A young Cuban shared on TikTok the difficulties of obtaining supplies on the island by showcasing her recent personal hygiene purchases, which totaled 108 US dollars.
"I live in Cuba, and today I did some necessary shopping," he remarked in the video description, where he displayed the products he had purchased: some for his young son and others for personal care.
According to the details provided, among the purchased items are: Baby shampoo from the brand Chicco: 12 USD. Chicco children's toothpaste: 6 USD. Chicco children's toothbrush: 5 USD. Garnier BB Cream: 18 USD. Makeup remover pads: 1.50 USD. Facial cream: 18 USD. Micellar water: 18.50 USD. Body cream: 12 USD. Peroxide and hair dye: 6 and 9 USD.
In total, the purchase made by the Cuban on the island amounted to 108 dollars for just a dozen products.
The young woman explained that some items were "hygiene products for the child" and others for "mom's beauty supplies, which of course also need to be taken care of."
The video, accompanied by an image of the products on a red sheet with the caption "Total of 108 USD," has sparked debate on social media about the high cost of living in Cuba, where salaries in Cuban pesos are insufficient against the dollarization of the informal market.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living in Cuba
Why are the prices of basic personal hygiene products so high in Cuba?
The high cost of hygiene products in Cuba is due to the dollarization of the informal market, where prices are beyond the reach of most people who earn in Cuban pesos. The scarcity of products and the lack of local production increase dependence on imports, which further drives up prices.
How does the cost of living in Cuba affect the salaries of workers and pensioners?
The cost of living in Cuba far exceeds the salaries of workers and pensioners, as an average income of only 16 dollars in the informal exchange makes it impossible to meet basic needs. This forces many people to rely on remittances or turn to the informal market to survive.
What strategies do Cubans use to cope with the current economic crisis?
In the face of the economic crisis, many Cubans are turning to strategies such as receiving remittances from abroad, participating in the informal market, and seeking additional jobs that pay in foreign currency. Additionally, support from family members overseas who send essential goods is vital for many families.
How does the cost of products in Cuba compare to other countries in Latin America?
The cost of products in Cuba is significantly higher than in other Latin American countries, such as Ecuador, where a small amount of dollars can purchase more products. Scarcity and dollarization in Cuba drive prices to levels that are unaffordable for most people.
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