A young Cuban recently shared on social media what happened when he exchanged $100 in Cuba: he received five bags filled with Cuban pesos. The video, which quickly went viral, shows the man placing the packages of money on the ground, each wrapped in plastic bags, while commenting on the staggering amount of paper currency he got in return.
The scene sparked a variety of reactions from online users. "Unbelievable," one user remarked. Another joked, "Did they give it to you in $1 bills?" or commented sarcastically, "With inflation so high, that's hardly any money."
Some followers also shared practical advice to avoid the hassle of carrying such a large volume of bills. "To avoid this, when you're exchanging money, tell the person buying your $100 that you only accept 1,000 peso notes; that way, you'll get 41 bills. If they don't have them, find another buyer. I always do this and carry the money in my pockets," one commenter suggested.
The rampant inflation and shortage of high-denomination bills in Cuba have led to increasingly bizarre situations, like this one where the young man needed several bags to carry the equivalent of $100.
Understanding Cuba's Currency Challenges
Why did the Cuban man receive so many bills for $100?
Due to inflation and the scarcity of high-denomination bills in Cuba, exchanging $100 results in a large number of low-value bills.
What advice did people give to avoid carrying so many bills?
Some recommended asking for 1,000 peso notes during exchanges to reduce the number of bills received.