A young Cuban, @marky_barrera, who spent several months in Mexico awaiting his CBO One appointment, recently shared his first shopping experience in a Las Vegas store on TikTok.
In the video, he expressed surprise at the prices, commenting on how his mind kept converting from Cuban pesos to dollars, describing it as a "trauma" that still haunted him. "I'm looking at the prices here... I can't tell if I'm cheap or if everything seems expensive," he joked while walking through the supermarket aisles.
"This costs me no less than $6," he explained, pointing to some candies, before comparing the value of that amount in Cuban pesos and MLC (Freely Convertible Currency). "Cuba doesn't leave me," he added, reflecting on how the economic situation in Cuba impacted his perception of prices.
Throughout the video, the young man continued to show his astonishment at the cost of basic products like apples and garlic, highlighting that despite being in the United States, he still felt the need to compare prices with those in Cuba.
The reactions from his followers were swift, with many assuring him that the sensation would fade over time. "This happens to all of us who just arrived," commented one user, while another added, "I've been here for 4 months and I still think that way." Others encouraged him and advised patience: "When you start working, it will pass," wrote another follower, reminding him that in time, he would stop seeing prices as excessively high.
This young Cuban had already formed a strong emotional bond with his audience during his stay in Mexico, where he documented key moments of his migration process.
In mid-August, he posted an emotional video sharing the moment he received the news of his appointment, thrilling his followers with the reactions of his loved ones, including his boss in Mexico, whom he described as a mother figure.
Weeks later, he moved his fans once again by sharing his long-awaited reunion in the United States with his partner, showing in a video the moment they finally hugged after so much time apart. "Finally together," he celebrated at that moment.
The reactions to his latest video in Las Vegas mixed laughter and words of support. "I died when you said you wouldn't pay $4 for those sticks," wrote one user, laughing, while another noted, "A week's salary there, you earn it in a day here. Be grateful to God for your blessing."
@marky_barrera continued to showcase his life in the United States and face the challenges of adapting to a new economic reality. His followers, always present, continued to accompany him and share their own stories of adaptation abroad.
FAQs about Adapting to Economic Realities in the U.S.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers that might help new immigrants or those curious about adjusting to a new economic landscape, particularly from Cuba to the United States.
Why do new immigrants often find prices in the U.S. surprisingly high?
Many new immigrants are used to the prices in their home countries, which can be significantly lower due to different economic conditions. This can make U.S. prices seem surprisingly high at first.
How long does it typically take to adjust to new price standards?
Adjustment periods vary, but many immigrants report that it can take several months to a year to fully acclimate to new price standards and stop converting prices to their home currency.
What can help ease the transition to a new economic environment?
Gaining employment, budgeting effectively, and seeking support from the local community or other immigrants can significantly ease the transition to a new economic environment.