U.S. dollar continues to hold a significant value on Cuba's informal market, trading at 410 Cuban pesos (CUP) this Friday, according to the reference rate reported by the independent outlet elTOQUE. This figure underscores the mounting pressure on the national currency and the high demand for the greenback amidst ongoing inflation and persistent shortages.
Meanwhile, the euro remains stable at 460 CUP, maintaining its status as the most valuable foreign currency in the black market. This trend reinforces its usage in high-value transactions and family savings, particularly among those receiving remittances from Europe or planning to emigrate to the continent.
Fluctuating Value of MLC
In the meantime, the MLC (Freely Convertible Currency), utilized in state-run stores that sell essential goods in foreign currency, surprises this Friday with yet another increase. For the second day, it has risen in value, moving from 192 pesos on Thursday to 195 CUP on September 5th. Although it trades lower than the dollar and the euro, and at times seems on the verge of disappearing from use on the island, the MLC remains crucial for accessing essential goods, keeping it as a currency of interest among Cubans.
These exchange rates highlight the ongoing devaluation of the Cuban peso against foreign currencies, further deepening the economic crisis faced by the population daily.
Current Exchange Rates in Cuba
Informal Exchange Rates in Cuba, Friday, September 5, 2025 - 07:00
- U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban pesos (CUP): 410 CUP
- Euro (EUR) to Cuban pesos (CUP): 460 CUP
- MLC to Cuban pesos (CUP): 195 CUP
Conversion Rates for Available Bills
U.S. Dollar (USD) – 410 CUP per 1 USD
- 1 USD = 410 CUP
- 5 USD = 2,050 CUP
- 10 USD = 4,100 CUP
- 20 USD = 8,200 CUP
- 50 USD = 20,500 CUP
- 100 USD = 41,000 CUP
Euro (EUR) – 460 CUP per 1 EUR
- 5 EUR = 2,300 CUP
- 10 EUR = 4,600 CUP
- 20 EUR = 9,200 CUP
- 50 EUR = 23,000 CUP
- 100 EUR = 46,000 CUP
- 200 EUR = 92,000 CUP
- 500 EUR = 230,000 CUP
Cuban Economic Crisis and Currency Exchange
Why is the U.S. dollar so valuable in Cuba's black market?
The U.S. dollar is highly valued in Cuba's black market due to the country's ongoing inflation, economic instability, and shortage of essential goods, leading to a high demand for the dollar.
What is the current exchange rate of the euro in Cuba's informal market?
As of September 5, 2025, the euro is trading at 460 Cuban pesos (CUP) in Cuba's informal market.
What role does the MLC play in Cuba's economy?
The MLC is used in state-run stores for purchasing essential goods in foreign currency, making it an important currency despite its lower trading value compared to the dollar and euro.