A young Cuban woman became an internet sensation on TikTok after sharing a video showcasing the items she was able to purchase in Cuba for 23,790 pesos, approximately $54, based on the day's informal market exchange rate of 440 pesos per dollar.
“I live in Cuba and today I'm here to show you how much I spent on this shopping trip,” explained the user, known as @karlagabi25, as she displayed the goods she had acquired.
In her video, she listed the items which included: a package of coffee (1,750 CUP / 4 USD), two bottles of liquid detergent (540 CUP), a bottle of oil (1,900 CUP / 4.31 USD), two cans of condensed milk (1,100 CUP / 2.5 USD), cream and cologne (2,400 CUP / 5.45 USD), a beauty treatment (3,700 CUP / 8.40 USD), feminine products (1,550 CUP / 3.52 USD), five bars of soap (750 CUP / 1.70 USD), two toothbrushes and applicators (800 CUP / 1.81 USD), a pack of wet wipes (1,200 CUP / 2.72 USD), a carton of eggs (2,700 CUP / 6.13 USD), two tubes of mustard (2,400 CUP / 5.45 USD), and a package of sausages or "hot dogs" (3,000 CUP / 6.81 USD).
“In total, it was 23,790 pesos or 54 dollars. Let me know in the comments what you think of this purchase,” the Cuban concluded.
The video highlights the severe economic crisis gripping the nation, where prices in the informal market soar while wages remain insufficient to meet basic needs.
On social media, many users voiced their frustration over the exorbitant prices, noting that “nowhere else in the world does $54 buy so little as it does in Cuba.”
Others pointed out that most of the items showcased by the young woman are not available in the national currency and must be purchased in MLC stores or on the black market, where the dollar and euro dictate the pace of everyday life.
This post joins a growing number of videos from Cubans highlighting the decline in purchasing power and the lack of economic options for survival in a country where the average salary is less than $20 per month.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
Why is the cost of living so high in Cuba?
The cost of living in Cuba is elevated due to economic mismanagement, a dual currency system, and reliance on imported goods that are expensive due to trade restrictions and inefficiencies.
How does the informal market affect Cuban citizens?
The informal market is often a lifeline for Cubans, providing access to goods that are otherwise unavailable or unaffordable in official channels, albeit at inflated prices.
What is the impact of the dual currency system in Cuba?
Cuba's dual currency system complicates economic transactions and creates inequality, as those with access to foreign currency often have a significant advantage over those reliant on the national peso.