On TikTok, a Cuban woman demonstrated what she could purchase with a mere six dollars in the island's informal market: two bunches of bananas, two pounds of white sugar, and several packets of powdered drink mix for snacks.
Content creator @yaneisycanta_98 shared the video on Sunday, explaining that the six dollars she spent were equivalent to approximately 4,200 Cuban pesos, based on the exchange rate she referenced. Currently, with an informal exchange rate of 744 pesos to the dollar, six dollars equate to about 4,464 Cuban pesos—an amount that surpasses the official minimum wage in the country.
"In Cuba, 4,200 pesos are practically nothing, especially when you have children to feed," she admitted in the clip.
The vendor selling these products doesn't have a permanent stall, instead traveling from another municipality a few times a week. This inconsistency forces buyers to take advantage whenever she appears, as such goods aren't always available through regular channels.
The creator also addressed a follower's comment suggesting that six dollars could buy more in Cuba than in the United States. However, she highlighted the tangible results of her purchase: a small assortment of basic goods that clearly illustrates the limited purchasing power of the local currency.
"Years ago, if you had told me 4,200 pesos, that would have been a fortune, but things have changed drastically in Cuba, especially food prices," she remarked.
Regarding the powdered drinks—criticized by some followers for being low in nutrition—she straightforwardly replied, "We have no other choice here."
The video is part of a viral trend where Cubans document the declining purchasing power on the island. A week prior, another Cuban woman showed that with 5,000 pesos, she could only buy rice, beans, garlic, onions, coffee, and sugar, lacking enough funds for meat, eggs, or oil.
The economic context underscores the erosion of buying power. As of July 1, 2026, the official minimum wage was set at 3,210 pesos monthly, which at the informal exchange rate amounts to less than five dollars.
The Cuban peso has swiftly devalued: from about 590 pesos per dollar in June to over 700 in September, reaching 733 pesos per dollar by September 26.
Official inflation closed August at 25.19% year-on-year, another sign of the ongoing decline in Cuban households' purchasing capacity.
@yaneisycanta_98 previously went viral in January 2026 with a video about the real purchasing power of Cubans, which garnered over three million views. Her conclusion from then still rings true for many families on the island: "There's food in Cuba, but no money."
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
Why is the purchasing power in Cuba so low?
Cuba's purchasing power is low due to economic mismanagement, rapid inflation, and a devalued currency, which have all contributed to the scarcity of basic goods and the high cost of living.
How has the Cuban peso depreciated over time?
The Cuban peso has depreciated significantly, from around 590 pesos per dollar in June to over 700 by September, reflecting the country's economic instability and loss of confidence in its currency.
What was the impact of inflation on Cuban households?
Inflation, which was 25.19% year-on-year in August, has severely reduced the buying power of Cuban households, making it difficult for families to afford even basic necessities.