A young Cuban woman living in Romania recently took to TikTok to share a video comparing Cuban banknotes with those from the European country, sparking interest among viewers with the stark differences she pointed out. "The two currencies are quite distinct. What caught my attention the most was the material; the Romanian note is made from a water-resistant synthetic material, whereas the Cuban one is paper," explained TikTok user @claumill_01.
In her video, the Cuban expat demonstrates how a Romanian banknote can be submerged in water without any damage, illustrating a clear contrast to the Cuban bills, which are more prone to damage due to their conventional paper composition.
Size and Material: Key Differences
Another major difference she highlighted is the size of the banknotes. "In Romania, the size changes with the denomination; the higher the value, the larger the note. In Cuba, however, all notes are the same size," she elaborated.
The video has prompted reactions from TikTok users, with many agreeing that Cuba's monetary system is outdated and in dire need of modernization—particularly in terms of the design and durability of its banknotes.
Preventing Counterfeiting with Synthetic Materials
Beyond the curiosity about design, several comments emphasized that the synthetic material used in Romanian banknotes also helps to prevent counterfeiting, a significant advantage that many countries have embraced in recent decades.
The comparison has sparked a wider discussion among Cubans both on and off the island about the condition of the Cuban peso (CUP) and the quality of the national currency's printing.
FAQs on Cuban and Romanian Banknotes
Why are Romanian banknotes water-resistant?
Romanian banknotes are made from a synthetic material that is resistant to water, making them more durable and less susceptible to damage than paper banknotes.
What are the benefits of using synthetic materials for banknotes?
Synthetic materials help prevent counterfeiting and significantly increase the durability of banknotes. This makes them a preferred choice for many countries looking to modernize their currency.
How does the size of Cuban banknotes compare to Romanian ones?
In Cuba, all banknotes are the same size, whereas in Romania, the size of the banknote varies according to its denomination, with higher value notes being larger.