A tourist visiting Cuba is surprised when he has to fill up with gas: "He doesn't know how that works."

A Salvadoran tourist is taken aback by the challenges of refueling in Cuba, highlighting the complexities of basic services on the island and sparking reactions on social media.


A Salvadoran tourist visiting Cuba experienced a bewildering moment while trying to refuel on the island, an experience that was documented by his Cuban wife and shared on the social media platform TikTok.

In the video shared by the account @cubansalvi503family, the man is seen patiently waiting his turn to refuel his vehicle in the midst of a long line at a Cuban gas station. His partner, who recorded the scene while laughing, comments:

"The Salvadoran pouring gas in Cuba doesn’t know how that works; he had to wait in an incredibly long line. He has no idea. You know how it is, the gas stations in Cuba are pretty old."

The clip, which has generated multiple reactions on social media, highlights the differences that tourists may encounter when facing basic services on the island.

The fuel situation in Cuba has been a frequent source of complaints among citizens due to scarcity, long wait times, and limited payment methods.

The confusion of the foreign visitor reflects how complex daily life can be in Cuba, even for seemingly simple matters like putting fuel in a vehicle.

For many users, the video was not only a source of mockery or empathy but also a daily portrayal of the challenges faced by Cubans.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Experience of Tourists in Cuba and the Crisis of Basic Services

Why was the Salvadoran tourist surprised when trying to get gas in Cuba?

The Salvadoran tourist was surprised by the long lines and the condition of gas stations in Cuba, which reflects the daily challenges faced by Cubans due to fuel shortages and limited payment methods. This experience was documented by his Cuban wife and shared on social media, generating multiple reactions. The fuel situation in Cuba has been a frequent source of complaints from citizens.

How does the scarcity of basic resources affect daily life in Cuba?

The shortage of resources such as fuel, liquefied gas, and water severely affects daily life in Cuba. Cubans face long lines and complicated procedures to obtain these essential resources, forcing them to resort to alternative methods like using charcoal for cooking and seeking water under precarious conditions. This situation reflects the deep economic and energy crisis facing the island.

What reactions have the experiences of tourists in Cuba generated?

The experiences of tourists in Cuba, such as that of the Salvadoran surprised by the gas stations, have sparked reactions of surprise, empathy, and criticism on social media. Many users identify with the challenges faced by Cubans on a daily basis, while others criticize the government for the lack of solutions. These accounts highlight the cultural and technological differences between Cuba and other countries.

What other challenges do Cubans face due to the energy crisis?

In addition to the fuel shortage, Cubans face frequent power outages that further complicate their lives. These blackouts are common during the summer months when energy demand increases, forcing many to adapt to increasingly precarious conditions. The lack of essential resources and deteriorating infrastructure exacerbate the situation on the island.

Filed under:

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.