The Cuban government once again demonstrates its disconnect from the nation's reality by announcing the reopening of the 5th and 96th shopping center in Playa, Havana. They present this as "good news for everyone," while expanding the sale of basic goods in U.S. dollars. This store, part of the Tiendas Caribe network, will operate under the same model that has caused growing discontent among the population: sales exclusively in foreign currencies, which most Cubans cannot access.
In a Facebook post filled with triumphalist tones, the revamped store is touted as offering a "wide variety of products" with payment options through international cards like VISA, MasterCard, and MIR. This reopening is not an isolated event. For months, the regime has been actively increasing the number of dollar stores, even as markets dealing in the national currency remain empty, and the average salary fails to cover even a fraction of basic needs.
Claiming that these stores are "good news for everyone" seems, at the very least, an insult to the millions of families enduring power outages, inflation, and shortages. The rise of these exclusive foreign currency stores has deepened social inequality and normalized a parallel economy where only those receiving remittances from abroad or who have access to foreign currency can buy essential items.
Labeling the reopening of a shopping center, where most Cubans cannot even purchase a liter of cooking oil, as an achievement further illustrates how the official discourse remains out of touch with the people's reality.
Another Dollar Store in Guantánamo
Tiendas Caribe also inaugurated the Lily Modas store in Guantánamo this past Saturday, reopening it under a "new sales model" geared exclusively toward those who can pay with foreign currency cards. The store will operate from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Sundays until 1:30 p.m., accepting payments only through VISA, MasterCard, MIR, BANDEC prepaid, AIS, Classic, and Traveler cards. As usual, Cuban pesos, the official currency in which salaries and pensions are paid, are not accepted.
Understanding the Impact of Dollar Stores in Cuba
Why is the reopening of dollar stores controversial in Cuba?
The reopening of dollar stores is controversial because it highlights the disparity in access to essential goods. Most Cubans do not have access to foreign currency, making these stores inaccessible to the majority of the population.
How do these stores affect social inequality in Cuba?
These stores deepen social inequality by creating a parallel economy where only those with access to foreign currencies can purchase essential items, leaving the rest of the population at a disadvantage.
What payment methods are accepted in these dollar stores?
Dollar stores in Cuba accept payments only through international cards such as VISA, MasterCard, and MIR, as well as BANDEC prepaid, AIS, Classic, and Traveler cards. Cuban pesos are not accepted.