Here we present official information from Cuban Customs on what you can bring to the island, items that do not pay tax and how tariffs are calculated and paid.
Many Cubans living outside the country have doubts about what they can bring in their luggage, which products are exempt from payment and the currency used to pay Cuban taxes.
According to official information provided to us by Cuban Customs on previous occasions, travelers may bring the baggage and weight allowed by the airline, as long as they do not exceed the maximum import value of $1000.00 or 125 kg.
It is important to distinguish between goods consisting of personal effects, miscellaneous items, appliances and products that do not pay tax and have no limit.
What products do not pay tax in Cuba?
- Personal effects, including items such as laptops, cell phones or tablets (up to 25 kg).
- Miscellaneous (clothes, shoes, etc.): up to 5 kg or $50.99
- Medical supplies, medicines, hygiene and food.
What happens if you exceed the miscellaneous limit or if you bring equipment into Cuba? How is the tax paid in this case?
Cuba Customs Tax 2024
Cuban customs levy a tax on the importation of items that exceed the allowed limit, whether they are sundries or household appliances. The total value of what you import must not exceed $1000.00 dollars according to current regulations.
To find out how much you will have to pay for appliances, you should consult the Customs Valuation List, where everything is priced in dollars. For example, a cell phone is valued at $80. (Although prices are in dollars, payment is made in Cuban pesos).
In what currency do you pay Cuban customs? Payment in national currency or in USD depends on whether or not you are a resident of Cuba and whether or not it is your first import of the year.
If you live in Cuba and you import for the first time this year, you can pay in Cuban pesos. If you have imported before or live outside of Cuba, you are charged for the importation in US dollars and must pay in Cuban pesos, with an exchange rate of 24 pesos to each dollar.
For miscellaneous items (clothing, footwear), $10.00 is added for each additional kilogram. Remember that payment is made in Cuban pesos.
