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Traditional markets and authentic discoveries
Shopping in Cuba is a unique experience that brings with it both charm and challenges. Whether it's fresh food in bustling markets, high-quality products in modern shopping centers or a handmade souvenir from Cuba in small craft stores - the selection is varied, but often limited. Patience and flexibility are required here, as many products are not always readily available. Nevertheless, Cuba offers authentic shopping opportunities that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and always have surprises in store.
Supermarkets and stores
There are no traditional supermarkets in Cuba, but rather large halls such as the "Plaza Carlos III" and the "Mercado de Cuatro Caminos" in Havana. Due to import shortages and payment problems, many products are scarce and expensive. Grocery shopping in Cuba, especially in a Cuban supermarket, can be challenging as the selection is limited. International companies such as Spar and Italsav expand the selection, and foreigners can pay with international currencies and bank cards in certain stores.
Farmers' markets offer locally grown food, which varies by region. Early shopping is advisable as the choice is limited. Agriculture uses few artificial means, which influences the taste of the products. Meat and regulated eggs are available, and large weekly markets are ideal for shopping.
✓ Discover fresh produce at farmers' markets
✓ Go early to secure the best selection
✓ Buy handicrafts and experience the market atmosphere
✓ Taste local specialties at street stalls
✓ Be open to new tastes and culinary adventures
✓ Stock up when products are available
✓ Be patient and join queues early on
✓ Bring mineral water, snacks and important medication from home
✓ Use a rental car to drive to supermarkets flexibly
✓ Buy authentic cigars and rum from trusted suppliers
✓ Calculate high prices
✓ Take handicrafts, coffee and rum with you as souvenirs
Unforgettable group trips to Cuba
Experience Cuba with Sprachcaffe! Discover the island in group tours, learn Spanish, immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy unforgettable adventures. Don't miss out on our offers:
Highlights of Cuba
- 8 selected highlights in 8 days
- Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos etc.
- Hiking in the Topes de Collantes National Park
Treasures of the Caribbean
- green Viñales Valley with its tobacco plantations
- Mexico's Mayan sites, e.g. Chichén Itzá
- Dream beaches Tulum and Playa del Carmen
Cuba's green west
- Cuba's most beautiful landscapes
- Dreamlike white sandy beaches on Cayo Levisa
- Orchid gardens, waterfalls and the tobacco factory in Pinar del Río
Shopping in Cuba
There are various shopping options in Cuba, from Cuba supermarkets and shopping centers to small street vendors. Supermarkets offer basic groceries, while smaller markets sell fresh local produce such as fruit, vegetables and meat. Drugstore items are available in specialty stores, and kiosks and bakeries offer snacks and baked goods.
Souvenir stores in Cuba offer handmade souvenirs, while craft markets showcase traditional Cuban handicrafts such as jewelry, paintings or typical Cuban clothing. These places are ideal for unique souvenirs of Cuban culture.
Buying food in Cuba can be difficult and expensive, especially when it comes to imported products. Medicines are often in limited supply, so important medicines should be brought with you. Despite these limitations, local markets offer fresh produce to supplement the supply.
Cuba is known for rum and tobacco. Rum is available in supermarkets and specialized stores, with many brands and ages. Cigars and other tobacco products are often sold directly from plantations. Rum and tobacco are perfect souvenirs from Cuba to take a piece of the Cuban way of life home with you.
Traditional Cuban bread is simple and cheap, but variable in quality. In addition to state-run bakeries, private bakeries and cafés offer more creative, higher quality baked goods and snacks at higher prices. A visit to these bakeries can enrich your culinary experience.
Markets and street vendors are omnipresent in Cuba. The regional markets sell fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish directly from local farmers. Street vendors in the cities offer a variety of fresh products. These places are ideal for experiencing real Cuban life and discovering unique products.
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Essential places to go in Cuba: Bodegas, kiosks and Etecsa
Bodegas
The Cuban bodegas, originally warehouses, historically played a central role in the trade of the cities, especially under Spanish influence. After the revolution, they were nationalized and became less important, but developed into an essential part of the Cuban social system. Today, they are at the heart of the "Canasta Básica de Alimentos", a state-subsidized basket of goods that is distributed through the "Libreta de abastecimiento" rationing system.
This system ensures that all Cubans, regardless of income, have access to basic foodstuffs such as rice, oil, bread and sugar. Although the supply is severely limited and often only lasts for the first 10 to 15 days of the month, it remains an important support for low-income families. The future of Libreta is controversial, with some calling for more targeted support, while others believe the system is essential.
Private kiosks
Private kiosks are widespread in Cuba and mainly offer fast food such as sandwiches, hamburgers and juices.
These kiosks are an inexpensive alternative to eating in restaurants and are very popular with locals.
Etecsa
Etecsa is the only telecommunications company in Cuba and can often be found in central city buildings and small container kiosks. Here you can buy top-up cards for mobile and internet services and get help with problems with tourist phone cards.
Street vending in Cuba: diversity and tradition in everyday urban life
Street vendors characterize the cityscape of Cuba, especially in large cities such as Havana and Santiago de Cuba. They offer a variety of products, from handicrafts and souvenirs of Cuba to food and drinks for tourists. Craft vendors are widespread in tourist areas, well organized and offer their wares at uniform prices. Fruit and drink stalls, often mobile, provide tourists with fresh tropical fruits and cocktails. Food vendors ("carretilleros") offer good quality fruit, vegetables and other foodstuffs, often at slightly higher prices than at markets. The traditional "manisero" sells peanuts and is known for his chanted sales calls. Resellers offer imported and local products often without authorization at inflated prices, but remain firmly anchored in Cuban street culture.
Popular products:
Typically Cuban products include Cuban cigars, rum, handicrafts, musical instruments and coffee. These emblematic goods are typical of Cuba and are available in various specialty stores. It is worth paying attention to authentic suppliers when buying in order to get genuine Cuban quality.
More about souvenirs Cuba "
Good to know
Cuban kiosks often use unboiled tap water, so it is better to choose sealed drinks. Payments are usually made in CUP, card payments are rare. A sandwich costs about 20 CUP, a lunch about 75 CUP. Newspapers and magazines are cheap (approx. 5 CUP) and offer an insight into the local culture, despite the lack of freedom of the press. More about the currency Cuba "
Cuba Shopping - Frequently Asked Questions
In Cuba, you can pay with euros in certain stores, especially in so-called "MLC" stores (Moneda Libremente Convertible), but mostly in the form of bank card payments. It is advisable to exchange euros for Cuban pesos (CUP) to make small purchases.
The economic situation in Cuba is tense. The country suffers from a high dependency on imports, a lack of foreign currency and inflation. Supply shortages are widespread and many people find it difficult to buy basic goods at affordable prices.
It is advisable to bring important medication, hygiene products, sunscreen, long-life snacks, and possibly electronics or spare parts, as these products can be either scarce or expensive in Cuba. Your packing list for Cuba "
For a one-week trip to Cuba, 500 to 1,000 euros in cash is advisable, depending on your spending habits. Plan about 50 to 100 euros per day and keep an emergency reserve of 200 to 300 euros. It is better to take euros with you and exchange them for pesos locally, as the exchange rate for US dollars is less favorable. Credit cards that are not from US banks will work in larger stores and hotels, but cash is usually indispensable.
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We have compiled all the necessary information for you to ensure that your stay in Cuba is pleasant and smooth. You can also find out more about local customs, safety advice and tips for an authentic and unforgettable stay.