A Cuban woman residing in the province of Matanzas has sparked a lively discussion on TikTok after sharing a video showcasing what she could purchase with 16,000 Cuban pesos. The young woman, known on the platform as Sheyla, begins the video by mentioning an unrelated issue involving employees from the electric company raising her sister’s meter without permission, which led to a misunderstanding. She asks viewers if they would like her to elaborate on this in another video.
Putting that topic aside, Sheyla displays the items she bought with the hefty sum: salted crackers, a bottle of oil, a box of ice cream, a 10-pound pack of chicken, 10 pounds of rice, peppers, tomatoes, onions, a whole chicken weighing 2.3 kilos, and a jar of garlic. While showing her purchases, she notes her dissatisfaction with the oil, commenting that its clarity suggests it won’t last long, and remarks on the high price of onions. She considers crackers an ideal substitute now that bread is scarce. She also expresses her fondness for chicken breast and mentions her preference for chocolate, though she had to settle for vanilla ice cream.
The video by @sheyreyes03 has amassed thousands of views and comments, with many focusing on the actual value of 16,000 Cuban pesos in dollars. Some estimate it to be approximately $47, while others argue it's closer to $53, depending on the informal exchange rate. “The dollar is at 340 CUP, so it's around $47,” a user commented, while another countered, “The dollar is at 300, so it's about $53 or so.”
Comparisons with other countries have also surfaced, highlighting the high cost of living in Cuba. “In Colombia, with that amount, I can shop for five months, my goodness,” one user stated, while another added, “In the Dominican Republic, I could buy for the whole month and still have some left.”
Other remarks focused on the ongoing electricity crisis and how Sheyla manages to preserve her food amid frequent blackouts. “What do you do with the ice cream when there’s never any power?” a follower asked, with another adding, “On top of not having power, the electric company engages in such corrupt practices.” The uncertainty surrounding food preservation during power outages was a recurring theme, with questions like, “If there’s no electricity, how do you keep the chicken and ice cream from spoiling?”
Criticism also arose regarding the quality of the purchased items, especially the rice, with one user claiming, “I think the worst rice in the world is what they send to Cuba.” The lack of variety and the high cost of goods led many to question whether surviving on the island is feasible given the current prices. Additionally, several followers asked if the young woman had considered emigrating. “If prices are so high, why do you stay in Cuba? Haven’t you thought about leaving with your husband?” one user inquired.
Sheyla's video is one of many that attest to the severe economic crisis gripping Cuba, where inflation has severely impacted the populace. Recently, Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledged that even with a salary of 6,000 pesos, living on the island is unfeasible. However, he failed to propose concrete solutions or admit the government’s responsibility in the matter. Currently, the minimum wage in Cuba is 2,100 pesos, and prices have soared to the point where many workers struggle to meet basic needs.
In recent months, numerous social media posts have highlighted the dire economic situation. A doctor in Sancti Spíritus noted that a can of powdered milk costs the equivalent of two months of her salary, while an engineer showed that with a minimum wage, she could only purchase a few pounds of vegetables at an agricultural market. Even official journalists have criticized the situation, like CMHW reporter Jesús Álvarez López, who said, “What can a retiree with 1,528 pesos buy today when even yucca, sweet potatoes, and squash have become unaffordable?”
The Cuban economic crisis has worsened since the failed implementation of the "Tarea Ordenamiento" in 2021, which was supposed to stabilize the economy but instead triggered inflation and devalued the Cuban peso. Currently, the Cuban currency continues to plummet against the dollar and the euro, further diminishing the purchasing power of the population.
Sheyla’s video has not only sparked a debate about the high cost of living in Cuba but also highlighted the tremendous challenges faced by the average citizen in meeting basic needs in a country where wages and pensions are increasingly worthless against inflation.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What items did Sheyla purchase with 16,000 pesos?
Sheyla bought salted crackers, a bottle of oil, a box of ice cream, a 10-pound pack of chicken, 10 pounds of rice, peppers, tomatoes, onions, a whole chicken weighing 2.3 kilos, and a jar of garlic.
How much is 16,000 Cuban pesos worth in US dollars?
The value of 16,000 Cuban pesos is estimated to be between $47 and $53, depending on the informal exchange rate.
What challenges do Cubans face due to the economic crisis?
Cubans face challenges such as high inflation, frequent power outages, and a devalued currency, making it difficult to purchase basic necessities.
What was the purpose of the "Tarea Ordenamiento" in Cuba?
The "Tarea Ordenamiento" was intended to stabilize the Cuban economy but ultimately led to increased inflation and a significant devaluation of the peso.