A young Cuban, known on TikTok as Bloger Emanuel (@emanuelgonzalezmora), captured his struggle to buy a birthday gift for his mother with just $10, a sum sent by a follower. This video highlights the economic hardships currently plaguing the island.
Released last Wednesday, the video begins with the poignant question: "Am I the poorest or the richest son?" Emanuel sets out with a single goal: to ensure his mother's birthday doesn't go unnoticed.
His first stop was a dollar store, where he was confronted with a stark reality. "Even with dollars, the problem persists: empty shelves, outrageous prices, and nothing worthwhile for her," he described.
Before leaving, Emanuel posed a question that underscores the absurdity of the Cuban system: "Can you believe there are stores in Cuba where you can't shop with your salary?"
Feeling like "the poorest son in the world," Emanuel left the store but remained undeterred. He exchanged the $10 on the black market at a rate of 540 Cuban pesos per dollar, close to the 545 pesos rate reported that week, and received 5,400 Cuban pesos.
He put this into perspective: "I got 5,400 pesos, the salary of a teacher." This is no exaggeration, as a Cuban primary school teacher earns around 3,000 pesos monthly, which is less than six dollars at the informal exchange rate.
With that money, Emanuel walked in the sun to an informal perfumery, where he assembled a gift: a cologne for 2,500 pesos, a cream for 2,000 pesos, and two soaps at 475 pesos each, totaling 5,450 pesos in gifts.
To return home, he took a bicycle taxi, costing an additional 500 pesos from a separate fund.
The video concludes on an emotional note: Emanuel's mother expresses her gratitude, saying, "The greatest blessing I have is having my two children here, having my parents ahead." Emanuel closed with a reflection that resonated with his followers: "Many wait to be millionaires to make their family happy. My mom doesn't want a store-bought gift; she wants to know her son didn't give up until he found the best for her."
This isn't an isolated incident. In January, another young Cuban shared on TikTok that with double the amount—$20—he could only purchase rice, sugar, oil, ham, sausages, and soap.
As of 2025, the average state salary in Cuba was 6,930 pesos, equivalent to between 12 and 15 dollars at the informal rate. Meanwhile, the monthly basic basket is estimated at between 25,000 and 50,000 pesos, far exceeding what any state worker can earn.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Landscape
What is the significance of Emanuel's video on TikTok?
Emanuel's video sheds light on the severe economic difficulties in Cuba, illustrating the struggle of obtaining basic necessities even with foreign currency.
How does the informal exchange rate affect Cubans?
The informal exchange rate significantly devalues the Cuban peso, making it challenging for locals to purchase goods, as their salaries convert to very little in foreign currency.
What can be purchased in Cuba with $10?
With $10, a Cuban can convert it to pesos and buy limited items on the informal market, such as toiletries or small gifts, but it won't cover basic monthly needs.