Cuban content creator Kary Sánchez (@kary_y_jony) recently took on a challenge that highlights the impact of inflation on the island.
Kary went shopping in Havana and wanted to see what she could get with 10 dollars in cash at the supermarket on 3rd and 70, one of the most stocked in the capital.
The outcome was discouraging. "It's impossible to buy anything because most food prices are excessively high," he commented in his video.
Fruits and vegetables are scarce and expensive. The prices of cold cuts, meats, and hamburgers even exceed those of many Cuban Mipymes.
The young woman with her 10 dollars was barely able to buy a small bag of powdered milk, a package of cookies, and a jar of mayonnaise.
"As they say in good Cuban style: With 10 dollars, don't stop the cow," he joked.
In present-day Cuba, only the stores that accept foreign currency are somewhat stocked. For those who do not have access to dollars or euros, obtaining basic food items becomes a daily challenge.
Recently, a Cuban showcased what she could buy with 300 dollars, which is equivalent to about 109,000 Cuban pesos at the current exchange rate in the informal market.
Among the food items, there was a carton of eggs, two cans of condensed milk, four liters of oil, two floor blankets, a bottle of ketchup, a kilo of powdered milk, black and red beans, yogurt, sausages, chicken gizzards, ten pounds of beef, chicken breasts, a box of chicken, and ten pounds of minced meat.
Without foreign currency, one literally experiences hunger anywhere in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inflation and Dollarization in Cuba
What can you buy with 10 dollars in Cuba?
With 10 dollars in Cuba, due to inflation and high prices, only very limited basic products can be purchased. For example, content creator Kary Sánchez was only able to buy a small bag of powdered milk, a package of cookies, and a bottle of mayonnaise at a supermarket in Havana.
How does partial dollarization affect Cubans?
Partial dollarization in Cuba has created unequal access to basic goods, as many Cubans do not earn income in dollars. Stores that operate in foreign currency tend to be better stocked, but their prices are unreachable for most of the population that receives its salaries in Cuban pesos.
What are the criticisms of stores that only accept dollars in Cuba?
Critics focus on the fact that these stores exclude the majority of Cubans, who have no access to dollars. Although they are well-stocked, prices are very high and payment methods are limited, which increases frustration and the perception of social inequality. Moreover, change is often given in candy instead of cash.
What is the average salary in Cuba and how does it compare with prices in dollars?
The average salary in Cuba is approximately 3,000 Cuban pesos, equivalent to less than 10 dollars at the informal exchange rate. This makes products in dollar stores practically inaccessible for Cubans who rely on their salary in national currency.
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