A Cuban woman recently took to social media to share her experience at a store in Holguín that only accepts U.S. dollars, either in cash or through international cards such as MasterCard, Visa, MIR, or UnionPay. "Dollarization is taking over Cuba," wrote user @kary_y_jony in a video posted on TikTok. In the clip, she walks through the store, which has recently joined the trend of operating solely with foreign currency. The entrance displays a sign with logos of accepted payment methods, making it clear that Cuban pesos are not welcome.
In her account, the woman observed that the products available were similar to those sold in previous times when transactions were conducted in CUC or MLC, except now they are exclusively priced in dollars. She noted a lack of variety, with shelves stocked with repeated items and prices out of reach for most Cubans. "Disposable diapers were nearly 10 dollars; Serrano coffee was over 7 dollars; domestic sodas, which had been absent for some time, were finally available," she explained. The electronics section was also sparsely stocked.
Her account adds to a growing number of citizen reports highlighting the conditions in these stores. Similar experiences have been documented in places like the 5th and 96th shopping center in Havana, Nuevo Boulevard in Ciego de Ávila, and Variedades Siboney in Villa Clara.
Back in February, the 3rd and 70 supermarket in Havana opened its doors, earning the nickname "Cuban Walmart" by some. There, prices were recorded as high as 146 dollars for a piece of Serrano ham or over 70 dollars for cheese. This very store recently had a bag of domestic potatoes priced at 8.85 dollars.
This trend is part of an officially acknowledged "partial dollarization" of the economy, confirmed by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel in recent statements. The Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) has announced the opening of more than 50 such stores, aiming to attract foreign currency amid rampant inflation and a collapsing distribution system in Cuban pesos.
Similar criticisms arose with the opening of a perfumery store in dollars on San Rafael Boulevard and new stores in Holguín, which drew complaints about prices such as brooms at 5.65 USD or customers receiving change in candy.
While these stores keep growing and offer a better selection, most Cubans continue to subsist on salaries paid in Cuban pesos, currently equivalent to less than 20 dollars per month. This situation worsens social disparities and daily frustration.
The Impact of Dollarization on Cuban Society
What is the significance of the "partial dollarization" in Cuba?
The "partial dollarization" signifies a shift in the Cuban economy, where certain goods and services are priced exclusively in U.S. dollars, affecting those who earn primarily in Cuban pesos and increasing economic inequality.
How do dollar-only stores affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Dollar-only stores limit accessibility to essential goods for many Cubans who earn in pesos, forcing them to rely on remittances or black market exchanges, exacerbating social and economic disparities.