Cuba Power Outages: Travel Preparation Guide

Power outages in Cuba can affect much more than lighting. They may interrupt air conditioning, elevators, water pumps, WiFi, mobile networks, card terminals, refrigeration and transportation services. Travellers should prepare for short interruptions as well as longer disruptions.

Practical advice: keep essential documents offline, carry a charged power bank, store drinking water when appropriate, and confirm the hotel or casa backup-power arrangements before arrival.

How power cuts can affect a trip

Hotels: some properties use generators, but coverage may be limited to essential areas.
Casas particulares: backup capacity varies widely.
Internet and phones: routers, antennas and charging all depend on electricity.
Water: pumps may stop in some buildings.
Payments: card terminals and ATMs may be unavailable.
Food: refrigeration becomes more difficult during prolonged outages.
Transportation: fuel access, street lighting and communications can be affected.

Hotels, generators and realistic expectations

Large resorts may have generators, but a generator does not always power the entire property. Essential lighting, kitchens, reception areas or water systems may receive priority while elevators, room air conditioning, restaurants or other services remain limited.

Backup systems can also depend on fuel availability and maintenance. Travellers should ask recent, property-specific questions rather than assuming every resort has uninterrupted service.

Questions to ask your hotel or host

Is there a working generator?
Which areas remain powered?
Does the generator support air conditioning, elevators and water pumps?
Is WiFi available during an outage?
How are meals and refrigeration managed?
Are rechargeable lights available in rooms?
Has the property recently experienced long interruptions?

What to pack

Power bank and charging cables
Small rechargeable flashlight
Offline copies of travel documents and QR codes
Offline maps and translation tools
Any essential medication in your carry-on bag
Cash for situations where electronic payment is unavailable
A compact multi-port charger if several devices must be recharged
A small battery-operated fan for travellers sensitive to heat

Protect your documents and communications

Do not depend on one phone, one app or continuous mobile data. Save screenshots of reservations, insurance details, flight information, addresses and entry documents. Keep an emergency contact written on paper and share key details with a trusted person before departure.

Download maps and translation tools for offline use. Review the Internet in Cuba guide for additional preparation.

Payments during an outage

Card terminals and ATMs may be unavailable when electricity or communications fail. Carry appropriate cash and divide it between secure locations. Avoid relying on a single card or digital wallet. The Cuba currency guide explains practical payment preparation.

Water, food and medication

Some buildings depend on electric pumps, so water pressure may fall during an outage. Keep a reasonable supply of drinking water when advised by the accommodation. Avoid opening refrigerators unnecessarily during long interruptions.

Travellers who use temperature-sensitive medication should discuss safe storage with a health professional before travel and confirm what backup refrigeration is available at the accommodation.

During an outage

Use battery power carefully.
Avoid elevators until electricity is stable.
Keep refrigerator doors closed.
Confirm meeting points with travel companions.
Use flashlights instead of open flames.
Check official or property-specific updates when communications return.
Do not assume visible phone signal means mobile data is working.

Before leaving the hotel

Charge devices whenever electricity is available. Carry the hotel address, room number and emergency contact offline. At night, use extra caution because street and building lighting may be reduced.