A young Cuban woman left dozens of internet users speechless by sharing a video on social media showcasing the clothing, shoes, and accessories she purchased in Cuba, along with their prices in Cuban pesos and dollars.
“Today I want to show you all these little things I bought and their prices here in Cuba”, began content creator Karla Pérez, before detailing her shopping list:
- Sandals: 8,800 CUP (22 USD)
- Guess Sneakers: 31,200 CUP (80 USD)
- Ideal summer bag: 11,200 CUP (29 USD)
- Small handbag with a 60% discount: 4,000 CUP (10 USD)
- Short evening dress: 13,650 CUP (35 USD)
- Sets: 15,600 CUP each (40 USD each)
- Pants: 10,000 CUP (26 USD)
- Top: 4,500 CUP (11 USD)
- Pantene shampoo and conditioner set: 8,200 CUP (21 USD)
- Makeup remover towels; 1,800 CUP each (5 USD each)
Reactions came swiftly, and most people criticized the high prices of products on the island: "Oh my God, the prices are heartbreaking"; "Friend, everything is beautiful. But friend, it’s outrageous to pay those prices. I swear it's much cheaper here. With all that money, you could buy double. I understand that it's complicated from Cuba and that you can't have it otherwise. It just hurts a lot because it's my own family that's also going through this"; "I was left stunned by the prices of things in Cuba, oh my God, what an abuse."
Others expressed their outrage by comparing prices of products in countries like the United States and Mexico: “It's a shame that everything is more expensive in Cuba than in the USA. That pack of Pantene costs 8 dollars at Walmart”; “My God, clothes in Cuba are more expensive than here in the U.S.”; “Everything is very beautiful, but the prices in Cuba are outrageous, I'm at a loss for words and everything here in Mexico costs much less.”
There were also those who pointed out the economic inequality reflected in this type of content, especially when considering salaries in Cuba: “It’s like counting money in the house of a poor person. My God, these videos do not motivate the majority of the Cuban population where you live. It’s enough to make you cry, you know how many people here in your country are going hungry. You should donate to those in need; I assure you that content will be celebrated more”; “31,200 pesos for a pair of shoes means six months without eating just to buy them. Not bad, really, it’s a sad situation for Cubans. May God help our people.”
The video triggered a multitude of reactions for bringing to light a topic such as the enormous gap between prices and the average salary in Cuba, where buying a pair of shoes like the ones shown by the young woman could equal months of work for most people.
Frequently asked questions about the economic situation and prices in Cuba
Why are clothing and footwear prices in Cuba so high?
The high prices in Cuba are due to the partial dollarization of the economy and the scarcity of basic products, creating a large gap between the costs of products and salaries in Cuban pesos. Although some products are available in stores that accept dollars, access is limited for most Cubans, who rely on their income in national currency.
How do product prices affect the Cuban population?
The high prices of basic products and consumer goods severely impact the Cuban population, especially those who survive on salaries in Cuban pesos. The gap between product prices and average incomes causes essential items, such as shoes, clothing, or food, to become unaffordable for a large portion of the population.
What do Cubans think about the current economic situation on the island?
Many Cubans express their frustration and indignation regarding the current economic situation. They denounce the widening gap between prices and wages, and feel that the current economic system does not allow them to meet their basic needs. Furthermore, there is a sense of helplessness due to the lack of structural changes that could improve their living conditions.
How does Cuba's economic situation compare to that of other countries?
Compared to other countries, prices in Cuba are disproportionately high in relation to local salaries. While in countries like the United States or Mexico the same products can be purchased at considerably lower prices, in Cuba many people must spend several months' wages to buy a single item, which highlights economic inequality and the difficulty of accessing basic goods.
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