Bolivian YouTuber Sheds Light on Cuba’s Harsh Reality: Blackouts, Shortages, and Sky-High Prices

A Bolivian YouTuber has taken to documenting the severe challenges faced by Cubans, highlighting issues such as frequent blackouts, food shortages, exorbitant prices, and a restrictive economic system. The young content creator, known on social media as Kapléx (@kaplexx on TikTok), and whose real name is Jhamil Kaleb Marca Ramos, explored the streets of Havana to capture elements of everyday life in Cuba, which often leave foreigners bewildered.

In his accounts, Kapléx vividly described the tough daily conditions faced by residents: “This is the harsh life here in Cuba,” he remarked, referencing the frequent power outages, food scarcity, and closed pharmacies as just a few examples of the day-to-day struggles.

Two Exchange Rates: A Complicated Economy

Kapléx elaborated on Cuba's dual currency exchange rates: one official rate set by the government and another on the black market, further complicating personal finances for Cuban citizens. He also discussed the ration book system, which controls the distribution of basic goods on the island. Despite its purpose to ensure essential foods, it fails to meet the needs of Cuban families.

The Costly Luxury of Beef and Legal Restrictions

Among the most striking observations Kapléx made was the luxury status of beef, which is only accessible to a select few due to high costs and strict legal restrictions against slaughtering cattle.

Endless Queues and Persistent Blackouts

In another video, Kapléx captured the long lines outside ATMs, noting that only one of the six machines was operational at the time of filming. He also recounted the extended blackouts that have plagued not just Havana but other parts of the country: “A couple of days—or rather, hours—ago, there was a complete blackout. There was no electricity for four days, and it’s just now being restored,” he reported.

Shopping Woes: Empty Shelves and Unaffordable Prices

During a visit to a supermarket, Kapléx found many products were imported and only purchasable with an MLC credit card. His own cards were declined, a common issue for foreigners, according to him. The refrigerators were nearly empty, and the few available items were priced in dollars, making them unattainable for most Cubans.

Through these videos, Kapléx provided a raw glimpse into Cuba’s reality, shedding light on the daily battles Cubans face to obtain basic goods and services.

Street Crafters and Unique Cuban Fashion

Recently, the YouTuber expressed his fascination with a common trade in Cuban cities: the lighter refiller. In a TikTok video, Kapléx displayed his amazement at how these workers repair and recharge lighters right on the street. “People here in Cuba smoke so much that they have street lighter repairers,” he commented while showing one in action.

Another quirky detail that caught the Bolivian YouTuber’s attention was the fashion choice among some Cuban youth, who incorporate rubber boots into their everyday attire.