A young Cuban living in Romania shared a video on TikTok comparing Cuban bills with those from that European country, quickly sparking interest among netizens due to the notable differences she highlighted.
“Both bills are different. What I found very interesting is the material; while the Romanian one is made of a synthetic, waterproof material, the Cuban one is made of paper,” commented the user @claumill_01 on the platform.
In the video, the Cuban explains how one of the Romanian banknotes can be submerged in water without damage, in contrast to Cuban banknotes, which are more vulnerable because they are made of conventional paper.
Another significant difference that stood out is the size of the banknotes. “In Romania, the size varies by denomination; the higher the value, the larger the banknote. In contrast, in Cuba, they are all the same size,” she explained.
The video has generated reactions among TikTok users, many of whom agreed on the lack of modernization in the Cuban monetary system and the urgency of introducing improvements in the design and durability of the banknotes.
In addition to the curiosity about the design, several comments noted that the synthetic material used in Romanian banknotes also helps prevent counterfeiting, an important advantage that many countries have adopted in recent decades.
The comparison has sparked a debate among Cubans both on and off the island regarding the conditions of the Cuban peso (CUP) and the quality of the national currency’s printing.
Frequently asked questions about the differences between Cuban and Romanian currency
Romanian banknotes are made of a synthetic material that is water-resistant, while Cuban banknotes are made of paper. Additionally, in Romania, the size of the banknotes varies according to the denomination, while in Cuba, they all have the same size.
The use of synthetic material in Romanian banknotes makes them water-resistant and more durable, which also helps to prevent counterfeiting, a practice that many countries have adopted to enhance the security of their currency.
Many Cubans have expressed that the monetary system in Cuba lacks modernization and there is an urgent need for improvements in the design and durability of banknotes, reflecting the lack of updates in the financial system on the island.