The Cuban YouTuber Maibis Guerra, who has been residing in the Dominican Republic for four months, recently shared a heartfelt account of the everyday struggles she left behind in Cuba. Her testimony highlights the stark differences in life, from enduring two-hour lines at pharmacies for sanitary pads to the necessity of saving for an entire year just to visit the beach.
The video, which she uploaded to her Instagram account, quickly garnered over 73,000 views in less than a day. It resonated with numerous viewers, including Dominicans, Cuban expatriates, and Venezuelans, who found common ground in her story.
Everyday Struggles Many Can't Imagine
Maibis vividly recounts the challenge of securing a package of sanitary pads—referred to as "íntimas" from the Mariposa brand—within Cuba. "It meant waiting up to two hours in line when they finally arrived at the pharmacy. These basic women's products could be unavailable for up to three months," she explains.
The scarcity of feminine hygiene products is not a recent development. For decades, Cuban women have coped with this basic need by resorting to recycled cloth, cotton, or by purchasing sanitary pads on the black market, where prices can equate to an entire monthly salary.
Cost of Living: A Luxurious Reality
In her reflection, Maibis also touches on the steep cost of essential items, such as eggs, in Cuba. "A carton of eggs costs the same as my mom's monthly earnings—3,000 Cuban pesos," she notes, illustrating how everyday necessities become unaffordable luxuries on the island.
In 2025, the average Cuban salary was 6,930 pesos, equivalent to about 15 U.S. dollars on the informal exchange market, an amount that makes it impossible to meet basic needs.
"I dream of a Cuba where freedom of expression exists, where supermarkets are stocked, and gyms are well-equipped," Maibis adds. "In Cuba, you save for a year just to take a three or four-day vacation at a beach or maybe a hotel."
Dominican Republic: An Emerging Refuge
The Dominican Republic has become a favored destination for Cuban migrants, with 14,664 residency permits issued since 2018. A Cuban woman emotionally affected by her experience in the Dominican Republic also shared her reflections on social media, highlighting the stark contrast between the two countries—a sentiment that continues to gain traction online.
Dreams of a Better Life
The most poignant moment in Maibis's video is when she envisions bringing her family to the Dominican Republic. "I'd take them to a supermarket and say, 'Go ahead, take whatever you want, because here, you can.'" One comment captures the collective sentiment: "God, my heart broke when she said that. It hurts to think about life in Cuba."
Understanding Cuban Expat Life in the Dominican Republic
Why are sanitary pads scarce in Cuba?
Sanitary pads are scarce in Cuba due to a combination of economic mismanagement, supply chain issues, and the government's inability to provide basic necessities efficiently.
What is the average salary in Cuba and how does it compare to the cost of living?
As of 2025, the average Cuban salary was about 6,930 pesos, roughly 15 U.S. dollars at informal exchange rates. This income is insufficient to cover essential living expenses, making everyday items like eggs and sanitary products unaffordable for many.
How has the Dominican Republic become a popular destination for Cuban migrants?
The Dominican Republic has become a popular destination for Cuban migrants due to its proximity, more favorable economic conditions, and opportunities for a better quality of life. Since 2018, many Cubans have sought residency there, seeking to escape the hardships in Cuba.