A Cuban resident in the United States shared on TikTok the products she bought at a wholesale store to send to her family in Cuba, highlighting the shortages the country is facing.
"My people, if you're thinking of going to Cuba, I'm going to show you what I buy here. It's to send to Cuba," said the young woman identified as @lilyperez_98 on her TikTok account.
Among the products shown in the video are packages of oil, seasonings, toothpaste, sardines, sausages, and cookies. As she explained, she preferred to buy canned items to prevent them from spoiling during shipping.
"The good thing about this type of store is that everything is sold in bulk, and it's more practical than going to another store buying items one by one," she added while organizing the purchase in the trunk of her vehicle.
The young woman emphasized the importance of sending canned food such as sardines, which she described as “a delicacy,” and highlighted that in Cuba, items like toothpaste and basic products such as oil are not easily found.
The video has gone viral on social media, generating supporting comments from other Cubans living abroad who face similar challenges when sending aid to their family members on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Products to Cuba from Abroad
Why do Cubans abroad send products to Cuba?
Cubans abroad send products to Cuba due to shortages and the difficult access to basic goods on the island. In Cuba, many essential items such as food, hygiene products, and medications are hard to find or very expensive. This has led emigrants to seek ways to support their families by sending these products from abroad.
What type of products do Cubans usually send to the island?
The most commonly shipped products include non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, medications, vitamins, and cleaning supplies. These items are chosen for their practicality and durability, ensuring they arrive in good condition to their recipients in Cuba.
How do these remittances impact Cuban families?
These shipments are a vital source of support for Cuban families, helping to meet basic needs that would otherwise be difficult to satisfy. In addition, they provide economic relief by reducing the need to purchase products at high prices in the Cuban internal market.
What challenges do Cubans face when sending products to Cuba?
Among the main challenges are customs restrictions, space and weight limitations on luggage, as well as the high cost of shipping. Often, Cubans must prioritize which products to send, facing the emotional and logistical difficulty of not being able to meet all their family's needs.
Filed under:
