In a recent video, TikTok user @aprendedorajeje, a self-described "Cuban YouTuber in training," set out to discover what clothing she could purchase in Cuba with 1,000 Cuban pesos. The result, according to the young woman, was "an expensive experiment," but also a revealing one.
"When I was little, 1,000 pesos was an indecent amount of money. Let's see what I can get ten seasons of Palmas y Cañas later," she commented at the beginning of the video. She headed straight to second-hand stores, as her budget wouldn't stretch to other shops.
@aprendedorajeje detailed that she found items in these stores ranging from 100 to 250 pesos, although some were notably worn out. With her 1,000 pesos, she bought two gym t-shirts, each costing 350 pesos.
"I bought two cheap gym t-shirts, which cost me 350 pesos each. This one has some stains, but they can be removed with bleach, my dear, because it's white. And this other one, as you can see, has some irregular cuts, but I like that. They're very fresh for the gym and they work for me," she explained.
"Is that Holguín?" a user asked in the comments, to which she responded affirmatively. Comments on her video included, "You can't buy much anymore, but good choice," and "Here in the United States, they give away very nice clothes in churches and lots of food," highlighting the high prices on the island and the difficulty of meeting basic needs amid a context of crisis and rampant inflation.
Understanding the Costs of Living in Cuba
The article underscores the challenges faced by Cubans in affording basic necessities, reflecting on the economic situation in the country.
Why is 1,000 pesos considered a significant amount in Cuba?
Historically, 1,000 Cuban pesos was considered a substantial amount of money, but due to inflation and economic hardship, its purchasing power has significantly decreased.
What types of stores did @aprendedorajeje visit for her experiment?
@aprendedorajeje visited second-hand stores because her budget was not sufficient for other types of shops.
How did viewers respond to the video?
Viewers commented on the high prices and the difficulty of buying essentials in Cuba, with some comparing the situation to other countries like the United States where clothing and food are more readily available for free.