Cuba: Online Shopping & Delivery For Food, Appliances & More!
Can you effortlessly send groceries and appliances to your loved ones in Cuba, bridging the distance with ease? The answer is yes, and the evolving landscape of online shopping and remittances is transforming how Cubans receive essential goods.
Starting from a specific location in the capital, the initiative aims to simplify the process of providing for family and friends on the island. One such avenue is the website www.envioscuba.ca, as indicated by an interviewee. This platform offers a range of products, including food and appliances, with delivery available throughout Cuba. Customers can choose from various payment options, including USD, Euros, and major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. The services encompass both in-store pickup and home delivery, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for those sending goods to Cuba. These online portals have become critical lifelines, facilitating essential supplies and demonstrating a significant shift in consumer behavior and access to goods on the island.
Further solidifying this trend, the Cuban Directory, a vital resource, receives numerous contact requests daily, underscoring the increasing reliance on digital commerce for transactions related to the island. In Havana, there are several establishments dedicated to virtual commerce, including the popular Carlos III shopping center and the 3ra y 70 supermarket. These venues offer diverse products, including food, beverages, clothing, furniture, personal care items, tools, and pet accessories. The 3ra y 70 supermarket has a unique payment structure, exclusively accepting USD in cash or international cards. These stores highlight the adaptation of the Cuban market to embrace virtual shopping, demonstrating the increasing sophistication of the commerce ecosystem.
DimeCuba's online store provides another avenue for purchasing appliances for Cuba. Supermarket 23 is another virtual store specializing in food, appliances, gifts, and more, accepting credit card payments. Furthermore, MLC stores, such as those at 3ra y 70, also offer products like furniture for terraces and outdoor spaces, alongside appliances, food, and beverages. Amidst the backdrop of economic shifts, including the devaluation of the Cuban Peso, the availability of these online platforms and stores is critical in an environment where the national currency's purchasing power is diminishing.
The decline in the Cuban Peso is accelerating, especially after the banking reforms. As a result, the minimum wage stands at a mere $8.75 per month. The introduction of MLC stores at the end of 2019, which offered products like appliances and car parts, was a milestone. Now, with the expansion of these online shopping services, Cubans can easily send essential goods to their families. These services offer easy product purchasing for relatives and friends, accepting payments via Visa and Mastercard cards, including in-store pickup and home delivery across Cuba. The services extend far beyond the availability of goods; they provide a vital means to connect, support, and share during challenging times.
These shifts in commerce are taking place in a very specific physical context. The location is often adjacent to the former "Diplotienda" at 3ra y 70, which transitioned to MLC operations. While some express concern over the higher prices, sometimes exceeding those in capitalist countries, it is still a valuable resource. These prices, in the context of the economic realities of Cuba, frequently spark discussion and critique in social media. This model of commerce, including online platforms, is a crucial aspect of supporting families and creating essential pathways for them. It's through these services that families stay connected.
The evolution of these shopping and delivery methods goes hand in hand with regulatory changes. The authorization for the shops was granted through Resolution 50, issued on March 7, 2018, by the Ministry of Economy and Planning. The Caribe chain of stores is managed by the Business Administration Group, which is controlled by the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), operating in alignment with the set guidelines and procedures. Platforms such as Yuppymarket, which aims to meet the needs of Cuban families by providing services with quick deliveries within 48 hours, are an example of the rapidly expanding scope of these services. These developments show the integration of technology and the evolution of business models.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Website 1 | www.envioscuba.ca |
| Products Offered | Food, appliances, and more |
| Delivery Area | All provinces in Cuba |
| Payment Methods | USD, Euros, Visa, Mastercard |
| Additional Services | In-store pickup, home delivery |
| Website 2 | DimeCuba |
| Products Offered | Appliances |
| Website 3 | Supermarket 23 |
| Products Offered | Food, appliances, gifts, etc. |
| Payment Methods | Credit Cards |
| Location | 3ra y 70, Havana (MLC stores) |
| Currency Accepted | USD |
| Additional Information | Offers furniture for terraces and outdoor spaces |
These online services have filled a critical gap, giving people the tools to make life better and support families, particularly during times of challenge. These services continue to grow and expand.
