A Cuban residing in Brazil has sparked numerous reactions on social media after sharing on TikTok the outcome of a grocery shopping trip for two people, intended to last approximately 15 days. The total amount of the purchase was 556.71 reais, equivalent to just over 100 dollars at the current exchange rate, made in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
In the video, the young woman showcases the variety of products she acquired, which include meats, cold cuts, fish, rice, beans, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, dairy products, canned goods, sweets, and beverages. The quantity and diversity of the products surprised many Cuban users, who quickly began to compare this reality with the one they face daily in Cuba.
"This is what you can buy here with 556 reais," comments the user as she shows the table filled with food. She explains that her intention is not to boast, but to inform and share what life is like outside the island, where access to basic products does not involve the same level of difficulty or expense as it does in Cuba.
Comments on TikTok and other platforms reflect both admiration and frustration from Cubans living on the island, where a similar purchase would be unthinkable in economic terms. The scarcity, high prices in freely convertible currency, and the limited supply from the state distribution system stand in stark contrast to the experiences shared from Brazil.
The phenomenon of showcasing comparisons of purchases, prices, and quality of life has become common among emigrated Cubans who use social media as a platform to highlight the differences between living inside and outside the country.
This type of content not only sparks debate but also serves as a testament to the contrast between economies and political systems, highlighting the growing divide between those who have emigrated and those who remain on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living and the Purchases of Cubans Abroad
How much does a grocery shopping trip for two people cost in Brazil?
A Cuban in Brazil showed that a supermarket shopping trip for two people, including a variety of items such as meats, cold cuts, rice, and cleaning products, costs 556.71 reais, which is equivalent to just over 100 dollars. This amount is enough to last approximately 15 days.
How does the cost of living in Brazil compare to that of Cuba?
The cost of living in Brazil, although it has increased, remains more affordable compared to Cuba. In Cuba, scarcity and high prices make it difficult to acquire basic products, whereas in Brazil, Cuban immigrants demonstrate that with around 100 dollars, a substantial shopping trip for several days can be made.
Why do purchases by Cubans abroad generate such debate?
The comparisons of shopping between Cubans abroad and on the island highlight the deep economic and political differences. These videos show how emigrants can access more products and a better quality of life, which generates debate and frustration among Cubans who remain on the island facing shortages and high prices.
How has inflation impacted the cost of living in Brazil for Cubans?
Inflation in Brazil has increased the cost of living, but many Cubans living there believe it is still more manageable than in Cuba. Some point out that with the same budget, one can buy less and less, but the variety and availability of products remain greater than on the island.
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