"First of all, I top up my own phone," stated TikToker @izy_111 after receiving a message not only requesting phone credit but also the helmet from her motorcycle. "This is just ridiculous, and I'm going to call it out because it's a disgrace." The young Cuban, residing on the island, has taken to TikTok to reveal the other side of a common complaint among Cuban emigrants: while many in the United States express frustration over requests for phone credit from Cuba, she shares that she too faces what she considers excessive demands.
"Many people in the U.S. complain about family and friends asking for top-ups and other things. I live in Cuba, and look at the message I got today that left me speechless," she explained in a video shared by user @izy_111. Clearly upset, she highlighted her experience as part of a phenomenon affecting both emigrants and those still on the island: "Who told anyone I’d lend them my motorcycle helmet? People really have no respect and go too far," she remarked.
She clarified that no one supports her or sends her phone credit: "I top up my phone myself through PayPal, using the money I earn from TikTok to buy my credit. If I don't make 20 bucks this month, I can't top up my phone." Beyond the annoyance of the specific request, what hurt her most was the attitude of those who only reach out to ask for things: "That's the best part: they text you when they need something, but they won't ask, 'Hey, do you need anything for your daughter? Does your grandma have food today? How is her health? Does she need rehydration salts?'"
The post unsurprisingly triggered a wave of reactions in the comments. TikTok users supported her stance with messages like "How shameless people are," "They go too far," or simply with emojis of indignation and surprise. Others pointed out the high cost of promotions: "It's outrageous, I paid 70 pesos for today's promotion."
This testimony comes on the heels of another similar case from abroad. Cuban @katygonzalezmiranda, living in the United States, shared her experience after receiving a direct demand for a $20 phone credit as a birthday gift. Her response was straightforward: "I'm cleaning bathrooms for $13 an hour. I'm not giving my money to anyone." The phenomenon isn't new. In 2019, Cuban Yashell Uranga, from Dallas, posted a viral video showing how he worked moving heavy tires: "For me to earn 20 or 30 dollars, the cost of a top-up for Cuba, I have to sweat like crazy for three hours."
Even back in 2018, from Italy, Santiago-born Nairovis Brooks López had already warned in a video: "Got it, Cuban people? Stop asking me for top-ups," arguing that no one knew if she had a job or food, yet they still asked for money to recharge phones. More recently, in April of this year, Cuban @maydari6, also from the U.S., spoke out in a viral TikTok saying, "I'm tired of people being so abusive," declaring she has no obligation to support anyone.
The video by @izy_111 concluded with a powerful message: "Work for what you need because you’re capable. Meanwhile, some go to bars on Saturdays to party, while I have to keep dealing with disrespectful people just to earn a few bucks," drawing attention to a less visible reality: that even within Cuba, there are individuals who face undue pressures or unreasonable requests.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Residents and Emigrants
Why do Cubans in the U.S. complain about requests for phone credit?
Many Cubans in the U.S. complain because they frequently receive requests from family and friends in Cuba for phone credit, which can be financially burdensome.
How do Cubans on the island manage to top up their phones?
Cubans on the island often rely on their own means, such as using money earned through platforms like TikTok and services like PayPal, to top up their phones.