Cuba is a fascinating country, but it can be confusing for first-time visitors: from often unreliable public transportation to a distinctive Cuban accent, which makes communication difficult even for Spanish speakers, it’s easy to get lost. And if there is one country in the world where you need to be well prepared, then its’ Cuba. One of the key things on my list whenever we go to a new country is how we will charge our electronics. Our first visit to Cuba was no exception. And so, here to help you plan your trip to Cuba, we’re covering power adapters and electricity in Cuba.
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In this article on electricity and which power adapters to use in Cuba, we’ll cover which sockets are used, and which plugs and adapters you need in Cuba. Plus there are details on voltage in Cuba, and what to expect in casa particulars and hotels.
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You’ll know that electricity supplies in different parts of the world can range from 100 to 240 volts. Using an electrical appliance rated for a voltage different than the supply can be extremely dangerous. If you travel frequently, you are aware that each country has its own power plugs and wall sockets. You may need to use a voltage converter or transformer in Cuba because voltage varies from country to country. The normal operation of an electrical appliance may be affected if the frequency is different.
What is the electricity supply like in Cuba?
Cuba uses BOTH a 110 and a 220V supply voltage with a 60Hz frequency. Although most hotels in Cuba use 110V power, some of the newer hotels use 220V. The same is true in casa particulars. So bring your regular phone or laptop charger, hairdryer, or shaver to Cuba and charge them from a hotel or a casa particular wall socket. Because the infrastructure has improved in recent years, there is no need to be concerned about the availability of electricity in Cuba.
Do you need a voltage converter in Cuba?
The standard voltage and frequency in Cuba are 110V and 220 V and 60 Hz, respectively.
So keep your eyes open!
Yes, that’s right, in Cuba, two different voltages (110 and 220 V) are used.
The voltage you will encounter will vary depending on the region, city, and even the casa particular and hotel. If the local voltage exceeds the maximum voltage of your appliances, you won’t be able to use them.
Your hosts in hotels and casa particulars will usually label the sockets, so you know what the voltage is.
A voltage converter is potentially needed, depending on where you’re coming from!
By looking at the appliance rating details on your devices, you can tell whether you’ll need to use a converter or a transformer. A combined power plug adapter/voltage converter is another option. To be safe, we carry a multi-converter, so that no matter where we are we’re always covered.
Some sources claim that you can use your appliances without a converter in Cuba. They are unlikely to be damaged, but they may not function properly. Use a converter if you don’t want to take any chances. You’ll also need a voltage converter if the local voltage is lower than in your home country.
What type of plugs are needed in Cuba?
In Cuba, flat, two-pin plugs are the most common. They are common if you’re coming from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. There are also combined sockets in some accommodations where a Euro-plug can be used. However, if your devices DON’T use this type of plug, you should bring an adapter, which should be included in your packing list. Our full Cuba packing list is here.
The twin rectangular prongs of Type A/B are of North American design. As a result, you’ll be able to plug your device directly into a Cuban socket in many cases. Type C plugs, which have twin round prongs and are common in Europe, are also common in Cuba, so you’ll need the US to Europe Power Adapter to charge your electronics.
There’s (unfortunately) no guarantee which socket you’ll find in your accommodation. And with Cuba, it’s best to be prepared for either of them.
What do Type A plugs and Type A sockets look like?
What do Type B plugs and Type B sockets look like?
What do Type C plugs and Type C sockets look like?
What power adapters are needed in Cuba?
When visiting Cuba, the type of plug adapter, converter, or charger you’ll need will be determined by the voltage and type of device you’re trying to charge in a Cuban power outlet. If you’re not sure what voltage your device runs on, please read the section below on how to tell if it’s a dual-voltage or single-voltage device before proceeding.
Here are some tips about plugs and adapters when you travel to Cuba:
- If you are visiting Cuba from the United States, you should bring a power adapter because US Type A or B outlets may not be readily available.
- If your device runs on 110 volts or is dual voltage, and the plug fits in a Cuban power outlet, it will work without a plug adapter in Cuba.
- If your device can run on 110 volts or is dual voltage but your plug won’t fit in a Cuban power outlet, you’ll need to bring a Type C plug adapter. Please note that a plug adapter for Cuba (also known as a power adapter) is designed to change the shape of the plug on your device so that it can fit into a plug outlet in Cuba, but it will not change the voltage from 110 volts to another voltage.
- If your device isn’t dual voltage and doesn’t run on 110 volts, you’ll need a power converter for Cuba to convert the voltage from 110 volts to the correct voltage for your device. If your power converter does not include the correct Type C plug adapter, you will still need to use a suitable plug adapter for Cuba.
We recommend bringing a Universal Adapter with you to ensure that you can charge any of your electronics in Cuba, regardless of whether you encounter a Type A, B, or C outlet. This adapter has a fuse that will protect your devices in the event of a power surge. It’s also compatible in over 150 countries around the world, so it’ll most likely keep you covered on future travels.
What is the recommended power adapter for Cuba?
When visiting Cuba, it is recommended that you bring an international travel power adapter. This is compatible with the majority of 2-pole plugs. It’s the safest way to connect your non-grounded, portable devices all over the world.
The built-in safety shutters on this International Travel Power Adapter protect users from direct contact with the live parts on the socket outlet. It works in over 150 countries around the world.
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR EXPLORING CUBA INDEPENDENTLY
These are the resources and booking sites that we use when traveling to Cuba.
-Get a Cuba Travel and Medical Insurance Quote from Visitors Coverage here –
Alternatively, Civitatis Insurance is a great option for the required insurance for Cuba.
Read about the Cuba eVisa, and buy your Cuban eVisa here.
Flying via the USA and relying on entry with an ESTA? Read this.
Book your Viazul Bus tickets here
Use Daytrip to book transport between cities AND to sightsee along the way
Pre-book and prepay shared & private shuttles here
Book the best FREE Walking Tours in Cuba
Reserve attractions, day trips, and activities in Cuba here
Get online in Cuba EASILY with a Cuba SIM Card – prepay for a Cuba SIM card here, or read my guide to Cuba physical SIMs here.
Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Cuba > discount coupon here
Book Accommodation in Cuba’s Casa Particular here
Final Words on Electricity in Cuba
Cuba has modernized its electrical infrastructure in recent years. In casa particulars, and international hotels you’ll find availability of either 110 volts or 220 volts (or both) options are now available. It’s unlikely that you’ll know ahead of time what the sockets and voltages will be like in the casa particular or hotel that you stay in, therefore it’s recommended to take a power converter to Cuba with you on your trip.
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