A Cuban resident abroad stated on TikTok that the dollar in Cuba is currently valued at 500 Cuban pesos (CUP) and that, although it may seem like a high amount, the money "is not enough for anything" due to the high cost of living on the Island.
In a video posted after returning from an urgent visit to Cuba, the user identified as Leticia Castro described the impact that prices, particularly for fuel and food, had on her, as well as the sanitary deterioration in her city, Cárdenas.
"Today, the dollar in Cuba is at 500 Cuban pesos, but when you start buying what you need, all that amount of money becomes absolutely nothing," he stated.
According to her testimony, a liter of gasoline is sold in Cárdenas for 3,000 CUP, which is approximately six U.S. dollars at the informal exchange rate she mentioned.
The Cuban explained that a trip from Cárdenas to Havana could require at least 20 liters of fuel, which would involve a minimum expense of 60 dollars just for gasoline. If the person needs to move around within the city or travel to Varadero, the costs could double.
"When you get it, you have to pay that price," he noted, referring to the scarcity of fuel.
Regarding food, he assured that there are products available, but at very high prices: A cone of peanuts: 50 CUP. A small candy: 450 CUP
The TikTok user insisted that those planning to travel to Cuba should bring enough money because, although the dollar is high in the informal market, the cost of basic goods quickly drains any budget.
Another aspect that she said impacted her was the accumulation of garbage in her city.
"It's terrible the amount of filth there is," she expressed, linking this situation to the proliferation of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.
The testimony adds to numerous complaints on social media regarding the deterioration of public services, uncontrolled inflation, and the rising cost of fuel on the Island, amid a deep economic crisis that is hitting the population hard.
The creator announced that she will be releasing new videos with more details about her recent experience in Cuba.
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