"Forget about the Cuban peso", said Cuban content creator Yarelys (@yarelys_hd), who reported on social media that in several cafeterias and restaurants of hotels managed by the Gaviota Group, part of GAESA, payment in national currency is no longer allowed, only in US dollars or international cards.
In a video published on Instagram, Yarelys explained that she used to frequently visit these places, where it was still possible to pay in CUP until recently. However, in one of her recent visits, she “accidentally” discovered that the Cuban peso had been completely withdrawn from circulation in these establishments.
"This time I really ask you to share. I was very disappointed to find out this way… They limit us so much in our own country that one feels excluded," she lamented.
Yarelys' words sparked an avalanche of testimonies on social media. Several Cubans claimed that similar measures are already in place at hotels such as the Royalton Paseo del Prado and the Parque Central, all under the control of GAESA.
The comments agree that for weeks now, payments have been restricted and only cash dollars or international cards are accepted, which leaves most Cubans without access to hospitality and tourism services.
Other customers reported that even offers such as "day passes" at hotel pools, which until now were charged in Cuban pesos, may soon only be payable in dollars.
They warned that the measure would leave thousands of people without leisure options, as many found these activities to be a relatively accessible choice within the current crisis. "It is very sad and unfair," some users wrote.
Beyond the payment method, several customers complained about the high prices and low quality of service. At the Hotel Palacio de los Corredores, for instance, a drink costs almost 5 dollars and was served in a small glass with poor quality ingredients.
“Hotels are empty, prices are outrageous, and the service is deteriorating, but the most serious issue is that they are excluding ordinary Cubans by not accepting their currency,” they criticized on social media.
Some noted that sometimes hotels would agree to charge in cash dollars, but only on the condition of providing the exact amount, which highlights the informality with which these policies are handled and the practical difficulties it creates for customers.
The Cuban peso seems to have once again been excluded from strategic tourist and commercial spaces. This phenomenon not only impacts leisure consumption but also exacerbates social inequality, as those without access to foreign currency are automatically marginalized.
The Cuban peso is losing value at an accelerated rate
Hit by inflation, scarcity, and a progressively dollarized economy, the CUP is extremely devalued and the people of Cuba are becoming poorer each day.
Last week, the dollar reached 400 CUP and the euro 450 CUP in the black currency market, record figures that confirm the deterioration of the national currency. Meanwhile, the Convertible Currency (MLC) is valued at just 200 CUP, and its use is decreasing as state-owned stores transition to dollar sales.
The situation reflects a growing dollarization in Cuba, as the prices of food and essential services continue to rise. Cuban workers are surviving under a regime that structures its economy for salaries from another world.
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