Who can afford them?: Cubana in Matanzas highlights the high prices of toys in Cuba and social media reacts

A Cuban resident in Matanzas reported on TikTok the high prices at a toy store, where a Lego set can cost up to 12,000 Cuban pesos.

"11,000 pesos for a toy in Cuba," begins young Sheyla, identified on the social network as @sheyreyes03, while recording the interior of a toy store in Matanzas that, as she clarified in comments, is privately owned. The video, which has garnered hundreds of reactions, showcases Lego-like sets, dolls, and figures such as Stitch, with prices ranging from 3,500 to 12,000 CUP.

"I was stunned when I saw the prices," remarks Sheyla, clearly shocked. She recounts that her niece Lía—who was with her—was captivated by the toys, but the economic reality prevented them from buying any. "The toys here were extremely expensive," she insisted, while showing dolls priced at 6,000 pesos and block sets ranging from 6,500 to 12,000 CUP.

The tiktoker took the opportunity during the tour to reflect on her childhood: “I grew up with Barbies that had nothing to do with this... I've never seen such beautiful toys in my life.” Although she emphasized how eye-catching they were, she pointed out that for many families in Cuba, “everything is very expensive” and these products are out of reach.

Users react with indignation and sadness

The video generated a wave of reactions on TikTok. Many users, both within and outside of Cuba, compared the prices to those in other countries. "These toys sell at Chinese stores here in the U.S. for less than 5 dollars," noted a user from Miami. From Venezuela and Nicaragua, others also commented that this type of toy costs between 4 and 6 dollars, while in Mexico they are "cheap, especially during clearance sales."

Others lamented the situation of the children on the island: “It must be so sad for your child to ask you for a toy and not be able to give it to them,” wrote a user. Several asked for prices to be indicated in dollars to better understand the value of the products.

There were also comments with direct criticisms of the Cuban political system: "They should remove that government," wrote one user. Another questioned how it is possible for there to be stores with such prices in a country with low wages. Sheyla herself responded that it was a private store.

Prices through the roof and insufficient salaries

This report adds to a series of viral content that reflects the critical economic situation on the island. In mid-March, the same user, Sheyla, showcased the prices of children's books at the Matanzas Book Fair, where some “cuquitas” (cut-out books) cost 1,050 pesos. On that occasion, she also highlighted the low turnout of the public due to the prices.

Other viral videos have shown what can be bought in Cuba with a minimum wage. A young man named Henry, for instance, visited several kiosks and could barely purchase basic products with his salary of 2,100 pesos, which is equivalent to about 6 or 7 dollars. “The Harsh Reality of the Minimum Wage”, titled CiberCuba regarding this situation.

It has also been reported that a Cuban teacher on maternity leave receives only 60% of her salary, which amounts to about 8 dollars a month, an amount insufficient even to buy a single toy in Cuba. “Do you think you can live on this for a month?”, another user asked on TikTok.

On her part, a retiree demonstrated how her minimum pension of 1,500 pesos barely covered the cost of three eggs, rice, beans, and a bit of ground meat.

In a context where, according to experts, the monthly cost of food for two people can exceed 24,000 CUP, toys have become an inaccessible luxury for most Cuban families.

"For a normal child living outside of Cuba, this is not surprising, but a Cuban child who sees this is left in shock… and their parents cannot buy them," Sheyla concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions about High Toy Prices in Cuba