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The recent opening of Supermercado 3ra y 70 in Miramar, Playa, has sparked debates about payment methods, as products are only available to those who use cash in dollars, international credit cards, or the Clásica card, exclusive to the Cuban banking system.
In this context, the comedian Ulises Toirac expressed his criticisms of this latest option, pointing out its limitations and questioning its usefulness, although it has been enabled for international top-ups since March 2024.
Through his Facebook profile, Toirac mocked the restrictions of the Clásica card, which only allows purchases in Cuban stores within the country and does not offer the option to shop online.
"It is recharged with dollars and does not allow online purchases; you can only buy in Cuban stores within Cuba," wrote the comedian, highlighting that this mechanism of the Cuban regime is designed to hoard dollars and prevent them from leaving the country, in contrast to international cards.
The comedian also wondered what the real difference is between the dollars used on the Clásica card and those that can be used in stores with MLC (Freely Convertible Currency), reflecting the frustration that this system generates among consumers.
"And what about the MLC, what's going on?" he added with his characteristic sarcastic tone.
The implementation of the Clásica card has been a subject of controversy on the island, as its use is restricted to a specific group of establishments, leaving out broader options such as online purchases or transactions in freely convertible currency in other contexts.
Toirac's critique resonates with the sentiments of many Cubans who question the usefulness and effectiveness of this new payment method amidst a deep economic crisis.
A few days ago, the Cuban comedian sparked an interesting debate on social media after learning about the opening of the new supermarket at 3rd and 70, which accepts payments exclusively in dollars.
The supermarket is located in the building of the Gran Muthu Habana Hotel, owned by GAESA, and is situated directly across from the old Mercado de 3ra y 70, which currently sells its products in Convertible Currency (MLC), but is currently out of stock.
Toirac held nothing back in denouncing the growing inequality and dollarization of the Cuban economy, which he described as “a slap in the face during a full-on crisis.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Classic Card and the New Dollar Supermarket in Cuba
What is the Clásica card in Cuba and what are its limitations?
The Clásica card is an exclusive payment method of the Cuban banking system, which is recharged with dollars from abroad. However, it has significant limitations, as it only allows purchases in Cuban stores within the country and does not offer the possibility of making online purchases.
Why does the new supermarket at 3rd and 70 only accept dollars?
The new supermarket on 3rd and 70 only accepts cash in dollars or cards linked to accounts in foreign currency as part of a strategy by the Cuban government to attract foreign currency. This measure has been criticized by many Cubans, as it excludes the majority of the population who do not have direct access to dollars.
What is the impact of partial dollarization on the Cuban economy?
Partial dollarization has exacerbated economic inequalities in Cuba, limiting access to essential goods to only those with access to foreign currency. This policy creates a parallel market that leaves many citizens on the sidelines and reflects the country's growing dependence on foreign currencies.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the new economic measures?
The Cuban population has expressed discontent and outrage over new economic measures, such as the exclusive use of dollars in certain supermarkets. Ulises Toirac, among others, has criticized the growing inequality and economic exclusion that these policies represent, sparking extensive debate on social media regarding the economic future of Cuba.
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