To many outsiders, Cuba presents a paradox of stark contrasts: on one hand, there is extreme scarcity and need, and on the other, an abundance of goods available only in dollars, accessible to a select few. This puzzling scenario was something Venezuelan YouTuber Ary Tenorio, based in Mexico and partner of renowned Mexican YouTuber Luisito Comunica, sought to unravel during her visit to the island.
For Ary, the juxtaposition of neighborhood corner shops, known as "bodegas" in Cuba, and the burgeoning dollar stores was nothing short of astonishing. The concept of the ration book, a staple of Cuban life, left her particularly bewildered, as it is a system unfamiliar in much of the world.
It was not just the existence of the ration book that astounded her, but the revelation that each family is allotted a limited, diminishing supply of subsidized goods that are far from sufficient. Even more surprising was the fact that purchases at these bodegas are heavily restricted, forcing many to seek necessities at exorbitant prices elsewhere.
In a twist of fate, Ary encountered what was purportedly Cuba's best-stocked bodega, at least according to the posted list of products. She was taken aback by the subsidized prices, but the reality for ordinary Cubans is that these lists rarely reflect the actual availability or quality of goods. The bread, for instance, is often missing due to flour shortages, and essential items like medical diets or children's meat rarely arrive as scheduled. Moreover, basic items like bath soap, laundry soap, or detergent can be found only once every three months, if you're fortunate.
Where Ary's observations align with the experiences of many Cubans is in the realm of the so-called "Mipymes," where everything seems available but at prices beyond the reach of the average citizen.
The flip side of the economic coin is the proliferation of dollar stores across the country's provinces, which have become a sensation among Cubans. These stores are well-stocked but priced in a way that excludes most locals, requiring either dollars in cash or international cards, or those specifically enabled for such transactions.
While Ary noted that for a foreigner, the prices might seem reasonable, the reality is starkly different for Cubans. Compared to local salaries, the cost of most products is simply unaffordable.
For any foreign visitor, the Cuban reality remains a source of bewilderment and disbelief, incomparable to the conditions in capitalist countries. Watching a video barely scratches the surface of Cuba's crumbling economy and the daily struggles faced by its people.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What is the ration book system in Cuba?
Cuba's ration book system allocates a specific amount of subsidized goods to each family, but the quantities have decreased over the years and are often insufficient for daily needs.
Why are dollar stores controversial in Cuba?
Dollar stores in Cuba are controversial because they offer a wide range of products that most Cubans cannot afford, as they require payment in dollars, which are not easily accessible to the average citizen.
How do Cuban salaries compare to the prices in dollar stores?
The prices in Cuban dollar stores are largely inaccessible when compared to local salaries, making it difficult for the average Cuban to afford many of the products available.
What challenges do Cubans face in accessing daily necessities?
Cubans face significant challenges accessing daily necessities due to limited availability in bodegas, high prices in other stores, and the ration book system's decreasing allocations.