A young Cuban woman, known on TikTok as Heydita (@heydi_garcia18), ignited a heated discussion across social media after she openly shared the origin of her affluent lifestyle in Cuba through a video she posted on Saturday.
In the brief 23-second clip, Heydita discloses that her husband resides in the United States, where he works as a truck driver, spending most of his time on the road. She claims that he prefers she remains in Cuba rather than moving to the U.S. with him.
"My husband lives in the United States, and I live in Cuba. And no, he doesn't want me to join him there. He prefers that I continue living in luxury," the young woman states in the video.
The anecdote about their housing arrangement sparked the most reactions: "I asked him for sixty thousand dollars for a house, and he only asked about the color."
Heydita concludes her message with a statement that stirred mixed opinions: "A couple doesn't always have to live in the same country."
The video quickly amassed over 687,000 views, 24,200 likes, and nearly 3,000 comments in under 48 hours, highlighting its significant impact among the Cuban community both on the island and abroad.
The Growing Phenomenon of Transnational Couples
Heydita's situation exemplifies a burgeoning trend in Cuba: transnational couples where one partner works abroad and financially supports the one remaining on the island through remittances. A staggering 92% of remittances received in Cuba originate from the United States, with Cuban expatriates in Miami sending an average of 2,165 dollars annually to their families—though many remit much larger amounts.
This influx of money creates a stark contrast in a nation where the majority rely on state salaries insufficient to meet basic needs. Those receiving dollars from abroad can afford to purchase and renovate homes, and access goods and services entirely out of reach for the average Cuban. Renovating a home in Cuba can exceed 60,000 dollars, with individual expenses like a slab costing an additional 7,000 dollars.
Challenges in Remittance Transfers
However, transmitting these funds has become increasingly challenging. In February 2025, Western Union indefinitely halted transfers from the U.S. to Cuba following sanctions by the Trump administration against the Cuban company Orbit S.A. Moreover, since January 2026, Washington has imposed a 1% tax on remittances paid in cash, money orders, or cashier’s checks.
With formal channels closed, Cuban families turn to alternative methods such as couriers, cryptocurrencies, and transfers through third countries to maintain the flow of money. Since January 2026, remittances can be collected in cash in dollars directly at CADECA offices across the 15 provinces, facilitating access to the funds once they arrive on the island.
Heydita's video, beyond sparking debate about her relationship model, underscores the significant divide in Cuba between those with access to foreign currency and those who must cope with the local peso amid an ongoing crisis showing no signs of abating.
Understanding Remittances and Economic Impact in Cuba
Why do many Cubans rely on remittances from the United States?
Due to low state salaries that fail to meet basic living expenses, many Cubans depend on financial support from family members abroad, particularly from the United States, where the majority of Cuban expatriates reside.
How have remittance channels been affected by U.S. policies?
U.S. policies, including sanctions on Cuban entities and taxes on remittances, have complicated the transfer process, leading to the closure of formal channels like Western Union and necessitating alternative methods for sending money to Cuba.
What impact do remittances have on the Cuban economy?
Remittances provide a crucial financial lifeline, allowing recipients to access goods and services otherwise unattainable with local currency, thereby creating significant economic disparities within Cuban society.