Cuban Influencer in Miami Warns Against Moving to Spain: "It's Painful to See People Embark on This Adventure"

The Cuban content creator Karen Hernández, known on social media as @elixir_karen1994, sparked discussion on TikTok with a video where she criticizes the decision made by some Cubans living in the United States to move to Spain. In her video, Hernández expressed her "pain" at seeing fellow Cubans "embark on this adventure" and highlighted what she perceives as the drawbacks of living in the European nation.

"I came across another Cuban who idolizes Spain and is about to jeopardize his future and that of his family by moving from the United States to Spain. Here are the three things I told him because it pains me to see people jump into this adventure," she stated at the beginning of the video.

Residing in Miami, the influencer outlined several factors that, from her perspective, could be setbacks for those considering relocating from the United States to Spain.

Challenges of Adapting to Spanish Lifestyle

Hernández explained that one must forget about the convenience of stepping out of their home and hopping into a car to get things done, as she claims that in Spain, "you're practically forced to use electric and modern cars, which are not easy to purchase there."

She also jested about the European lifestyle and cultural differences, which, in her view, make it challenging for Cubans to adapt: "In Spain, the vehicle you'll end up with is the grocery cart, those two little wheels you drag around. Secondly, you'll feel like a sheltered mouse because you won't adapt to the climate, and you'll end up with lots of wrinkles because the climate is super dry."

Cultural and Social Adjustments

Karen also commented on the communication barriers between Cubans and Spaniards: "You won't understand any Spaniard. Their humor is nothing like ours. It's likely they'll open their mouth and feel offended. We are always straightforward, while they tend to be elusive to get their way."

She warned about issues such as safety and housing rentals, adding: "Don't be surprised if you get pickpocketed in any city, because it's normal. There's crime in Spain too. And no one will rent to you because the squatter issue is worsening every day. To rent an apartment, you have to provide so much. In many places, they don't want children, dogs, or families; they practically want hermits."

Tax System Realities

Finally, the content creator touched on the Spanish tax system: "If you're moving from the U.S. to Spain, you probably have your money. And what do you think? Do you think they'll take care of it in Spain? No, my dear. Every year, you'll have to file a tax return, and they'll take an amount for which they didn't lift a finger to contribute."

"And that's without mentioning that if you mix your U.S. account with your Spanish account, making transfers and you're the owner of both, you'll have to pay taxes on both: your U.S. account and your Spanish account. So think carefully, Spain isn't the paradise you believe it to be," she concluded.

Hernández's comments have sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some users agreed with her analysis, others accused her of exaggerating and speaking without fully understanding the Spanish reality. Her video highlights an increasingly common debate among Cuban emigrants: where is it better to live, in the United States or Europe? Beyond personal opinions, this conversation continues to reveal the diverse experiences and expectations within the Cuban diaspora.