University professor and journalist Iraida Calzadilla has raised concerns over vendors at the Tulipán Agricultural Market operated by the Youth Labor Army (EJT) in Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución. Allegedly, these sellers refuse to accept payments via Transfermóvil, demand cash, and display a QR code linked to a fraudulent website that mimics the payment platform, misleading unsuspecting customers.
Calzadilla, who holds a doctorate in Communication Sciences and is a full professor at the University of Havana’s Journalism Department, took to Facebook on Thursday to publicize her findings. She noted that these deceptive practices resurfaced less than two months after the government introduced a team of inspectors to ensure compliance with digital payment systems.
“Cash-only payments or partial payments are becoming the norm again, along with exclusive reliance on EnZona, which we all know suffers from connectivity issues making it nearly unfeasible,” she wrote.
According to Calzadilla, some market stalls seem to offer two payment methods: EnZona and a QR code that impersonates Transfermóvil. When transactions fail with the latter, sellers blame the customer’s phone or connectivity issues.
Calzadilla discovered the fraud by scrutinizing the web address linked to the QR code, corroborating her suspicions with two other individuals, including a military officer.
Upon notifying market inspectors, they conceded her claims were valid. However, when she attempted to photograph the evidence, the stall attendants reportedly threatened her. “One of them claimed to be religious,” she recounted.
In subsequent visits to the market, Calzadilla observed no changes. Despite being aware of these irregularities, inspectors had not acted on the broader market scene.
“I wonder where that team of inspectors is now, those who initially issued several fines and temporarily closed some stalls,” Calzadilla questioned.
The complaint highlights the gap between the promised enforcement of digital payments and the reality in Havana markets, where cash transactions and alleged QR code scams continue unabated.
Comments on her post reflect similar experiences from other shoppers in the city, with sellers often citing technical issues to avoid electronic payments.
Particularly vulnerable are the elderly, who must endure long lines and limited bank hours to withdraw their pensions in cash.
Calzadilla herself illustrated this struggle, sharing that the day before her post, she waited at the Ministry of Transportation bank until 4:30 p.m. to receive her pension, only to miss entry before closing.
“The life of elderly Cubans is incredibly tough. Even with money in Transfermóvil, purchasing is impossible,” she lamented.
This situation mirrors a broader pattern across Cuba, where initial enforcement actions yield quick results but lose impact once inspectors leave.
In August, Guantánamo saw four businesses shut down and 29 fines issued in a single day for refusing electronic payments.
In April, an operation in Sancti Spíritus resulted in over 450 fines totaling more than 650,000 pesos.
Current regulations, including Resolution 93/2023 from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Resolution 111/2023 from the Central Bank, mandate all businesses to offer payment gateways such as Transfermóvil or EnZona.
Despite the enforcement of Decree 167/2026 from September 4 to strengthen these rules, by May, digital payments were virtually unused at agricultural markets in Havana’s La Lisa and El Cotorro districts.
Understanding Digital Payment Challenges in Cuban Markets
What are the main issues with digital payments at Havana's markets?
The main issues include vendors refusing to accept electronic payments, demanding cash, and using fake QR codes to deceive customers. Connectivity problems with platforms like EnZona also contribute to the difficulties.
How has the Cuban government responded to these payment issues?
The government has implemented regulations requiring businesses to enable digital payments and deployed inspectors to enforce compliance. However, these measures often lose effectiveness once initial enforcement declines.