A Cuban resident in Miami showcased on social media everything she managed to buy at a Chinese store to take to Cuba, surprising many with the variety and quantity of products she included in her suitcase on a tight budget. From basic food items to clothing and small gifts, her purchases have inspired those looking for economical options to support their families on the island.
In her video, Thalia Hernández (@thaliahr) highlighted products such as powdered milk, beans, lentils, peas, oats, Goya seasoning, adobo, and Picot salt. Additionally, she included AA batteries, soaps, deodorants, and a bicycle chain. Among the gifts, she showcased shorts and t-shirts that she described as “good quality and super affordable,” along with some blackout curtains that she noted were “perfect for my mom, as they block out the light completely.”
The post generated many questions in the comments, mostly related to the store's location and the prices of certain products. "Where is that store? I live in Houston and can't find anything like it"; "That milk caught my attention; they don't have it here," and "I loved the curtains; how much did they cost?" were some of the most common reactions. Others even shared recommendations: "Don't forget to bring shampoo and toothpaste; they're usually cheap at the Chinese stores."
"The total was $175; I think I bought quite a few things at a very good price," Thalia explained in her video. This type of shopping reflects the effort and creativity of Cubans abroad, who seek ways to maximize every dollar to send essential products and gifts to the island, where these items can be difficult to find or extremely expensive.
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