Tuambia
In recent years, online platforms have become lifelines for families separated by distance, especially when it comes to sending essential goods to loved ones in Cuba. Tuambia emerged as one of the most trusted names in this space, offering a simple way for people abroad—particularly in the United States—to shop for food, household items, appliances, and more, with direct delivery across the island.
Launched in 2022, Tuambia quickly gained popularity among the Cuban diaspora for its user-friendly website, competitive prices, and reliable service. At its peak, the platform handled over 1.2 million deliveries to around 360,000 households, serving more than 300,000 customers. It featured unique services like El Bodegón for everyday essentials and Jámazon for food delivery in Havana. However, in a surprising move, it announced it would cease operations starting May 1, 2025, leaving many users searching for alternatives.
This comprehensive guide explores its rise and fall, how it worked, why it mattered to so many families, and what options exist today for sending packages to Cuba.
What Was Tuambia and How Did It Work?
It was an e-commerce platform specifically designed for the Cuban market. It allowed users worldwide to purchase products online and have them delivered directly to addresses in Cuba. The official site, tuambia.com, offered a vast catalog of products, from groceries to electronics.
Key Features
- Wide Product Range: Customers could buy alimentos (food), aseo (personal care and cleaning products), ferretería (hardware), and electrodomésticos (appliances).
- Two Main Services:
- El Bodegón: Focused on essential groceries and household items with fast, affordable delivery.
- Jámazon: A food delivery service parodying Amazon, offering Cuban and international cuisine to homes in Havana and later Cienfuegos.
- Delivery Times: Most orders arrived in 3 to 5 days, with shipping starting as low as $4.99.
- Payment Options: Accepted major credit/debit cards, with prices in USD (banks handled currency conversion).
- Tracking and Support: Real-time order tracking and dedicated customer service.
The process was straightforward: Create an account, browse the catalog, add items to your cart, enter the Cuban delivery address, pay securely, and track the shipment. It handled imports, customs, and local distribution, often partnering with state-linked entities for logistics.
Who Founded Tuambia?
The SURL was registered as a private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) on July 8, 2022, under entrepreneur Yoel Perdomo Di-Lella. The company leveraged Cuba’s opening to private businesses while benefiting from infrastructure tied to government entities like Palco S.A.
The Rise: Why It Became So Popular
Cuba faces ongoing shortages of basic goods due to economic challenges, U.S. sanctions, and import restrictions, for Cuban-Americans and expatriates, sending remittances or packages through traditional channels could be expensive, slow, or unreliable.
It filled this gap perfectly:
- Convenience: Shop from anywhere—no need to physically send packages through couriers.
- Affordability: Competitive prices and low shipping fees compared to competitors.
- Reliability: Fast deliveries nationwide, even to remote provinces.
- Variety: Bundles and combos made it easy to send complete care packages, like food staples or home repair items.
User reviews on platforms like Reddit and Facebook often praised it as “legit” and efficient, with many relying on it alongside services like Katapulk or Supermarket23.
Impact on Cuban Families
For recipients in Cuba, it deliveries meant access to items scarce in state stores—fresh meats, dairy, cleaning supplies, and even appliances. It supported daily life and small businesses through a wholesale section (mayorista.tuambia.com).
The Sudden Shutdown: What Happened to Tuambia in 2025?
On May 1, 2025, it officially interrupted operations and stopped accepting new orders. The company stated that, given current conditions, it preferred to halt rather than compromise service quality. All pending orders placed before April 30 were fulfilled, and customer support remained active for resolutions.
Speculation points to broader economic pressures in Cuba, potential regulatory issues for MSMEs, or ties to political changes (the founder’s brother was a former high-ranking official dismissed in late 2024). Whatever the reason, the closure affected thousands who depended on the platform.
Alternatives to Tuambia for Sending Goods to Cuba
With it no longer available, several reliable options have stepped in or gained more users. Here’s a comparison of top alternatives:
| Platform | Key Strengths | Delivery Time | Shipping Costs | Best For |
| Katapulk | Large catalog, frequent deals | 5-10 days | Varies | Groceries & appliances |
| Supermarket23 | Long-established, trusted | 7-14 days | Higher | Food combos |
| Alawao | Affordable, good for basics | 4-8 days | Low | Everyday essentials |
| MallHabana | Modern interface, combos | 3-7 days | Competitive | Fast delivery in Havana |
| QSend | Focus on remittances + shopping | Varies | Included in fees | Combined money & goods |
These platforms operate similarly: Shop online, pay in USD, and deliver to Cuba. Always check current reviews, as conditions change quickly.
Tips for Choosing a Tuambia Alternative
- Compare prices for the same items.
- Read recent user experiences on forums like Reddit’s r/cuba.
- Look for platforms with real-time tracking and English/Spanish support.
- Consider combo packs for better value.
How to Send Packages to Cuba Safely Today
Even without Tuambia, sending to Cuba is easier than ever:
- Choose a Reputable Platform: Stick to established ones to avoid scams.
- Understand Restrictions: No weapons, certain electronics, or large cash amounts.
- Use Secure Payments: Credit cards or services like TropiPay.
- Track Everything: Most sites provide tracking numbers.
- Plan for Customs: Duties may apply, but platforms often handle them.
Many users now combine online stores with direct money transfers to MLC cards for local purchases.
FAQ
Is Tuambia still operating in 2025?
No, it ceased operations on May 1, 2025, and no longer accepts orders.
What made it different from other Cuban delivery services?
It offered integrated grocery shopping with fast local delivery via El Bodegón and food-on-demand through Jámazon, plus very low shipping fees.
Are there any apps like this app?
Most alternatives have mobile-friendly sites or dedicated apps. Katapulk and MallHabana, for example, offer smooth mobile experiences.
Can I still track old orders?
If your order was placed before the shutdown, contact their support for updates, though services are limited now.
What’s the best alternative for food delivery to Cuba?
Katapulk and Supermarket23 are top choices for alimentos, with reliable combos and nationwide coverage.
Is it safe to use these platforms after Tuambia’s closure?
Yes—reputable ones use secure payments and have years of positive track records. Always start with small orders.
Conclusion
Tuambia represented a bright spot in Cuba’s challenging economic landscape, making it easier for families abroad to provide support through convenient, affordable deliveries. From its launch in 2022 to serving hundreds of thousands, it built strong loyalty with innovative features and dependable service. While its 2025 shutdown was disappointing, it highlighted the resilience of Cuba’s online shopping ecosystem.
The need for these services remains strong, and excellent alternatives ensure families stay connected. As Cuba’s private sector evolves, new platforms will likely emerge to fill the void left by it.
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