The Altahabana Shopping Center, part of the state chain Tiendas Caribe, has reopened its doors under a new sales model: exclusively in dollars.
The Havana West Division reported that the establishment will offer a wide range of personal hygiene products, food, beverages, perfumes, household items, and appliances. However, Cuban workers will not have access to these products unless they pay in dollars.
Accepted payment methods will include international cards such as VISA, MasterCard, and MIR, in addition to prepaid cards issued by the Banco de Crédito y Comercio (BANDEC), as well as AIS, Viajero, and Clásica cards, which will have a 5% bonus.
This reopening adds to the recent trend of the Cuban government to expand businesses that operate exclusively in U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies. A point of sale and recharge for Clásicas cards has been set up at the location.
In January 2025, the new Supermercado de 3ra y 70 was inaugurated, the first of its kind to accept this payment method. It is located in the Playa municipality in Havana, and its opening sparked intense debate on social media because the majority of Cubans receive their salary in CUP and do not have access to foreign currency.
The national economy is in crisis, with rampant inflation making it impossible for those who rely on a median salary of 4,000 pesos to access these stores, especially when a dollar is worth 345 CUP in the black market.
While these exclusive dollar markets tend to be well-stocked, the stores operating in Cuban pesos or in Convertible Currency (MLC) are facing severe shortages. This contrast heightens the discontent among the population and the criticism against the government, which continues to rely on this model of currency-based commerce despite the rejection from broad sectors of society.
The Altahabana Shopping Center is located at 100 and Calzada de Vento, in the municipality of Boyeros, and has already begun to welcome its first customers under this new sales scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dollarization and Dollar Trade in Cuba
Why does the Altahabana Shopping Center only accept payments in dollars?
The Altahabana Shopping Center has adopted a sales model exclusively in dollars, as part of a trend by the Cuban government to expand businesses that operate with foreign currencies. This strategy aims to attract foreign exchange amidst a national economic crisis, despite widespread criticism from the public who do not have access to these currencies.
What payment methods are accepted at Altahabana Shopping Center?
In the Altahabana Shopping Center, payments are accepted with international cards such as VISA, MasterCard, and MIR, in addition to prepaid cards issued by the Banco de Crédito y Comercio (BANDEC), as well as AIS, Viajero, and Clásica cards. These cards offer a 5% bonus on purchases.
How does partial dollarization affect the Cuban population?
Partial dollarization affects the Cuban population by creating a parallel market where access to quality products depends on the ability to handle dollars. This exacerbates economic inequalities, as most Cubans receive their salary in Cuban pesos and do not have access to foreign currency, making these products inaccessible to a large portion of the population.
What criticisms has the recent trend of dollar stores in Cuba generated?
The opening of stores that only accept dollars has generated strong criticism among the Cuban population. There are complaints about the deepening of the economic and social divide, as these stores are well stocked compared to those operating in Cuban pesos, which face severe shortages. Furthermore, it is seen as a government strategy to obscure structural economic problems, such as food scarcity and inflation.