The Cuban TikToker @dieego_blogger has captured widespread attention with a viral video, showcasing what he was able to purchase with just $20 in Cuba. According to him, this amount was sent by a follower from abroad.
"In today's video, I'll show you everything I bought with $20, so join me," the young man announces at the start of the clip, posted on his TikTok account.
The items he displays include a small bag of rice priced at $4, a pack of sugar for $2.18, a bottle of sunflower oil at $3.13, a tube of ham costing $5.10, a package of sausages for $2.87, and a bar of bath soap at $2.41. These purchases collectively amount to the $20 he received.
Filmed in what appears to be a modest home, the video highlights the challenges Cubans face in obtaining basic necessities, even with foreign currency, due to the high costs in MLC stores or the informal market.
"This is everything I could buy with $20," the young man concludes, as he displays the few items acquired on a table. The post has sparked hundreds of comments from users expressing sympathy for the situation and comparing these prices to those in other countries in the region.
In recent years, inflation and the depreciation of the Cuban peso have driven up prices significantly, while state salaries remain inadequate. In reality, many Cubans rely on financial support from relatives abroad to make ends meet.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
Why are basic goods so expensive in Cuba?
The high cost of basic goods in Cuba is largely due to inflation, the depreciation of the Cuban peso, and the government's reliance on foreign currency stores, which increases prices for locals.
How do Cubans manage with the current economic crisis?
Many Cubans depend on remittances from family members abroad to cope with the economic hardships, as state salaries are often insufficient to cover basic living expenses.