A Cuban woman showed in a TikTok video how she attempted to buy something with 10 Cuban pesos and ended up putting the bill back in her wallet, unable to purchase anything at all. The visual testimony, posted by user @darlingmores, quickly went viral, accumulating over 100,000 views, thousands of likes, and hundreds of comments from different countries.
"I have 10 Cuban pesos in my hand, and today I'm going to show you what you can buy here with 10 Cuban pesos, so join me, my love, if you're interested in this video," the young woman begins in the clip that lasts just over a minute.
Already on the street, she explains: "I started off on the wrong foot because all the prices there are 200 pesos and up," and later adds, "I keep walking because I'm not going to give up, because I know I have to buy something today with 10 pesos of my national currency, from my country."
When reviewing another offer, she says: "the prices 150, 120 oh my God, times are changing, everything is getting more expensive every day, everything costs more." After visiting a small business, she laments: "everything is skyrocketing in price too."
Finally, he admits: "Afterwards, I had to save my 10 pesos, my love, because you really can't buy anything with 10 pesos, and put it in my little purse, and buy myself this pastry that cost me 100 pesos, and I bought this little cream for the bread for my girl that cost me about 250 pesos."
The video concludes with a straightforward question: "Tell me what you can buy with 10 pesos in your national currency."
Reactions to the video came swiftly. From Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Colombia, and other countries, dozens of users compared what they could buy in their home countries for similar amounts, expressing surprise and solidarity.
One of the most talked-about topics was the actual value of the bill. In response to the question "10 pesos, how much is that in dollars?", the creator herself answered: "nothing, a dollar is 410 pesos."
The situation reflected by @darlingmores aligns with other viral testimonies highlighting the decline in purchasing power in Cuba. In another video shared by @flaki_gely, a mother laments: "Eggs used to be common, now not everyone eats them." Also, @anita.cubana6 reported: "Many people wake up with nothing to eat and go to bed with empty bellies."
According to the latest official report, the average salary in Cuba is 6,649 pesos per month, which is equivalent to a little over 16 dollars at the current unofficial exchange rate. The same market quotes the dollar today at 413 CUP and the euro at 465 CUP, according to data collected this Tuesday.
In parallel, sectors such as hotel construction offer salaries of up to 40,000 pesos, far exceeding the earnings of doctors, teachers, or engineers in Cuba, highlighting a profound wage distortion.
The testimony of @darlingmores not only documents an individual experience but has also become another reflection of the devaluation of the national currency and the daily struggles that a large part of the Cuban population faces in securing basic necessities.
Frequently asked questions about the value of the Cuban peso and the economic crisis in Cuba
What can you buy in Cuba with 10 Cuban pesos?
With 10 Cuban pesos, you can hardly buy anything of value. According to a viral video from a TikTok user, 10 pesos are not enough to purchase basic products, as prices start from 200 pesos and up. The national currency has significantly devalued, making it difficult to acquire essential goods.
What is the value of the Cuban peso against the dollar?
According to the current unofficial exchange rate, one dollar is approximately equivalent to 410 Cuban pesos. This reflects a significant devaluation of the national currency against foreign currencies, which directly impacts the purchasing power of Cubans.
How does dollarization affect access to basic goods in Cuba?
Dollarization has limited access to basic products for those without foreign currency. Stores that operate in dollars tend to be better stocked, but only accept payments in foreign currency, excluding the majority of the population who earn in Cuban pesos. This has created a perception of injustice and economic inequality.
How does the purchasing power in Cuba compare to other countries in Latin America?
The purchasing power in Cuba is significantly lower compared to other countries in Latin America. For example, a Cuban in Ecuador was able to buy a variety of products for just $10.50, something unimaginable in Cuba where high prices and food shortages are common.
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