As of 10:00 a.m. local time in Cuba, the informal currency exchange market is experiencing a relatively calm session this Friday, August 7th.
The U.S. dollar holds steady at 673 Cuban pesos, the euro sees a slight increase of one peso, reaching 784 pesos, and the MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) drops by four pesos, settling around 446 pesos. This last figure should be considered approximate due to the limited transaction volume that supports it.
The Unchanged Dollar
In the informal market, the U.S. dollar is priced at 673 Cuban pesos (CUP), with buying at 670 and selling at 675 pesos. This rate remains unchanged from the previous day and from a week ago, indicating a notable stability in the North American currency.
Over the past month, the dollar has risen by 2.5 pesos from 670 CUP thirty days ago, though this comparison may partially reflect methodology adjustments in the index. During this period, the peak was at 675 pesos, while the lowest was 655 pesos. The demand for dollars remains high among those looking to secure their savings against the depreciation of the peso.
Euro's Slight Rise
The euro is trading at 784 Cuban pesos (CUP), with a buying rate of 777 and a selling rate of 790 pesos. This marks a one-peso increase from the previous day's 783 pesos. Over the past week, the euro has decreased by 1.5 pesos from 785 CUP seven days ago. However, the monthly trend is significantly upward: thirty days ago, the euro was exchanged at 751 pesos, marking a 33-peso increase, or 4.4%, though this fluctuation may also include index methodology adjustments.
In the past month, the euro has fluctuated between a high of 790 and a low of 745 pesos, maintaining its position as the most expensive currency in the Cuban parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 111 pesos.
MLC's Decline Amid Limited Data
The MLC is approximately valued at 446 Cuban pesos (CUP), with a buying rate of 432 and a selling rate of 460 pesos. This value is indicative, as the registered transaction volume during this time frame is small and does not allow for as solid an estimate as the dollar or euro.
Compared to the previous day, the MLC has fallen by four pesos from yesterday's 450 CUP. Within the past week, the decline is more pronounced: seven days ago, it was exchanged for 475 pesos, a decrease of 29 pesos, or 6.1% less.
Over the past month, there has been an accumulated drop of 34 pesos from 480 CUP thirty days ago. Without physical existence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rate Summary
Exchange Rate for USD to CUP: 673 CUP.
Exchange Rate for EUR to CUP: 784 CUP.
Exchange Rate for MLC to CUP: 446 CUP (indicative value).
The Gap with Official Rates
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) stands at 618 CUP per dollar and 713 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the values prevailing in the everyday transactions in the informal currency market.
Over the past month, the official dollar rate has increased from 589 to 618 CUP, and the official euro rate has climbed from 672 to 713 CUP, a rise that has not bridged the gap with the parallel market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from the informal market and fails to meet the real demand for foreign currency by the population.
The disparity between both markets exceeds 55 pesos for the dollar and 71 pesos for the euro.
The Impact of the Informal Market on Cubans
Amid sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every fluctuation in the informal market directly affects internal prices and Cubans' purchasing power.
The informal currency exchange market in Cuba operates outside the State's financial institutions, through networks of private transactions. Although the Cuban regime does not officially recognize it, it is the market that effectively determines the real purchasing power of Cubans.
Methodology
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 eliminates atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction according to its age, and consolidates a representative value that is updated several times a day.
Currency Conversion Examples
U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP), based on the exchange rates of this Friday, August 7, 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.
Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP), based on the exchange rates of this Friday, August 7, 2026:
1 EUR = 784 CUP.
5 EUR = 3,920 CUP.
10 EUR = 7,840 CUP.
20 EUR = 15,680 CUP.
50 EUR = 39,200 CUP.
100 EUR = 78,400 CUP.
200 EUR = 156,800 CUP.
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal market crucial in Cuba?
The informal market is vital because it reflects the real purchasing power of Cubans, operating outside state controls and offering exchange rates that align more closely with actual demand and supply.
How does the informal market affect Cuban citizens?
Fluctuations in the informal market impact internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans, especially in a context of inflation, low salaries, and partial dollarization.
What is the CiberCuba Exchange Rate?
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index that tracks the Cuban informal market by analyzing numerous currency exchange posts on social media, providing a representative and frequently updated value.