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The Cuban government once again demonstrates its disconnection from the reality of the country by announcing the reopening of the 5th and 96th shopping center in Playa municipality, Havana, presenting as a “good news for everyone” the fact that more basic products are being sold in dollars.
The establishment, which belongs to the Tiendas Caribe network, will operate under the same scheme that has caused growing discontent among the population: sales exclusively in foreign currencies, which the majority of Cubans do not have access to.
Through a post on marked by a triumphant tone, it is promoted that the establishment has arrived "renewed," with "a wide variety of products" and payment methods for international cards (VISA, MasterCard, and MIR).
This reopening is not an isolated event. For months now, the regime has intensified the opening of stores in dollars, while markets in national currency remain undersupplied and the average salary barely covers a fraction of basic needs.
In that context, stating that these stores represent "good news for everyone" is, at the very least, a mockery to millions of families struggling amidst blackouts, inflation, and scarcity.
The proliferation of these exclusive foreign currency shops has deepened social inequality and normalized a parallel economy where only those who receive remittances from abroad or have access to foreign currency can purchase essential products.
Presenting the reopening of a shopping mall where the majority of Cubans cannot even afford a liter of oil is yet another example of how the official discourse remains disconnected from the reality of the people.
Another currency shop in Guantánamo
Tiendas Caribe reopened this Saturday the store Lily Modas, in Guantánamo, which opened its doors under a “new sales format,” focused exclusively on those who can pay with foreign currency cards.
The establishment will operate from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Sundays until 1:30 p.m., accepting payments only via VISA, MasterCard, MIR, BANDEC prepaid cards, AIS, Clásica, and Viajero cards. As is customary, the use of Cuban pesos, the official currency with which salaries and pensions are paid in the country, is not permitted.
Frequently asked questions about the reopening of dollar stores in Cuba
Why is the Cuban government reopening dollar stores?
The Cuban government is reopening dollar stores as a strategy to attract foreign currency, amid an economic crisis that has caused shortages of basic goods in the country. This model aims to draw in dollars for use in strategic sectors and foreign trade, but it has been criticized for increasing social inequality, as many Cubans do not have access to this currency.
How does partial dollarization affect Cubans?
The partial dollarization of the Cuban economy has exacerbated social inequalities, as only those with access to dollars, often through remittances, can shop in these stores. Meanwhile, markets accepting Cuban pesos are facing shortages, and the average salary in the national currency is insufficient to meet basic needs.
What products can be found in the dollar stores?
The dollar stores in Cuba offer a wide range of products, including personal care items, food, beverages, appliances, and household goods. These stores are usually better stocked than those operating in national currency, which causes discontent among the population that cannot access them.
What payment methods are accepted in these stores?
In dollar stores in Cuba, payments are accepted via international cards such as VISA, MasterCard, and MIR, in addition to prepaid cards issued by local banks like BANDEC, AIS, Viajero, and Clásica. The use of Cuban pesos is not permitted.
What is the population's reaction to these openings?
The opening of dollar stores has generated criticism and discontent among the Cuban population, who perceive these measures as a mockery of their daily economic struggles. Many believe that these stores do not address the crisis and only benefit those with access to foreign currency, widening the economic gap in the country.
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