A Cuban doctor, known on TikTok as @unadoctoracubana, recently shared her experience of getting a manicure and pedicure at a beauty salon on the island, revealing she spent 3,500 Cuban pesos, which translates to just over five dollars at the informal exchange rate.
In a video posted on September 10, the doctor highlighted the contradiction of this expense: "If basic necessities are expensive here, imagine something like this, which is really a luxury."
She was pleasantly surprised by the salon, only her second visit since her regular manicurist had left the country: "My manicurist always left to seek a better life for herself and her family, so I had to find another place."
When she first noticed the new salon, she assumed it was out of her price range: "Every time I passed by, I thought it looked so nice, the nail care must cost a fortune here."
However, the reality was different. The doctor described the salon as "beautifully decorated," with attentive staff who even offered coffee during the service. She initially wanted a design reflecting her zodiac sign, Cancer, following a TikTok trend, but ended up letting the beautician choose freely, and she loved the result.
The real challenge lies in the impact of those 3,500 CUP on a healthcare professional's budget in Cuba. According to Resolution 17/2026 from the Ministry of Labor, the base salary for a newly graduated doctor is set at 7,045 CUP per month, effective since July 1, 2026. This means the nail treatment cost nearly 50% of a junior doctor’s monthly salary.
The situation becomes even more stark when converted to dollars: with the informal exchange rate around 694 CUP per dollar in mid-September, a doctor's monthly salary equates to about ten dollars. Thus, spending five dollars on nails is not insignificant.
The 3,500 CUP price is higher than the average market rate in Cuba, where a combined manicure and pedicure generally cost around 1,500 CUP, although high-end salons might charge up to 6,000 CUP or more. A basic manicure with traditional polish starts at 500 CUP, while services involving acrylic or polygel nails begin at around 950 CUP.
The debate over whether this expenditure is expensive or affordable is not new on Cuban social media. In June 2026, another Cuban sparked a similar discussion after disclosing she paid 1,800 CUP for her nails. Beauty service prices in Cuba have been steadily rising in 2026, driven by inflation and the partial dollarization of the economy.
The doctor encouraged her followers to weigh in on the matter: "Let me know in the comments how much you pay for the same service and what you think, expensive or cheap?"
Understanding Beauty Costs in Cuba
How much do beauty services typically cost in Cuba?
In Cuba, a manicure and pedicure together usually cost around 1,500 CUP, but prices can reach up to 6,000 CUP or more at high-end salons.
What is the significance of spending 3,500 CUP on nail care for a Cuban doctor?
Spending 3,500 CUP on nail care represents nearly 50% of a Cuban doctor's monthly salary, highlighting the luxury aspect of such services in the context of local earnings.
How does the informal exchange rate affect the perception of costs in Cuba?
The informal exchange rate, which was around 694 CUP per dollar in September, significantly impacts the perceived cost of services when converted to US dollars, often making them appear more expensive relative to local salaries.