A Cuban content creator showcased on TikTok what can be purchased in Cuba with 50 dollars in the private market, specifically in small and medium-sized enterprises, amid the ongoing scarcity of products in state-run stores.
In the video, the young woman details that she purchased a pack of chicken, a ten-pound smoked pork loin, two packages of croquettes, two packages of chicken burgers (each containing approximately five units), two packages of sausages, three types of ham, packaged yucca, a box of cola, two bottles of oil, several heads of garlic, and five pounds of white sugar.
According to the explanation, several of these products are not available in State-run establishments, which forces many Cubans to turn to the private sector, where prices are usually higher and payments are made in Cuban pesos (CUP), although the US dollar continues to serve as the real value reference in the informal economy.
The young woman remarked that she could only buy two packages of sausages because there were no more left in the store. She also noted that the garlic cost her around 100 CUP per head (about 0.40 USD at the informal exchange rate), a price she considered high, although she justified the expense due to the size of each unit.
For many households on the Island, 50 dollars—equivalent to over 15,000 CUP at the informal exchange rate—represents a substantial amount in a context marked by inflation, the depreciation of the Cuban peso, and instability in the supply of basic food items.
The video has sparked debate on social media, where numerous users compare prices, question purchasing power in Cuba, and share their own experiences regarding how far money goes in the private market.
In the midst of the deep economic crisis the country is experiencing, this type of content has become common on platforms like TikTok, where creators document daily shopping experiences and reflect the challenges families face in securing their food.
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