The Altahabana Shopping Center, part of the state-owned Tiendas Caribe chain, has reopened its doors with a new sales strategy: transactions exclusively in dollars. Habana Oeste Division announced that the store will feature a broad selection of personal care items, food, beverages, perfumes, household goods, and appliances. However, Cuban workers face a significant barrier as they can only access these products if they pay in dollars.
Payment methods accepted include international cards like VISA, MasterCard, and MIR, along with prepaid cards issued by the Bank of Credit and Commerce (BANDEC), and AIS, Viajero, and Clásica cards, which offer a 5% bonus. This reopening aligns with the Cuban government's recent trend of expanding businesses that operate exclusively in U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies. A sales and recharge point for Clásica cards has been set up on-site.
In January 2025, the new Supermarket at 3rd and 70th was inaugurated as the first under this payment model. Located in the Playa municipality of Havana, its opening sparked heated discussions on social media, given that most Cubans earn their wages in CUP and lack access to foreign currencies. With the national economy in crisis and soaring inflation, accessing these stores is unattainable for those relying on an average salary of 4,000 pesos, especially when a dollar is valued at 345 CUP on the black market.
While these exclusive dollar markets are often well-stocked, stores operating in Cuban pesos or Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) suffer from severe shortages. This disparity exacerbates public discontent and criticism of the government's continued reliance on this foreign currency trade model despite widespread societal opposition.
Located at 100 and Calzada de Vento in the Boyeros municipality, the Altahabana Shopping Center has already started welcoming its first customers under this new sales framework.
FAQs about Altahabana Shopping Center's Dollar-Only Reopening
What payment methods are accepted at the Altahabana Shopping Center?
The center accepts international cards such as VISA, MasterCard, and MIR, as well as prepaid cards from BANDEC and cards like AIS, Viajero, and Clásica with a 5% bonus.
Why is there controversy surrounding the reopening of the Altahabana Shopping Center?
The controversy stems from the fact that most Cubans earn in CUP and cannot easily access the foreign currencies required to shop at the center, highlighting economic disparities and fueling public discontent.
Where is the Altahabana Shopping Center located?
The Altahabana Shopping Center is located at 100 and Calzada de Vento in the Boyeros municipality of Havana.