A Cuban woman who has been living in Brazil for nearly four years recently shared two reels on Instagram, dismantling the idealized image many of her fellow Cubans have of the South American country. Her message struck a chord with many.
Dailen Brunet (@dailen_brunet_) issued a stark warning to those in Cuba dreaming of moving to Brazil without understanding the daily realities: "People in Cuba are desperate to come here, thinking it's easy just because there's no power outage and there's food."
In her candid account, Dailen acknowledges that Brazil offers what Cuba lacks—reliable electricity, water, and food—but cautions that these do not guarantee an easy life: "Yes, there’s food, and the power stays on, but life here comes with its own struggles."
The Hidden Challenges of Life in Brazil
Among the realities she describes is the difficulty of affording services that many in Cuba take for granted: haircuts, manicures, beauty treatments, or dental care. "If you have a cavity or lose a tooth, you might wait four months to see a dentist," she points out.
In a follow-up video, Dailen explains that she arrived in Brazil under false promises of quick prosperity: she was told that by working, she and her husband could "live well, have fun, pay rent, and buy a car." The reality was different. "I wore out my shoes and couldn't afford new ones... I was walking around with a hole in my sole like never before in Cuba," she recalls.
Advice for Older Immigrants
She issues a special warning to those over 40: "If you come here after 40, you'll feel like you're 80 within two weeks," referring to the physical and emotional toll of starting anew in a foreign country.
After four years of hard work, Dailen acknowledges that things have improved: her husband now works with his own motorcycle, earning between 4,500 and 5,000 reais a month. However, she insists that such progress is neither immediate nor guaranteed for everyone: "Improvement is a long-term prospect. You might see it, but it depends on each person's situation."
Her message is not intended to deter emigration but to adjust expectations: "I just want people not to come here as deceived as I was and so many others have been. It's a struggle here."
Dailen's story is part of a recurring viral trend among Cubans in Brazil who are warning about the real challenges of migrating to the country.
This wave of testimonials aligns with an unprecedented exodus. Cubans submitted 41,919 asylum applications in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year, comprising 55.4% of the national total, surpassing Venezuelans for the first time in a decade as the main nationality seeking asylum in Brazil.
Common Questions About Moving to Brazil
What are some of the challenges Cubans face when moving to Brazil?
Cubans moving to Brazil often encounter challenges such as affording basic services like dental and beauty treatments, dealing with unrealistic expectations of quick prosperity, and the physical and emotional strain of starting over in a new country.
Why are so many Cubans applying for asylum in Brazil?
Many Cubans are seeking asylum in Brazil due to challenging conditions in Cuba, hoping for better living conditions, including stable electricity, food availability, and more opportunities. The number of asylum applications has significantly increased, highlighting an unprecedented exodus.