Just be mindful of these things when you use your platform because it can be very hurtful to us that have been robbed of our families, culture, and homeland. They dont know natural rights.. In fact, Cuba is an archipelago consisting of more than 4000 sunny islands, where the two biggest are the main island of Cuba, and the Isla de Juventud: the Island of Youth. Foreigners represent The Outside World, a sphere most Cubans have never experienced firsthand. However, I can assure you they are impacted as much as they can be, given they barely have exposure to the outside world. Is this at all important? With her support, Adela Hernndez, who was imprisoned in the 1980s for being gay, becamethe first transsexual member of the Cuban parliament. Below is the list of 25 best cities to live and work in Cuba for singles and families ranked by quality & cost of living. According to the World Health Organization, Cuba ranks 84 out 183 countries in the suicide index. Even though part of the Cubans who might not be pleased with the current administration, they have great respect for those who fought for Cubas freedom. Cost of Living in Cuba Compare the average living costs in cities in Cuba like Havana, Varadero, Matanzas, Baracoa, Holguin, Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Las Tunas, Moa, Florida. Great blog! (RELATED: Be Prepared To Protect Yourself: Texas Shooting Hero Jack Wilson Speaks Out). The US and Cuba havent always been on the best of terms. Cubas economy shrunk by 60% and the average Cuban lost 30% of their body weight. This article in particular is directed at informing foreigners considering staying in Cuba for a shorter or longer time about what they need to expect, as I have done myself as a foreign national. Life is hard financially for most Cubans but it does not get in the way of them appreciating the joy of being alive. The Cuban system in many ways is like a closed circuit, apart from the relations they have with some countries. When Fidel passed away in 2016, the entire country went into a state of mourning. The standard of living is less than 1% of what it was before the communist revolution. Sweden In fact, the Cuban security apparatus was organized and trained by the East German Stasi, which was the former gestapo in Germany. Hundreds of thousands of Cubans showed up to flee the country. So, it was the long pages of complaints about traveling around Cuba on the internet that really surprised me. Because of the shortages of houses, usually three generations of a family share one house. Ive had my ups and downs . Germany (0.942) Been going to Cuba for about 20 years now. Cubas economy survived through support from the Soviet Union. Even in the sprawling metropolis that is Havana, there are only 5 parks where you can purchase internet access. Hong Kong, China (0.952) Join Now Life in Cuba At a Glance: For expats seeking employment, Havana may be the best choice. The vote comes as Cuba struggles with an economic crisis that has pushed hundreds of thousands out of the . I am happy that you have 5 kids and grand-kids, because people like yourself is exactly what this world needs. Fascinating indeed! In reality, it is possible to live in Cuba indefinitely on a tourist visa, as long as you jump the border every three months. (bullet point 8 towards the end), https://www.parlamentocubano.gob.cu/sites/default/files/documento/2022-07/CF%20V%2025-140622%20VF%20%20Para%20ANPP%20%282%29_0.pdf. There is no internet in houses; it is only available in some public squares. Standard of Living Definition, How to Measure, Example - Investopedia We pulled up to the grocery store and the gates were closed and there was a line down the street, Lata said. Her married brother was a surgeon and her Mother a retired doctor and all lived together. Difficult, but it can be done. This gives companies in other countries a chance to enter the Cuban market, which is why the US is working quickly on resolving their issues with Cuba. The country boasts several protected natural parks to explore, and is also home to a diverse aquamarine life. Check out our travel guides: Cuba Travel Guide. The transportation system and companies that rent vehicles are largely monopolized by the state. Get a passport. I guess it is just a rumor. Our economy is a disaster, this nation is a dictatorship. Would highly recommend visiting Cuba and experiencing a wonderful and colourful country. Following the overthrow of then-Cuban authoritarian President Fulgencio Batista, specific metrics of living conditions from the macroeconomic, sociopolitical and sociological perspectives weakened and consequently placed the people of Cuba under enormous political and financial strain. After a repressive regime, when Mariela, Raul Castros daughter, came out in support of LGBT rights it was a pleasant surprise. The Cuban government suspended the US dollar as a valid currency for use in Cuba in the summer of 2021 following a tightening of sanctions from the US. You can representations of this in peoples houses, as seen in the picture. Today, I am sending my family through one of the sites on the web sanctioned by the government fruit for a sick child. INCOME INEQUALITY IN TODAY'S CUBA - FIELD RESEARCH ON THE CUBAN PEOPLE'S QUALITY OF LIFE AND INCOME STRUCTURE . rating Cuba on a western scale is a difficult project, as the economy is closed, the peso currently only formally has value in Cuba, and is not officially part of the international currency system. In his later years, also Fidel began to soften his tone. I do not know what nationality you are, but here is an article about how Americans can travel to Cuba, as there are a few extra steps in addition to the ones the rest of the world need to do: Education is free. Hi Jainiz, thank you for taking the time to respond. The safety index covers concerns about robberies, car theft, and other crimes, as well as the prevalence of drugs, property crime, violent crimes, and corruption and bribery. Johnson said: Look around you. Cost of Living in Cuba - Cost of Live The Cuban dictatorship continues, as do the constant violations of the human rights of citizens who peacefully fight for political and economic change - but this is not the only problem. Our hosts bent over backwards to to make our stay delightful and although they spoke very little English we were made to feel most welcome. Here's What Life Is Like Living In Communist Cuba You explained how complicado the country is very well. Hi Ray, We return 2 or 3 times a year and email each other daily. Iceland (187.5) They think that the embargo has not reached its goals and should continue. We could not have been more wrong.. And thank you! and could feel how they live but do not understand how they can be so happy. However, another problem is the lack of infrastructure and medicine, which is largely due to the American embargo. In that case, I will refer you to this article about money in Cuba: There are many beaches and, for the most part, pleasant weather. On the other hand I saw very little of Fidel. Cost of Living in Havana. Jul 2023. Prices in Havana - Numbeo My sister and I traveled around for about 5 weeks staying mostly in airbnbs in peoples homes. The places you experienced you could use the US dollar likely were paladares and particulares, both privately owned enterprises, as well as taxis, and street vendors. You can find out more from our Food in Cuba piece! Ben you lucky guy. After having done a bit of research on the new family code in Spanish and a translated summary, there does not seem to be specified that a same-sex marriage partner can apply for residency. Theres a reason why entire families try to flee Cuba using inner tubes and risk dying in the Florida straits. I thought perhaps the people might have an aversion to Americans suddenly flooding the country. The Casinos were the best thing that ever happened to Cuba. Sometimes the buses come to the bus stop an hour early and leave without waiting for passengers who have tickets. Its 99.8% in Cuba today, which is higher than Spains at 98.1%. When the activists first arrived in Cuba, officials took TPUSA producer Colton Duncans passport for seven hours. It doesnt matter how many times you have been to Cuba, you will never feel the true suffering of the proletariat because you can do things which are totally out of reach for the workers of the country. The state also provides a subsidy for citizens to buy staples such as eggs, sugar and rice. In 1980, the American standard of living was the highest among the industrial countries, according to the OECD. There is a white and a black market. Nonetheless, many of the same countries appear in the top 10. I was on a 10 day tour and saw Havana, Trinadad, and Vinales. Im telling you, youre probably not gonna like Cuba that much, Johnson warned. I got on the phone with the embassy, Johnson said. A little colder in the winter, which is the dry season, and warmer and more humid in the summer, the wet season. You tiptoed around major issues and violations of human rights. Cuba is not country simply stagnant in time and repression . Cuba offers stunning nature experiences both on land and in the sea, eco reserves, and coral reefs alike. By western standards, the majority of the population probably will be considered poor, as a months pay in Cuba is around $30. Until the issue of U.S. embargoes is reconciled or at the very least ameliorated, living standards in Cuba will cease to improve. When it comes to putting a price tag on different products and services, Cubans are a little inconsistent. The "Cuba" many tourists see in fancy hotels is different from reality. Make sure you receive their bank card before you leave the US. Students in Cuba today not only learn how to read and write, but also take creative classes in primary schools, such as theater and salsa. Dont be surprised if your taxi driver turns out to be a doctor. The government helps students by paying for their uniforms, but the students have to buy their own books. The biggest problem is the complete and abject poverty (in whatever terms anyone defines them) in which Havanans live that I witnessed walking many miles around the city of Havana. It should also be recognized that much of the economic disaster in Cuba was very deliberately brought about by the actions of the U.S. government. Air pollution is given the most significant weight, followed by water pollution and accessibility to clean water. A family visa lets you stay up to six months before you need to take a trip out of the country, and then it is the same procedure as above. Denmark (0.948) When we left the airport after seven hours, I think we thought the worst is behind us, Duncan said. While talking to them, youll hear them say Viva Che, Viva Fidel Castro, and they mean it. To find the cheapest flights, please read this: INCOME INEQUALITY IN TODAY'S CUBA - Epiphany I have to say as a Cuban living in the United States with family trapped in that island, I found your article somewhat tone deaf to the realities of the Cubans. But however ridiculous they are, countries make their own rules. City Guides | Travel the World | Living Abroad | Travel Guides | Adventure Travel | Digital Nomad Life | Valencia, Spain | California, USA | The Netherlands | How to Plan a Trip, I consent to the storage of my data according to the Privacy Policy, - From Short Trips to Traveling the World & Living Abroad -, A Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip the, Incredible Bucket List Destinations for Once in a, Living in Cuba: Things You Want to Know Before Moving Here, Life in Havana An Interview About Moving to & Living in Cubas Capital, Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience, Important Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country, The Best Caribbean Islands to Visit & Why, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/cuba-suspending-cash-bank-deposits-dollars-citing-us-sanctions-2021-06-11/, https://www.cibercuba.com/tags/cambio-moneda, https://theworldbyhege.com/money-in-cuba/, https://www.spendlifetraveling.com/10-tips-on-how-to-find-cheapest-flights, https://www.spendlifetraveling.com/what-to-look-for-in-travel-insurance, https://theworldbyhege.com/can-americans-travel-to-cuba/, https://theworldbyhege.com/travel-to-cuba-from-canada/, https://theworldbyhege.com/casa-particular-havana/, https://theworldbyhege.com/casa-particular-trinidad-cuba/, https://walterlippmann.com/cuban-families-code-2022-summary/, https://theworldbyhege.com/cuba-tips-for-travel/. Cuba was a breath of fresh air! Access to education and medical services is universal. Not over-crowded. Nothing.. In April 2014, we decided to changes our lives and purse a more fulfilling, active life. Interpretation is personal, but numbers will be a better judge. Any challenges finding insulin or diabetic supplies? When you think about Cuba today, you probably picture a noisy old revolution, mental images of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, and pastel-colored classic American cars roaming the streets of Havana. Economy of Cuba - Wikipedia I find out now that this was a very big choice we made and would do it again in a heart beat. They felt it was the government and not the people that were making things difficult. I am more fearful walking near my hotel in Tennessee while white boys in a pick up truck slow down to hollar racial slurs and jeer at me Lets just get the geography straight first. There are no much data for Cuba. "salario promedio mes es . And are foreigners ever charged more than locals due to the (Ive read) perception of people from the US all being rich? But when they arrived at the embassy, embassy staff told them that they could not help them if they were out on the streets. Every government has its issues and has its corruption but to solely blame the Cuban government is silly. Cuba would be the last place I would consider visiting. Despite this, Cubans dont seem having any issues with America. Finland I list it on the pros side though, so if you are an introvert you will just have to adjust accordingly. Arent you concerned in living in a place like this? Hi Louis, To move permanently to Cuba, you need to be a citizen, or you need a visa that permits a longer stay. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) compiles the Human Development Index (HDI) of 191 countries in the annual Human Development Report.The index considers the health, education, income and living in a given country to provide a measure of human development which is comparable between countries and over time.. So cropped out the part where you were calling them pimps & terrorists. The sanctions arent the problem. Yes, especially in Havana you will experience certain people trying to take advantage of foreigners and the money they can spend. It was a strategic mistake. The number of short-term arbitrary arrests of human rights defenders, independent. Your GSM mobile operator will provide internet services to you as a foreigner, but not to Cubans. A translator makes $20 a month, and a doctor makes $30 a month. I always wanted to know why other countries like Canada cant trade with Cuba? Lets begin with one of the most debated questions weve seen. I am not sure if I got you right. She runs The World By Hege, a travel blog focusing on Cuba & the Caribbean. Fidel had a plan in mind to make the US stop taking Cubans. Access to paid family leave more than doubled from 11% in 2010 to 25% in 2022. . There are a couple reasons for having a Revolution Committee in every neighborhood in Cuba today: To provide support for the elderly, to put together entertainment activities and street parties, to assist with anything related to security and to monitorany activity against the revolution. In 2010, local farmers were given the right to own land, opening the door to foreign investment. The money has started flowing to both the government and the people. They were among the highest in Latin America at about 30 percent of the United States. After the TPUSA members finished their shopping, they stood in line for over an hour waiting to check out their groceries. So although I think this will work Id recommend talking to other Americans once you are in Cuba to see how they deal with their finances. I guess that was after I got to know local people that live there. *The full data for each list can be seen in the table further down this page. https://walterlippmann.com/cuban-families-code-2022-summary/ Hi. Cuba is still a sparkling country, that has been shrouded in mystery and myths for decades. That is so true, traveling to countries where things are complicated really makes you grateful for the little things in your own! My family applied to leave Cuba when I was 10 years old. If you have the money, you can get almost everything you need on the black market. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. Despite its more academic name, the United Nations' Human Development Index tracks many of the same factors as most measures of quality of life or standard of living. But at the same time there is a near-zero rate of homelessness and Cuba has the highest literacy rate in the world. The only warning I would have for travellers is to not lose valuables. Fidel and Chavez are known to have been good friends. If you dont want to opt for all that, you can still live in Cuba almost indefinitely. Countries with a climate index of 100 have moderate temperatures, low humidity, and no significant weather events or conditions. What you need to expect is that it probably will take quite some time, expect at least 2 months or more, and faster will be a nice surprise. You are so right from someone in Canada who has visited so many parts of Cuba. Thank you for taking the time to comment on your experiences in Cuba! So For a former Yugoslavian that has lived through the Balkan nineties, where we can safely say that the situation of having three articles in the shop window wouldnt be surprising, what advice would you offer when it comes to a Long term stay without having anyone familiar on the other side? Affordability breakdown About Cuba It certainly sounds like they want to make it very difficult for you to come back. Some work two jobs. Are you telling me that that ranking is only for non nationals? Fidel continued to be president until 2008, 49 years of popular rule. If youd like to learn more about the revolution and what took place, then you should check out: The Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and Communism. it looked like it was gonna happen and then . Switzerland Visiting this country makes me appreciate everything I have. They will accept dollars in cash, but not by US credit card, and they can deposit it in the bank under the dollar amnesty. Great point there about safety. If you try to question the system, youll be met with the same answer over and over again: This is Cuba.. It is sufficient only to read a few letters from the island country today to agree that such brutal impoverishment is the terrible representation of daily life in Cuba. However, the Numbeo equation is far from the only one. I do not care for the resorts as they are not Cuba but just an extension of Canada but warm and cheerful. 2 weeks accommodation total: 14x$30 is $420 Id definitely not count on being able to buy the diabetic supplies you need and highly recommend bringing everything. The American government has also implemented a 57-year embargo on Cuba. One of the best films dealing with this is Fresa y Chocolate, which was up for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars. so i was not able to feel how they live. Population 11.3M Capital Havana Median Age 42 Average Weather is 25.8C Slow internet with 4 Mbps Safe Cost of living in Havana Cuba $1,603 / Monthly Try buying something from a vendor and they will sell you a lie. Though paraded everywhere I believe that Che Guevara remains a hero only in his ability to sell t shirts to tourists. That may not be your personal goal for staying in Cuba, but consider it a little perk on the pros side. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello, we are Duygu and Bilgehan. The country side is beautiful, but you can see that there is very little modernization. Now the dollar has one informal and one formal value, you can read more about that here: https://www.cibercuba.com/tags/cambio-moneda I was in Mexiko, I was advised not to go outside of resource especially at night. Last updated on: June 1, 2023 by Hege Jacobsen I moved to Cuba in January 2021. It was very clean and stunning. Nothing like a Cuban cigar and all the women look like Ana de Armas. These include affordability, safety, the job market, level of income equality, economic and political stability, and the quality of public education and health systems. World Report 2020: Cuba | Human Rights Watch A post shared by Duygu & Bilgehan (@bizevdeyokuz), WHERE TO EAT IN HAVANA PIONEERING HAVANA RESTAURANTS. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation.