Cubans shop online at new stores from abroad

One month after the opening of the new US dollar stores inaugurated by the Cuban government with the aim of collecting more foreign currency, many are waiting expectantly until the new development finally reaches other provinces in the country. In the meantime, some are already starting to make their purchases online.

We explain how.

Cubans have not welcomed with much enthusiasm the possibility of depositing their foreign currency directly in branches, because as has been said, they would be charged a fee. 10% tax to every US dollar. In fact, in the first week of opening new bank accounts, financial authorities acknowledged that only the 13 percent of cardholders had deposited cash, so the vast majority of accounts were opened without a deposit.

Thus, the least expensive way to shop at the new stores is through direct bank transfers from abroad, which would be tax-free. However, those who live outside the island still have a better option if they don't want to send money to the bank account of a relative or close friend. Also from the luneOn October 28th, it is possible to purchase any of the items offered online.

This is what the new Cuban stores look like inside

Comparative list of prices in new Cuban stores

Although not all stores open that day (12 in the Cuban capital and one in Santiago de Cuba) allowed online shopping, a good portion of those stores would allow it. buy onlineThis was made clear to Cubadebate by Amilkar Odelín, commercial director of the Tiendas Caribe chain: "Today we have a total of ten stores across the country, but we will start with the one at 3rd and 70th in Havana."

For her part, the head of the sales department at that chain of stores also told National Television that those interested in making their purchases online could do so without much difficulty using websites designated for such purposes.

"We are going to start with the market at Third and 70th in our capital, from the same lunes. Customers will be able to make their purchases from the website: www.envioscuba.ca,” the executive stated in her television appearance.

However, customers can also use the site https://www.almacen-on.com/ where you'll find all the detailed information about the offers, and step-by-step instructions on how to make your purchase in a simplified manner, very similar to how it's usually done abroad.

The good news is that online shopping is now possible in stores across several provinces across the country, including provinces where new stores have not yet opened, such as Holguín. The service is expected to be extended to other geographic areas in the coming days.

So far, the online service is available in the following provinces:

Havana by www.almacen-on.com

Casa Particular in Santiago de Cuba by www.almacen-on.com/santiago

Holguin by www.almacen-on.com/holguin

Camaguey by www.almacen-on.com/camaguey

Pinewood of the river by www.almacen-on.com/pinar

In any case, if your family lives on the Isle of Youth or Las Tunas, nothing prevents you from shopping at a store in Havana or Holguin, although you will have to pay for transportation to transport the items.

Are there no home delivery services?

Yes, as long as the purchase is made within the province, home delivery is available for an additional fee of USD 10. Otherwise, the customer must arrange for a family member to travel to the province where the purchase was made and then arrange transportation to take the item back to their home province.

How to buy online?

First, you must register on the site, then select the items you want to purchase, add them to your shopping cart, and finally, confirm your purchase with the "Submit Order" button to receive your payment receipt.

What are the advantages of buying online?

First, you'll avoid the annoying line, and you may be able to more easily access that item you're hoping to get for your family, since, as the government has indicated, there may be initial supply problems. You'll have access to the same after-sales and warranty services as any other customer.

What disadvantages does it have?

The prices are a bit more expensive than the originals.

For example, a 12000 BTU Royal Split would cost $361 directly in new stores and $396.97 if purchased online.

Are there purchase limits?

There's no purchase limit, but there is a minimum, as every purchase must be over $50 USD. This means you can't just buy a sandwich maker or a smaller piece.

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