“The stress and risk are worth the gain,” he explained to 14yMedio Daniela, a Cuban who has traveled to Venezuela, Serbia and even Russia before concentrating only on Cancun, Mexico.
For several years now, Cancun has become a key destination for Cubans looking to purchase goods that are in short supply in their country. Each trip allows the Cuban “mules” to obtain profits of up to $200 after an investment of close to $1,000.
The trade network for Cubans
According to 14ymedioMexican merchants have developed specific strategies to attract Cuban buyers who land at Cancun Airport. From the moment they arrive, Cuban travelers are approached by drivers and vendors who offer transportation to the city center for 150 pesos or even transfers in luxury taxis to the main hotels.
Daniela, who traveled with two friends, opted for a hostel ironically called “La Cubana,” which offered her a shared room for $25 per person.
According to the aforementioned media, in the stores near Uxmal Street, the stores are full of Cubans looking to take advantage of the low prices on clothing and appliances.
“Here there is everything that Cuba lacks,” Daniela mentioned in an interview for 14ymedio. And he added that, for his trip, he had carefully calculated each expense: the ticket cost him $290, and the airline allowed up to 23 kilos of luggage plus another 10 in a carry-on bag. “What we want is to bring the best and at the best price,” he added while describing how he bargained in each store to maximize his purchases.
The experience in Cancun stores
In a single afternoon, Daniela and her friends managed to add various items to their inventory, such as eight pairs of Crocs flip-flops for $3.70 each, five pairs of counterfeit Nike sneakers for $6.50 each, and various hair dyes and underwear, all intended for sale in Cuba. “Although the products are not original brands, on the Island they are sold as if they were,” he explained to 14ymedio.
During their tour, the three Cubans also visited a place called “El Cubano”, run by Elier, a Cuban emigrated from Artemisa, who shared some tricks for the trade in Cancun. “I buy in Belize and then I send the merchandise to Cancun through an agency that takes only 24 hours to deliver,” he explained.
The risks and rewards of the business
With the suitcases loaded and the exact calculation of each item they will take to Cuba, Daniela and her friends began their return, but not before calculating the benefits. However, the final leg of their trip involves an obstacle that is often difficult to overcome: Cuban Customs. “Sometimes they mistreat, other times they open the suitcases or ask for bribes,” commented Daniela, referring to the risk that travelers face when arriving in Havana.
According to the report of 14ymedioprofits from these trips have decreased in recent months due to the increase in prices in Cuba. Which forces the mules to sell at a price barely double the initial cost. Although the margins are becoming smaller, Cancun remains the main shopping destination for Cubans. Those who find in each visit a way to survive and adapt to the difficulties of their country.
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