Cuban compares the banknotes of Cuba and Romania: "I was blown away."

A Cuban in Romania compares the banknotes of both countries on TikTok, highlighting differences in material, size, and modernization. Her video has sparked a debate about the quality of the Cuban peso.


A young Cuban living in Romania shared a video on TikTok comparing Cuban bills with those from that European country, quickly sparking interest among netizens due to the notable differences she highlighted.

"Both bills are different. What I found very interesting is the material; while the Romanian one is made of a synthetic, waterproof material, the Cuban one is made of paper," commented the user @claumill_01 on the platform.

In the video, the Cuban explains how one of the Romanian banknotes can be submerged in water without damage, in contrast to Cuban banknotes, which are more vulnerable because they are made of conventional paper.

Another significant difference that stood out is the size of the banknotes. “In Romania, the size varies by denomination; the higher the value, the larger the banknote. In contrast, in Cuba, they are all the same size,” she explained.

The video has generated reactions among TikTok users, many of whom agreed on the lack of modernization in the Cuban monetary system and the urgency of introducing improvements in the design and durability of the banknotes.

In addition to the curiosity about the design, several comments noted that the synthetic material used in Romanian banknotes also helps prevent counterfeiting, an important advantage that many countries have adopted in recent decades.

The comparison has sparked a debate among Cubans both on and off the island regarding the conditions of the Cuban peso (CUP) and the quality of the national currency's printing.

Frequently asked questions about the differences between Cuban and Romanian currency

What are the main differences between the banknotes of Cuba and Romania?

Romanian banknotes are made of a synthetic material that is water-resistant, while Cuban banknotes are made of paper. Additionally, in Romania, the size of the banknotes varies according to the denomination, while in Cuba, they all have the same size.

Why is the synthetic material of Romanian banknotes an advantage?

The use of synthetic material in Romanian banknotes makes them water-resistant and more durable, which also helps to prevent counterfeiting, a practice that many countries have adopted to enhance the security of their currency.

What do Cubans think about the current monetary system in Cuba?

Many Cubans have expressed that the monetary system in Cuba lacks modernization and there is an urgent need for improvements in the design and durability of banknotes, reflecting the lack of updates in the financial system on the island.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.