A Cuban in El Salvador has gone viral on TikTok after posting a video detailing what she was able to buy with 106 US dollars, provoking hundreds of reactions that contrast life on the island with what one can experience in the Central American country.
In the video, posted by user @mareliscruz and titled "Is it expensive to live in El Salvador? Let me show you what I bought with $106.01," the young woman takes inventory of the products she purchased, ranging from basic food items like rice, beans, potatoes, and fruits to hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and diapers for her child.
"I'm a Cuban living in El Salvador, and today I'm going to show you what I bought with 106 dollars, as we say in Cuba," she comments with laughter, while sitting on her couch and displaying packages of food and everyday items. "My best sugar, which you can't find in Cuba, but here in El Salvador you can find it in every possible form," she said, pointing to a bag that cost her 2 dollars.
Among the items she showcases are "my dear Thiago's Pampers, $10," two yogurts "for $1.80 each," "my best spaghetti that saves you in a pinch," seasonings, coffee, toothpaste, vinegar, disinfectants, fruits, and vegetables. "I bought two bell peppers... my best guava; it's hard to find a guava like the ones in Cuba," she lamented. She also expressed that in El Salvador "there is white guava, but the red one, like the ones from Cuba, is not sold here."
The video, lasting just over three minutes, has garnered more than 6,800 likes and over 170 comments. Among these, many Salvadoran users took the opportunity to give savings advice: "You should go to a farmers' market; it's cheaper," suggested dozens of internet users, who explained that at popular markets "you can get 20 tomatoes for a dollar, 10 onions for a dollar, and three pounds of potatoes also for a dollar."
However, one of the most frequently repeated comments was the contrast with Cuba. “Life is better in any country in the world except Cuba,” wrote one user. “All of that here in the USA costs about 250 dollars,” compared another. “What you bought for so little money is impressive,” noted a Cuban woman. There were also those who highlighted: “The best part of the video is the sign in the back that says 'Prayer Room'. God bless you.”
Others focused on cultural aspects. "Here, jabas are not wasted," said Marelis, to which many users humorously responded, recalling the difference between "jaba" and "funda" in other countries. An Ecuadorian from Canada commented, "When I was in Cuba, they would ask me if I wanted a jaba, and I would say, ‘I don't want a funda!’”
The video reflects not only the shopping experience of a Cuban migrant but also a way of life that contrasts with the scarcity on the island. "Here you can buy whatever you want," wrote a Salvadoran. "Thank you for loving El Salvador," said another user. And one user concluded: "I live in the United States and I have Salvadoran coffee shipped to me because I love it."
This testimony adds to other recent cases of Cuban migration to the Central American country. In April, another Cuban woman — a doctor — moved hundreds on TikTok by sharing her farewell to the island before emigrating with her partner. In that video, she showed her last medical shift, the hugs with her family, and a walk through her neighborhood, reflecting the emotional impact of a momentous decision.
The emigration of Cubans to El Salvador has increased in recent years, driven by the difficult economic situation on the island and the desire to start anew in a country where, as another user said, "there are no restrictions on buying what you want."
Frequently Asked Questions about Life in El Salvador Compared to Cuba
What products was the Cuban able to buy in El Salvador with 106 dollars?
With 106 dollars, the Cuban was able to acquire a variety of basic and everyday products in El Salvador. These include rice, beans, potatoes, fruits, diapers, yogurts, spaghetti, condiments, coffee, toothpaste, vinegar, disinfectants, and cleaning products. This contrast highlights the difference in purchasing power and the availability of products between El Salvador and Cuba.
How did users react to the shopping video in El Salvador?
The video generated varied reactions, mainly surprised by the number of products purchased for a relatively low amount. Many users commented on the contrast with Cuba, stating that "one lives better in any country in the world except Cuba." Other users, particularly from El Salvador, offered tips to save even more, suggesting local markets as a more economical option.
What is the economic situation in Cuba compared to other countries in Latin America?
The economic situation in Cuba is significantly more precarious compared to other countries in Latin America. In Cuba, wages are low and the prices of basic goods are high, which makes it difficult for families to make ends meet. Many Cubans depend on remittances from abroad to survive. In contrast, countries like Ecuador and El Salvador offer a wider variety of products at more affordable prices.
How has inflation in Cuba affected the purchasing power of its citizens?
Inflation in Cuba has severely eroded the purchasing power of the population. Prices for food and essential products have risen significantly, while wages remain low. This has led to an economic crisis that compels many Cubans to seek assistance from abroad to meet basic needs.
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