As of 10:00 a.m. local time in Cuba, the unofficial currency market kicked off this Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with notable increases in key foreign currencies.
The U.S. dollar is trading at 667 Cuban pesos, while the euro has risen to 771 pesos, both surpassing their values from the previous day.
For the MLC (freely convertible currency), limited data suggests it's priced around 441 pesos, a figure that should be approached with caution.
U.S. Dollar Trends
This Tuesday, the U.S. dollar is valued at 667 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal market. This marks a two-peso increase from the previous day when it closed at 665 CUP.
Looking at a broader time frame, the dollar's upward trajectory is clear. A week ago, it was exchanged at 655 pesos, signifying a 12-peso rise over the past week, translating to a 1.8% increase.
On a monthly comparison, 30 days ago the dollar stood at 695 pesos. However, such figures might reflect methodological adjustments rather than pure market movements.
In the past month, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 610 and a high of 695 pesos, continuing to dominate the informal market amidst a persistent currency shortage.
Euro's Performance
The euro has climbed to 771 Cuban pesos, up from 765 in the previous session, marking a rise of 5.5 pesos or 0.7% compared to the prior day.
On a weekly basis, the euro has gained 15.5 pesos over the 755 CUP it was valued at a week ago, reflecting a 2.1% increase.
A month ago, the euro was at 795 pesos, but like the dollar, this monthly reference should be interpreted cautiously due to possible methodological adjustments. Over the last month, the euro has hit a peak of 802 and a low of 688 pesos.
It stands 104 pesos above the dollar, reinforcing its leading position in Cuba's parallel market.
MLC's Indicative Rates
The freely convertible currency (MLC) is roughly valued at 441 Cuban pesos, though data is sparse at this time of day.
Based on previous session data, the MLC was at 472 pesos, implying a drop of 30.5 pesos. However, such variations should be considered carefully due to the limited sample of transactions.
In the last month, the MLC has ranged from a low of 399 to a high of 543 pesos. Without physical presence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rate Summary for July 21, 2026
Exchange rate for USD to CUP: 667 CUP.
Exchange rate for EUR to CUP: 771 CUP.
Exchange rate for MLC to CUP: 441 CUP (indicative, limited data).
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains at 592 CUP per dollar and 676 CUP per euro, far below the rates seen in the daily unofficial market.
Despite Segment III being introduced as a more flexible currency mechanism, its official rate remains significantly disconnected from the informal market and fails to meet the actual currency demand of the populace.
With the informal dollar at 667 pesos versus the official 592, the gap between the two markets exceeds 75 pesos per dollar.
For the euro, the disparity between the informal 771 and the official 676 reaches 95 pesos.
In an environment of ongoing inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every fluctuation in the informal market directly affects domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The informal currency market in Cuba operates independently of state financial institutions, through networks of peer-to-peer exchanges.
While the Cuban regime does not officially acknowledge it, this market effectively determines the real purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market, generated from automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups.
It filters out unusual offers and spam, weighs each transaction based on its age, and consolidates a representative value that's updated multiple times a day.
Currency Conversion Equivalents
U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) conversion rates for Tuesday, July 21, 2026:
1 USD = 667 CUP
5 USD = 3,335 CUP
10 USD = 6,670 CUP
20 USD = 13,340 CUP
50 USD = 33,350 CUP
100 USD = 66,700 CUP
Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) conversion rates for Tuesday, July 21, 2026:
1 EUR = 771 CUP
5 EUR = 3,855 CUP
10 EUR = 7,710 CUP
20 EUR = 15,420 CUP
50 EUR = 38,550 CUP
100 EUR = 77,100 CUP
200 EUR = 154,200 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal currency market important in Cuba?
The informal currency market in Cuba is crucial because it reflects the real value of foreign currencies compared to the Cuban peso, influencing the purchasing power of citizens more accurately than official rates.
How do exchange rates in the informal market affect Cubans?
Fluctuations in the informal market's exchange rates impact internal prices and the ability of Cubans to purchase goods, as many rely on these rates for real economic transactions.
What is the role of the MLC in Cuba's economy?
The MLC is a non-physical currency used primarily in state-run stores, offering an alternative to cash transactions but limiting its circulation compared to other currencies.