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Millionaires' Kiosk: Havana's Unique Spot for Imported Goods

Thursday, June 26, 2025 by Zoe Salinas

A unique informal sales point, popularly dubbed the “Millionaires' Kiosk,” has captured attention in Havana due to its extensive selection of imported goods and prices that are out of reach for the average Cuban. Nestled on 100th Street, a bustling avenue near the Rancho Boyeros airport, this kiosk features fresh fruits, gourmet items, and refrigerated foods, many of which hail from abroad.

In a TikTok video shared by user @ochosi03, a Cuban returning to the island expressed amazement at the variety of merchandise available. "Look at what I stumbled upon just leaving the airport on my way home on 100th Street—a kiosk that, at first glance, makes you think you're in the U.S., but no, you're in Cuba," he remarked while showcasing pineapples, grapes, garlic, olive oils, canned goods, and even international beers.

The user, visibly astonished, noted that the products were "of very high quality" and that "most of them are imported." Among the offerings, he highlighted a Corona beer served with lime, priced at 700 Cuban pesos, approximately equivalent to 2 U.S. dollars at the current informal exchange rate.

The "Millionaires' Kiosk" earned its nickname due to its pricing, which is unattainable for much of Cuba's population, where the average monthly salary does not exceed 4,000 pesos. However, the location draws those with access to foreign currency or remittances, in search of goods that are hard to find in state-run markets.

Footage reveals a well-stocked area, with fruits hanging in nets, bottled and refrigerated products, and a board displaying visible prices, a stark contrast to the usual scarcity seen in most state-operated agromarkets and stores using national currency.

Businesses like this, often operating outside of state control or on the fringes of legality, have become increasingly common in the country. This trend has been especially noticeable following the partial opening to self-employment and the informal dollarization of commerce.

FAQs about Havana's Millionaires' Kiosk

What is the "Millionaires' Kiosk" in Havana?

The "Millionaires' Kiosk" is an informal sales point in Havana known for offering a wide variety of imported products at high prices, inaccessible to most Cubans.

Why is it called the "Millionaires' Kiosk"?

It is called the "Millionaires' Kiosk" because the prices of the products are so high that they are only affordable for those with significant financial resources, such as access to foreign currency or remittances.

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