In Camagüey, a government owned shop has little goods to offer.

Strict ration in food and other goods has been a system for decades. But most Cubans do not live in misery, thanks to the money influx from oversea. Cuba recently adopted a two-tier currency system, in which both Peso and dollar can legally circulate. Everyday, dollar stores across the countries attract numerous eager shoppers who sometimes must wait in lines outside due to overcrowd. One can find food and goods seen in western countries, with a similar price.