A Cuban resident in the United States shared a humorous reflection on TikTok about five things she used to consider true luxuries while living in Cuba and which, after emigrating, she discovered are much more common than she had imagined. Her experience has resonated with other Cubans who have also had to alter their perception of life abroad.
The protagonist, known on TikTok as El hogar de Paulette, shared in a video posted on her profile the five things that, from the island, she used to associate with wealthy individuals and now views in a different light.
"Five things that when I was in Cuba, I thought were for wealthy people because of commercials or movies from the United States, but now that I am in the United States, I realize that it’s actually quite the opposite and is more characteristic of very humble people," he explained as he began his story, clarifying that his intention was not to make classist comments, but to share how his perspective had changed.
1. Shampoos and soaps from well-known brands
The top spot on her list is occupied by personal hygiene products from brands like Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Dove, and Palmolive. She mentioned that in Cuba, having access to these items was a sign that someone had money.
However, upon arriving in the United States, he discovered that many of those products are sold at relatively affordable prices and are accessible to a large portion of the population.
The difference is particularly striking when compared to the prices of some imported products on the island. In April 2026, for example, the price of a 650 ml Head & Shoulders shampoo in a state store in Havana sparked numerous reactions as it was sold for $17.30.
2. Go to a laundromat
Another thing Paulette imagined as a luxury was going to a laundromat, just like she had seen so many times in American movies.
"I remember that when I was in Cuba, that was the top of the top for me," she confessed.
But her perception changed when she discovered that many people use these establishments because they don’t have a washing machine or dryer in their homes. For her, the true luxury became having both appliances at home.
3. Have carpeted flooring
The third item on her list is one that excited her the most when she lived in Cuba: houses with carpeted floors.
Paulette shared that for years she dreamed of having a home like that, as she associated that type of decor with the elegant houses she saw on television.
However, once in the United States, she discovered that carpets are also an economical option used in many homes, and keeping them clean can be quite challenging.
Her experience ultimately transformed the image of luxury she had built from the island.
4. That the children go to school without a uniform
Another detail that caught his attention was seeing in movies how American children went to school dressed in their own clothes.
From Cuba, where school uniforms are common, Paulette thought that being able to choose what to wear each morning was something reserved for wealthy families.
Upon emigrating, he discovered that in many American public schools, students attend in street clothes, while some private institutions require uniforms. A reality different from what he had imagined, although dress codes vary by institution.
5. Having a Toyota car
The last place on her list is occupied by Toyota cars. As she explained, seeing someone driving a vehicle of this brand in Cuba was, for her, a sign of wealth.
But in the United States, he discovered that Toyota is a widely recognized brand and that many of its models are considered practical and relatively affordable options within the automotive market, although their prices vary considerably.
Paulette's experience reflects how some things that seem extraordinary from Cuba can be part of everyday life in other countries.
Other emigrated Cubans have also shared similar experiences. In March 2025, a Cuban resident in Nebraska talked about the everyday comforts of the United States that he once considered luxuries, such as turning on the shower and having hot water available.
More recently, a Cuban living in Mexico shared her father's reaction when visiting a Costco supermarket, an experience that caught the attention of thousands of users on social media.
For her part, Paulette ended her video by saying that she still had other things to mention and that she could share a second part if her followers requested it.
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