A Cuban content creator known as @yaneisycanta_98 has taken TikTok by storm with a video showcasing the massive pile of banknotes she received in exchange for $1,000 USD. The money, converted into Cuban pesos, includes denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50 CUP.
In the video, the young woman displays several stacks of cash that nearly cover an entire table and remarks:
“I live in Cuba, and this is what $1,000 looks like in bills of 1,000, 200, 500, 100, and 50. In my country, $1,000 is a significant amount. If $1,000 nearly fills this table, just imagine $10,000.”
She further elaborates that in her area, the dollar is exchanged at around 450 Cuban pesos in the informal market, although this rate fluctuates frequently.
“The dollar constantly rises and falls, so today it might be high, and tomorrow it could drop significantly. The government sets a much lower price for the dollar (...) but it never surpasses the informal market,” the creator notes.
The video, which has garnered thousands of views and over 400 comments, has sparked curiosity and debate among users, with reactions ranging from questions and jokes to criticisms. Many are curious about what can be purchased with that amount, while others compare the situation to countries like Venezuela or Bolivia, or lament the devaluation of the Cuban peso.
The Dollar's Continued Climb
The video arrives at a time when foreign currencies are on the rise. As of October 20, 2025, the U.S. dollar is valued at 475 Cuban pesos, and the euro is at 530 CUP, according to daily tracking by elTOQUE.
The Observatorio de Monedas y Finanzas de Cuba (OMFi) attributes the peso's depreciation to the severe economic crisis gripping the nation, characterized by a lack of domestic production, a downturn in tourism, a shortage of foreign currency, and a loss of faith in the local currency.
In September, another Cuban shared on social media his experience of exchanging $100, receiving five bags filled with Cuban peso notes, a scene that also went viral due to the shortage of high-denomination bills and inflation.
Understanding Cuba's Currency Crisis
How is the U.S. dollar exchanged in Cuba's informal market?
In the informal market, the U.S. dollar is exchanged at approximately 450 Cuban pesos, although this rate frequently changes.
What factors contribute to the depreciation of the Cuban peso?
The depreciation of the Cuban peso is largely due to the country's severe economic crisis, which includes issues like poor national production, a decline in tourism, a scarcity of foreign currency, and a lack of confidence in the local currency.
What impact has the viral video had on viewers?
The video has sparked curiosity and debate, with viewers reacting with questions, jokes, and criticisms. Many are interested in what can be purchased with such an amount, and some have compared the situation to other countries experiencing currency devaluation.