A young Cuban woman recently took to TikTok to highlight the challenges of shopping for personal care items on the island. She revealed that her recent purchase amounted to a staggering 108 US dollars. "I live in Cuba and today I bought some necessary items," she noted in the video description, showcasing the products she acquired, which included essentials for her young child and her own personal care.
The items purchased included: Chicco baby shampoo for 12 USD, Chicco children's toothpaste for 6 USD, Chicco children's toothbrush for 5 USD, Garnier BB Cream for 18 USD, makeup remover pads for 1.50 USD, face cream for 18 USD, micellar water for 18.50 USD, body lotion for 12 USD, and hair dye with peroxide for 6 and 9 USD respectively. In total, her expenditure in Cuba reached 108 dollars for just about ten products.
She clarified that some of the items were "little things for the child's care," while others were for "mom's beauty routine, which of course, also needs attention." The video, which features the image of the products laid out on a red sheet with the caption "Total of 108 USD," has sparked discussions on social media regarding the high cost of living in Cuba, where salaries paid in Cuban pesos are inadequate compared to the informal market's dollarization.
The High Cost of Living in Cuba
Why is the cost of personal care products so high in Cuba?
The high cost is mainly due to the dollarization of the informal market and the scarcity of goods, which drives prices up significantly, making them unaffordable for many who earn in Cuban pesos.
How do Cubans manage with such high prices?
Many Cubans rely on remittances from family abroad, informal trade, and multiple jobs to cope with the high costs of living, including essential items like personal care products.