Traveling to Cuba is, for many Cubans in exile, a significant dilemma, on one hand there is the longing for their loved ones and the desire to embrace family, and on the other the undeniably high cost that comes with a visit to the island.
"Oh girl, you don't come to Cuba like you used to, and don't say it's because you don't have money since you spend your time on social media going out and dressing well.", they tell Yanet Friol, a Cuban residing in Italy known in the social media world as Alegría Cubana, and she reflects honestly in a video on her Instagram.
It's true, I go to Cuba like before, but the Cuba of the past is not the Cuba of now. Going to Cuba now is almost a luxury, you could say. It also depends on how you want to go, but right now a Cuban who is outside of Cuba needs at least 5,000 euros to go to Cuba, and that's like buying a machine, because here in these countries you can buy a machine with 2,000 euros,” she asserts.
For Alegría, “the average Cuban when deciding to go to Cuba knows that they need to calmly prepare between 3,000 to 5,000 euros. If you have a large family, 3,000 there won't get you anywhere; you will just cause them problems that they don't need.”
Of course I want to see my family, of course I want to hug them, but what’s even clearer is that I need to go with a lot of money because Cuba is really expensive now, she clarifies.
“Moreover, they do not realize that we Cubans, when we arrive abroad, the first thing we want is to visit Cuba, we want to return to Cuba, but then we realize that we know nothing about the world and we say, going to my country costs me 5,000, going to Spain with a thousand pesos allows me to stay in an all-inclusive hotel and have an amazing vacation,” analyzes the content creator.
"Not every year do we Cubans here have 5,000 pesos to spend; we have so many more things to do." Of course we buy our clothes, and of course we go out, because we work a lot here, and everything you see regarding the appearance of our clothes and outings is not everything; there is a lot of work and sacrifice behind it. But we also want to explore, because many of us do not even know our own provinces, as we didn't have that opportunity when we were in Cuba," she recalls wistfully.
“For all Cubans, Cuba is a stress from the moment you arrive; it’s a battle to stay afloat so you don’t sink because everything there is about money.” This is a frustration shared by many Cubans abroad.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of traveling to Cuba and the economic reality
Why is traveling to Cuba considered a luxury for Cubans abroad?
Traveling to Cuba can cost between 3,000 and 5,000 euros due to the high prices of flights and the cost of living on the island. Cubans living abroad must take these expenses into account when visiting their relatives, making the trip a luxury for many.
What is the current economic reality in Cuba?
In Cuba, the cost of living is high compared to local incomes. The prices of essential goods and services are elevated, and most of the population faces serious difficulties in meeting their needs. Inflation and scarcity further exacerbate this situation.
How does Cuba's economic situation affect Cubans abroad?
The difficult economic situation in Cuba forces many Cubans abroad to send remittances and financial support to their relatives, in addition to facing the high costs of travel to the island. This represents a significant economic burden for those who wish to maintain their connection with their loved ones.
What factors contribute to the high cost of a trip to Cuba?
The high cost of traveling to Cuba is due to the elevated prices of flights, accommodation, and daily expenses on the island, which are comparable to those in developed countries. This is compounded by the necessity to bring enough money to support family members who are facing economic hardships.
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