Cuban YouTuber in Uruguay Breaks Down Monthly Expenses, Including Essential Remittances to Cuba

Frank El Makina, a Cuban YouTuber, recently posted a video on TikTok (@frankelmakina) where he details the monthly expenses he and his partner, Claudia, incur while living in Maldonado, Uruguay. According to Frank, their fixed monthly costs total 63,750 Uruguayan pesos, equivalent to about 2,125 pesos daily (approximately $52.58). He noted that both he and Claudia are self-employed and have a registered business in Uruguay. Although he didn’t disclose their income, he provided a comprehensive breakdown of their basic expenses: rent, utilities, electricity, two contracts with Antel, gym membership, taxes like BPS and DGI, basic groceries, monthly remittances to Cuba, and credit card payments.

"Sending money to Cuba is a must; otherwise, our family can't eat," Frank stated firmly.

The video sparked numerous reactions on TikTok. Many Uruguayans and Cuban residents in the South American country felt the expenses were underestimated, particularly concerning food costs. "Only 10,000 pesos per month on food?" questioned one user, while others jokingly suggested that budget would only cover rice and eggs. Comments also highlighted missing expenses such as cleaning supplies, transportation, medication, heating, or health insurance.

On the other hand, several commenters praised the Cuban couple's financial organization and planning. "They are very well organized," remarked a Uruguayan user. "You spend so little. I need you as my accountant," added another follower. One user even shared his own family budget, which amounted to 85,000 pesos without including rent, for comparison.

Financial Planning and Community Reactions

Among the most debated points was the inclusion of taxes (BPS and DGI) and credit card payments within personal expenses. Some users argued these are business expenses rather than daily living costs, while others acknowledged that as self-employed individuals, these taxes are part of their household economy.

This testimony adds to a series of recent posts from Cuban migrants detailing their adaptation process in Uruguay. In late May, a young Cuban woman described how much money is needed to start anew in Uruguay, including rental prices, furniture, appliances, and practical advice for those emigrating alone or with family. Based on her experience, individuals can settle in pensions for between 9,000 and 12,000 Uruguayan pesos per month, while a family renting an apartment should have between $2,500 and $4,500 initially. She also explained the costs of furnishing a home and the hurdles in securing rental contracts without guarantees.

These posts have sparked debates and offered helpful contributions on social media, ranging from savings strategies to warnings about the real cost of living in cities like Montevideo or Maldonado.

Path to Citizenship and Financial Stability

Frank, who recently attained his Uruguayan identity card as a legal resident without any issues, has shared various moments of his migrant life on social media since leaving Cuba over two years ago. This achievement has enabled him to access the banking system, apply for credit cards, and open formal accounts. "I'm going to have my first credit card in my life," he celebrated in a video where he also talked about his next goal: obtaining Uruguayan citizenship. In that post, he reflected on the challenges Cuban migrants face in the country due to past defaults in previous migration waves, which have tightened conditions for obtaining credit without proper documentation.

Frank El Makina's journey not only highlights the cost of living outside Cuba but also the slow yet achievable process of building stability from scratch—through discipline, hard work, and proper documentation.