for the local population may give you traveler\u2019s diarrhea. That’s because your stomach is not used to the water’s bacterial makeup. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), between 20 and 50% of tourists traveling to other countries will suffer from traveler\u2019s diarrhea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Say no thanks to stomach aches!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since bottled water is most commonly consumed by tourists and international travelers, head to where the tourists are! Many large hotels and resorts that cater to international clientele have bottled water for sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan on staying in a resort, getting water will be as easy as stopping by the hotel for dinner to pick up a few bottles. However, if you stay in a casa particular or Airbnb in Cuba<\/a>, you\u2019ll have to plan a separate trip and stock up on a few days\u2019 worth of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be warned: bottled water from hotels can be expensive. You can pick up a small bottle for about 15 CUP (the Cuban currency<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also get bottled water from small shops, like TRDs and Tiendas Panamericanas<\/em>, and from high-end paladares<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cuba has an average temperature<\/a> of 81F during the summer. It drops to about 70F during January, the coldest time of the year. The point is, Cuba is going to make you thirsty!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t let Cuba\u2019s heavy annual rainfall fool you into thinking the island has unlimited water. Quite the opposite! Cuba is currently in the grips of a shortage of drinkable water<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are backpacking Cuba<\/a>, water availability may be even worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since water bottles are not always easy to come by and tap water is best avoided, you should have a Plan B for getting clean, safe water.<\/p>\n\n\n A water bottle with a built-in filter can make the difference between staying hydrated and going thirsty (or worse, getting sick in Cuba!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n A reusable bottle like this one from LifeStraw<\/a> uses a two-stage carbon filter to purify harmful contaminants like waterborne bacteria, parasites, and chlorine.<\/p>\n\n\n Keeping your hands clean is an important part of your everyday hygiene routine. Still, it becomes imperative when you travel to a new country. This is especially true if you travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To keep your hands clean and healthy, the CDC recommends<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Purell\u2019s hand sanitize<\/a>r is popular with travelers because you can latch it onto the outside of your backpack. At 1 ounce per bottle, it\u2019s small enough to go through airport security<\/a> without hassle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For anything other than your hands (like your spork, for example!), you should bring a bottle of safe, biodegradable travel soap<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soap will be easier to come by in large cities like Havana<\/a> and Santiago de Cuba. Still, it may be scarce off the beaten path in rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using soap is essential to disinfect your gear of any tropical bacteria it may have picked up along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are considered \u201chigh-risk\u201d foods and great examples of what not to eat in Cuba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The International Association for Medical Assistance for Travellers (IAMAT)<\/a> offers this advice: \u201cBOIL IT, COOK IT, PEEL IT, OR FORGET IT.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eating raw or undercooked food is a serious health risk and should be avoided at all costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dishes containing beans and roots are typically safe to eat in Cuba since they need to be cooked anyway. Check out for bananas, yucca, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, frijoles negros (black beans), and other potajes<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rinsing your fruits and vegetables under hot water will clean off dirt and debris, and harmful bacteria lurking on the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that washing your veggies with dirty, stagnant, or contaminated water can introduce new bacteria to your food. Only use water that is clean and from a known origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Peeling your fruits and vegetables is beneficial because it removes any outer skin that may have previously come into contact with harmful bacteria. You can easily peel most fruits and veggies with a small Swiss Army Knife<\/a>. (Note: if you plan to pack a Swiss Army Knife, you need to put it in your checked bag since it\u2019s not allowed in the plane\u2019s cabin).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Milk that has not been pasteurized is considered \u201craw\u201d and can harbor dangerous bacteria and pathogens like E. Coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are especially vulnerable to food-borne illnesses. However, that doesn\u2019t mean young and healthy adults are immune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t take the risk!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping your food safe means keeping it cool in Cuba\u2019s hot, humid climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend using a small, portable cooler to keep your food from spoiling. One like this<\/a> is perfect for the beach or long, scenic hikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What not to eat in Cuba? Definitely, street foods. Cuba is known for its delicious street food, but that from a food stall or a street vendor can come with health risks. Also, avoid vendors roaming on the Cuban beaches<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Food sold from street stalls often doesn\u2019t benefit from the same sanitation and refrigeration level as food from restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you take a risk and order food from a street vendor, be extremely careful with fish. Certain local fish, especially from Cuba\u2019s southern coast, can become poisonous (siguato<\/em>) by eating toxic sea vegetation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you\u2019ve had a crash course in food safety in Cuba, it\u2019s time for the fun part!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paladares are a great option for budget-savvy travelers. Expect to spend 10-25 USD on a meal, which will not likely hit hard on your holiday budget for Cuba. Eating at paladares is also an activity that qualifies for the Support for the Cuban People license<\/a>, if you travel from the US. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out the list of Cuba\u2019s top restaurants ranked by CubaPaladar<\/a>, which reviews the island\u2019s culinary scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This list is a great place to start your Cuban culinary adventure. Still, you can find many more recommendations in LonelyPlanet\u2019s Pocket Havana Travel Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buen provecho!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Selecting food in a foreign country can be especially challenging for people who suffer from a food allergy, especially if there\u2019s a language barrier. Be extra careful when choosing exotic or unknown foods. Ask locals about the food ingredients and additives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel health insurance is an entry requirement to Cuba<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s also highly recommended. Nobody wants to think about getting sick on vacation, but it does happen occasionally. You don\u2019t want to be in a situation where you\u2019re far from home and unable to pay for medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insubuy<\/a> offers flexible health insurance policies for travelers visiting Cuba from the US<\/a>, Canada, or anywhere in the world. They will cover your medical emergencies at a reasonable budget, starting at 8 USD per week per person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t leave home without any prescription medications you\u2019ll need to take during your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid being unprepared, create a list of all your prescription and any over-the-counter medications you may need. Don\u2019t cross them off the list until they are packed securely in your travel bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, many medical situations you\u2019re likely to encounter abroad won\u2019t fall into the \u201cmedical emergency\u201d category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some essentials like basic medications and emergency supplies can help you overcome minor issues or discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a list of items the CDC recommends you pack<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find many of these items in pre-packed First Aid kits like this one<\/a>. Designed with travelers in mind, this kit comes with 300 essentials packed into a small, lightweight bag you can easily slip into your backpack or suitcase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that if you have a specific health condition (chronic disease, pregnancy, compromised immune system), you may need additional supplies. The CDC\u2019s Traveler Information Center provides suggestions for travelers with specific health needs under \u201cTypes of Travelers.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A card that identifies key information about you, like your blood type, allergies, important medications, or chronic illnesses you suffer from, can be helpful to hospital staff. Make sure the information is translated into the local language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cards can be lost or misplaced, but a personalized medical bracelet<\/a> will remain attached safely to your wrist in an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spork is the Swiss Army Knife for eating utensils. It\u2019s a spoon, fork, and knife in one convenient package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to being useful, it\u2019s also a safe and sanitary way to eat while traveling. If you\u2019re in a situation where you don\u2019t have access to cutlery (like hiking or backpacking in a remote area), having a spork makes all the difference<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any time you travel, you want to have an adequate supply of snacks and water with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you get hungry at the airport, late at night in your hotel room, or while on a guided tour through Cuba\u2019s rugged wilderness, some healthy snacks<\/a> will give you the energy you need to power through the day.<\/p>\n\n\n Let’s say you didn’t follow our guide to what not to eat in Cuba \ud83d\ude41<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will want to know that salmonella, E. Coli, listeria, Norovirus, and Campylobacter are the most common foodborne illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms and severity vary, but fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration are common and may require medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A fever is a sure sign that your body is fighting off an infection. Pack a digital thermometer<\/a> with you if you feel like you\u2019re coming down with a fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Mayo Clinic<\/a>, fever symptoms include sweating, chills, hotness, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your sickness isn\u2019t serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital, you\u2019ll want to have some over-the-counter products on hand to mitigate the nasty symptoms and flush the toxins out of your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pepto Bismol<\/a> can help settle your stomach, and Aspirin <\/a>can help reduce your fever. Always seek the advice of a medical professional regarding which medications are best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that vomiting and diarrhea result in your body losing a lot of fluids and can lead to dehydration, worsening your condition. Be sure to drink plenty of (clean, filtered) water to keep hydrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are in an emergency during your trip, you should have a few important numbers on hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See the list of numbers below. Write those down and keep them with you at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Internet connectivity is not widespread on the island, so you don\u2019t want to wait until there\u2019s an emergency to discover that Googling the number for the Fire Department isn\u2019t going to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emergency contacts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, please check out a list of hospitals and physicians available<\/a> in advance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes an illness you contract in a foreign country won\u2019t present symptoms until days later. After you return from your Cuba trip, keep an eye out for any of the following symptoms<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have any of the above symptoms, call your healthcare provider to set up an appointment to be evaluated by a medical professional. Tell them you\u2019ve recently been to Cuba and the date you came home from your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be prepared to answer the following questions when you speak with your doctor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cuba is a culinary gem with options to satisfy every taste and palette. Hundreds of new restaurants have opened thanks to the recent relaxation in policies on the island. They are just waiting to share some of Cuba\u2019s best-known national dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While Cuba has much to offer its visitors, keep in mind that Cuba is still a developing country, and there are certain health risks you should be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the guidelines we discussed, you\u2019ll know what steps to take to stay healthy (plus what to do in case you get sick!) and what to eat versus what not to eat in Cuba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you visited Cuba, or do you have an upcoming trip planned? What dish are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cuban Tourist Card \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>If your\u00a0Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa)<\/a>\u00a0isn\u2019t bundled into your airline ticket or travel package, buy it only through\u00a0EasyTouristCard<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Travel Health Insurance \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you can\u2019t skip it. Travelers can get travel health insurance for Cuba<\/a> via\u00a0Insubuy<\/a>. Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required.<\/p>\n Essential Items to Pack –\u00a0<\/strong>Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba:<\/p>\n Read our complete packing list for Cuba<\/a>.<\/p>\n Find Accommodations –\u00a0<\/strong>Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Skyscanner<\/a>, which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba.<\/p>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Drinking Water in Cuba: Can You Drink the Water in Cuba?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where to buy bottled water in Cuba?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pro tip: plan for the unexpected<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Drinking](\"https:\/\/www.tourepublic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Filtered-Water-Bottle-for-Cuba.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat Not to Eat in Cuba: Basic Food Safety Measures<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.tourepublic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/What-not-to-eat-in-Cuba-Coconut-Water-Street-Vendor-in-Cuba.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWash your hands<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Keep your things clean on the go<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don’t eat raw vegetables, fruits, or eggs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Avoid undercooked and prepared foods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wash and peel fruits and vegetables<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don’t consume unpasteurized dairy products<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Transport food safely<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don’t buy food from street vendors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eat at restaurants recommended by the experts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pick your foods smartly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Bring to Avoid Getting Sick in Cuba?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Is](\"https:\/\/www.tourepublic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Is-Cuba-safe-pack-your-medications-850x564.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nGet travel health insurance for Cuba<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pack your prescription medications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bring a travel health kit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Carry a card with your health information in the local language<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The spork<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bring some healthy snacks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Do if You Feel Sick in Cuba?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.tourepublic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/What-not-to-eat-in-Cuba-Getting-Sick.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nCommon food-related illnesses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take over-the-counter products<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Find medical help<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
What to do if you get sick after travel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A Comer!<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Roast](\"https:\/\/www.tourepublic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Roast-Pigs-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEssential Travel Logistics For Cuba<\/h4>\n
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