The Cuban creator El Henry went viral again on TikTok by sharing a video in which he humorously and resignedly recounts his ordeal of trying to withdraw money from various ATMs in Havana. The clip reflects the everyday struggles faced by citizens in Cuba, including power outages, broken machines, endless queues, and a lack of cash.
“I’m going to show you what it’s like to try to withdraw money from an ATM in Cuba,” says the beginning of the video posted on TikTok (@itss_henryyy_), which has garnered thousands of views and comments. The young man recounts his journey to the ATM at Villa Panamericana, one of the few that “almost always has money.” Along the way, he encounters a shipment of potatoes, joking: “They were lucky I was riding a bike, because otherwise I would have taken a bag.”
Once at the bank, with only three people left in line, the power went out and he couldn't withdraw money. "The bank doesn't have a backup generator," he laments. He then decides to keep pedaling to another ATM that "usually works," but this one was broken. "Just like everything here," he says with irony.
Finally, he had to resort to an informal method: making a transfer to an individual who gave him cash, but charged him a 10% commission. “And that’s how we ended up spending the entire day pedaling, only to have to resolve it through the backdoor in the end,” he concludes.
Reactions between humor, empathy, and indignation
Reactions to the video were mixed between laughter and sadness. “How difficult to solve, for God's sake,” commented one user. Others praised the creator's character: “Your self-esteem and charisma are what help you survive in our land,” wrote a follower. There were also comments that reflected a general sense of resignation: “We are already used to solving things through underhanded means.”
Henry, for his part, responded to many of the comments by expressing gratitude for the support and explaining that "optimism has become a necessary survival method to preserve mental health."
A series of videos portraying the crisis
This video is part of other viral materials from the same creator, such as the one that showed what can be bought with the minimum salary in Cuba. In another document, he showcases his routine as a bicycle messenger in Havana, navigating through neighborhoods like Guanabacoa, San Miguel del Padrón, and El Naval.
In his posts, El Henry has earned the appreciation of thousands of Cubans both on and off the island for humorously portraying the struggles of daily life. Some are already calling him the "Cuban DoorDash," referring to his work as a delivery person.
A fundamental issue: scalpers, blackouts, and cash shortages
The difficulties in withdrawing money in Cuba are not new. Last February, it was reported that those waiting in line have expanded their business to ATMs, selling turns in plain sight. Authorities have made arrests, but many citizens point out that only the effects, not the causes of the problem, are being addressed.
Cubans face a combination of cash shortages, frequent blackouts, malfunctioning ATMs, and an informal economy that charges fees for every solution. El Henry’s humorous complaint captures a reality shared by millions: in Cuba, even withdrawing money from the bank becomes an impossible mission.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Difficulties of Withdrawing Money in Cuba
What are the main issues when using ATMs in Cuba?
The main problems include power outages, broken ATMs, and long lines. Additionally, the cash shortage and lack of maintenance further complicate access to cash.
How do Cubans deal with the lack of cash at ATMs?
Many turn to informal methods, such as transfers to individuals who provide cash, although this involves paying additional fees, usually around 10% of the amount withdrawn.
What impact do ATM issues have on the daily lives of Cubans?
The problems with ATMs increase reliance on the informal economy and complicate daily transactions, often leading citizens to spend more time and resources obtaining cash.
What has the Cuban government done to solve the problem of ATMs?
So far, the government's actions have been insufficient and have focused on addressing the symptoms, such as the detention of "queue jumpers," without tackling the underlying issues like outdated infrastructure and the lack of cash.
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