The informal currency market in Cuba witnesses a significant shift this Saturday as the dollar reaches a new sales record.
The surge in the value of the American currency comes amidst increasing social unrest on the island, highlighted by Friday night's disturbances in Morón, which resulted in five arrests and a reported shooting injury.
In recent hours, the USD has climbed to 512 CUP, marking a two peso increase from the rate it maintained for over ten days.
Meanwhile, the euro holds steady at 575 CUP, which it reached yesterday.
Conversely, the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) has decreased from 410 to 400 CUP, according to the daily report by elTOQUE, which tracks the fluctuations of foreign currencies.
Current Exchange Rates in Cuba as of March 14, 2026 - 7:48 a.m.
Exchange rate of USD to CUP according to elTOQUE: 512 CUP.
Exchange rate of EUR to CUP according to elTOQUE: 575 CUP.
Exchange rate of MLC to CUP according to elTOQUE: 400 CUP.
The rates published by elTOQUE have become a key benchmark for gauging the true value of the Cuban peso against foreign currencies, in a context where the official exchange rate remains out of touch with market realities.
Foreign currencies are primarily used for emigration, importing goods, protecting savings from inflation, or shopping in the expanding private sector, which keeps pressure high on the informal market.
In a landscape marked by sustained inflation, low state wages, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, the behavior of the informal currency market continues to directly affect domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
USD to CUP Conversion Rates as of March 14
1 USD = 512 CUP.
5 USD = 2,560 CUP.
10 USD = 5,120 CUP.
20 USD = 10,240 CUP.
50 USD = 25,600 CUP.
100 USD = 51,200 CUP.
EUR to CUP Conversion Rates
1 EUR = 575 CUP.
5 EUR = 2,875 CUP.
10 EUR = 5,750 CUP.
20 EUR = 11,500 CUP.
50 EUR = 28,750 CUP.
100 EUR = 57,500 CUP.
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why has the dollar reached a record high in Cuba?
The dollar has reached a record high due to the growing social unrest in Cuba, which has increased demand for stable foreign currencies as a means to protect savings and purchase goods in the private sector.
What influence does the informal currency market have on the Cuban economy?
The informal currency market significantly impacts the Cuban economy by affecting internal prices and the purchasing power of citizens, especially in an environment with persistent inflation and partial dollarization.