Michel Crónicas, a Cuban YouTuber based in Mexico, recently visited Cuba and decided to document his experience at the 3ra y 70 supermarket in Havana. This store, which only accepts U.S. dollars, has been dubbed the "Walmart of Cuba" on social media. Michel traveled to Cuba to accompany his mother and stepfather back from a vacation in Mexico and took the opportunity to explore this newly opened supermarket in one of Havana's most upscale areas.
In a video shared on his social media, Michel expressed surprise at the exorbitant prices and the lack of essential goods. "It's not easy, this supermarket in Cuba, where a piece of cheese costs $77 and a piece of meat over a hundred U.S. dollars," he remarked as he toured the store's aisles.
Michel also pointed out the shortage of products in several sections of the supermarket. "Many places, many refrigerators, many empty spaces... items are priced in a currency that Cubans don’t earn," he said. In his video, he showed shelves stocked with locally produced rum at "unaffordable" prices, empty refrigerators, and a butcher's section offering only ham. "The butchers are just slicing ham, that's all there is," he noted.
Additionally, Michel highlighted the availability of national sodas and beers that, according to him, "haven't been seen in Cuba for a long time." However, he criticized the limited variety of products. "There are basically many aisles with sodas, bottles of water, boxes of puree, lots of canned items, but very little protein," he commented.
During his tour, Michel showed viewers the dairy product refrigerators. "Look, this is the frozen section, the yogurts. That type of butter is completely empty," he said, focusing on a nearly barren shelf. He also displayed several boxes of products scattered in the aisles, indicating the supermarket's irregular stocking.
Michel Crónicas' video sparked a wave of reactions on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Many users expressed outrage over the supermarket's prices and the contradiction of opening exclusive stores for those with access to dollars in Cuba. "How do you buy anything when you earn $20 a month? I don't understand Cuba," one TikTok user commented. Another questioned, "If no one can buy it, why are these products still offered?"
Some users compared the store to supermarkets in other countries and criticized the "Walmart of Cuba" label. "This is nothing like Walmart, Michel. How sad!" a YouTube comment read. "It's an insult to Cubans," added another.
Additionally, some warned Michel about potential repercussions for exposing the economic shortcomings of a country lacking freedom and democracy. "Be careful, Michel. You might face consequences for showing this," a user cautioned.
A Supermarket in Dollars, Out of Reach for Many Cubans
The 3ra y 70 supermarket has been a subject of controversy since its inception. Previously, influencer Rosy Wanderlust also visited and shared her disappointment: "They told me this was like a Walmart, and I feel cheated because it’s nothing like that. There are no deals, no promotions, no variety."
Cuban comedian Jardiel humorously addressed the situation, stating in a video that the place "looks like a temple, and inside reigns Saint Dollar," referring to Cubans' reliance on remittances to access these goods.
The 3ra y 70 market is part of the Gran Muthu Habana Hotel and is run by MGM Muthu Hotels and the Gaviota Group, which is linked to the Cuban government. It only accepts payments in cash dollars or via cards recharged from abroad.
Understanding the Dollar-Only Supermarket in Cuba
Why is the 3ra y 70 supermarket controversial?
The supermarket is controversial because it only accepts U.S. dollars, a currency that most Cubans do not earn, making it inaccessible to the majority of the population. Additionally, the high prices and lack of essential goods have sparked outrage among the public.
What challenges do Cubans face shopping at 3ra y 70?
Cubans face several challenges, including the inability to use local currency, high prices that are unaffordable for those earning in pesos, and a limited selection of products, particularly proteins.
How do Cubans typically access goods sold at 3ra y 70?
Cubans typically rely on remittances sent from family members abroad to access goods at 3ra y 70, as the store only accepts payments in U.S. dollars or via foreign-recharged cards.