As the clock struck 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency exchange market wrapped up Sunday, July 26, 2026, with a mix of outcomes. The U.S. dollar witnessed a slight drop compared to the previous session, whereas the euro continued its upward trajectory, reaching a new peak for the observed period. Meanwhile, the MLC recorded a rise, though its value should be considered indicative due to the limited transaction volume supporting it.
The U.S. dollar concluded the day at an average of 673 Cuban pesos (CUP), with a buying rate of 670 CUP and a selling rate of 675 CUP. This marks a decline of 1.5 pesos from the previous day, when it stood at 674 CUP. Despite this minor dip, the weekly trend remains upward; a week ago, the dollar was at 665 CUP, indicating an increase of 7.5 pesos over the week, equivalent to a 1.1% rise. Over the past month, the U.S. currency has gained 37.5 pesos compared to 635 CUP a month ago, although this comparison may partially reflect methodological adjustments. In the last 30 days, the dollar fluctuated between a low of 610 CUP and a high of 675 CUP. Demand for dollars remains high among those seeking to shield their savings from the depreciating peso.
Euro's Strong Performance in the Parallel Market
The euro closed at an average of 789 CUP, with a buying rate of 780 CUP and a selling rate of 797 CUP. This represents a 3.5 peso increase from the previous day, when it finished at 785 CUP. Over the week, the euro has surged by 23.5 pesos from 765 CUP seven days ago, a 3.1% increase. For the month, the euro has climbed 63.5 pesos from 725 CUP 30 days ago, though caution is advised due to potential methodological adjustments. Today, the euro hit its highest level of the past 30 days at 789 CUP, outpacing the dollar by 116 pesos and solidifying its dominant stance in Cuba's parallel market.
The MLC, meanwhile, ended at an average of 491 CUP, with a buying rate of 425 CUP and a selling rate of 556 CUP. This signifies a rise of 10.5 pesos from the previous session's 480 CUP. However, this figure should be regarded as indicative, given the low transaction volume in this currency. Over the week, it increased by 3.5 pesos from 487 CUP seven days ago. In the past month, the MLC ranged between a low of 399 CUP and a high of 543 CUP. Without physical presence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Disparity Between Official and Informal Exchange Rates
The exchange rate for USD to CUP stands at 673 CUP, while for EUR to CUP, it is 789 CUP. The MLC to CUP rate is 491 CUP (indicative value). The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) is 601 CUP per dollar and 684 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the rates in the daily informal currency market. The gap between the official and informal rates is 72 pesos for the dollar and 105 pesos for the euro.
Despite the introduction of Segment III as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far removed from those of the informal market and fail to meet the real currency demand of the population. Over the last month, the official dollar rate increased from 585 to 601 CUP and the official euro rate from 666 to 684 CUP, a pace that lags behind the parallel market's movement.
In a landscape characterized by persistent inflation, low state wages, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every fluctuation in the informal market directly affects domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. The close of this Sunday, with the euro at its highest for the period and the dollar holding steady above 670 pesos, underscores the ongoing pressure on the Cuban peso.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market, created from the automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction by its age, and consolidates a representative value updated multiple times a day.
Currency Conversion Rates
Conversion of U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) based on exchange rates for this Sunday, July 26, 2026:
- 1 USD = 673 CUP
- 5 USD = 3,365 CUP
- 10 USD = 6,730 CUP
- 20 USD = 13,460 CUP
- 50 USD = 33,650 CUP
- 100 USD = 67,300 CUP
Conversion of Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) based on exchange rates for this Sunday, July 26, 2026:
- 1 EUR = 789 CUP
- 5 EUR = 3,945 CUP
- 10 EUR = 7,890 CUP
- 20 EUR = 15,780 CUP
- 50 EUR = 39,450 CUP
- 100 EUR = 78,900 CUP
- 200 EUR = 157,800 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the euro gaining strength in Cuba's informal market?
The euro's strength is largely due to its perceived stability compared to the Cuban peso, leading to higher demand as individuals seek to preserve their savings.
How does the informal exchange rate affect everyday life in Cuba?
Fluctuations in the informal exchange rate can impact the cost of goods and services, thus affecting the purchasing power of Cuban citizens, particularly in an economy with low wages and ongoing inflation.
What challenges does the Central Bank of Cuba face with its official exchange rate?
The Central Bank's official exchange rate struggles to reflect the real demand and supply dynamics, leading to a significant gap with the informal market rates that better capture the monetary needs of the population.