A Cuban woman has gained viral attention on TikTok after sharing a video showcasing a box filled with Cuban peso bills, paired with a sarcastic question: “How much do you think I have here?” In the clip, posted by user @ari…beibis, the young woman highlights the stark difference between the apparent wealth in national currency and its actual worth in euros: “It’s like when you come to Cuba and exchange euros for the national currency. Suddenly, you believe you're wealthy with that pile of money, but it turns out this bundle is worth just one euro. This is one euro. So, how many euros do you think I have here? I don’t know, tell me something.”
The post, featuring an image of a cardboard box brimming with 20 Cuban peso notes, has sparked hundreds of comments about the peso's devaluation and the island's economic hardships. The video has become a vivid illustration of the diminished purchasing power of the local currency compared to the euro and the dollar, in a country where prices continue to rise amidst stagnant wages.
Understanding the Devaluation of the Cuban Peso
What does the video illustrate about the Cuban peso?
The video highlights the significant devaluation of the Cuban peso in comparison to the euro, showing how a large amount of local currency translates to very little in euros.
Why has the video generated so many comments?
The video has sparked reactions because it visually demonstrates the economic struggles in Cuba, particularly the impact of inflation and stagnant wages on the purchasing power of citizens.