On Monday, August 10, 2026, Cuba's informal currency exchange market sees a downturn in major currencies. By 8:00 PM Cuban local time, the informal exchange rate places the US dollar at 670 Cuban pesos, the euro at 773 pesos, and the MLC at approximately 423 pesos, although this last figure is merely indicative due to a lack of available data at this time.
The US dollar closed at 670 Cuban pesos (CUP) this Monday, marking a decrease of 2.5 pesos compared to the previous day when it closed at 673 CUP. Just a week ago, the rate was also 673 pesos, showing a weekly decline of 2.5 pesos (-0.4%). Over the past month, the dollar has gained 10 pesos since it was at 660 CUP thirty days ago, though this comparison should be approached with caution as it might partly reflect methodological adjustments in the index. In the last 30 days, the US dollar has fluctuated between a low of 655 and a high of 675 pesos in the informal market, continuing to set the pace amidst a structural scarcity of foreign currency.
The euro is valued at 773 Cuban pesos (CUP) at the end of the trading day, a drop of 5 pesos from the previous day when it stood at 778 CUP. This downtrend extends over the week, as seven days ago, the euro was at 785 pesos, which indicates a weekly decrease of 12.5 pesos (-1.6%). Compared to 30 days ago, when it was trading at 750 pesos, it has gained 22.5 pesos, though this change might also reflect methodological index adjustments. Throughout the past month, the euro has reached a high of 790 and a low of 745 pesos. It remains the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 103 pesos.
Understanding the MLC's Role in the Market
The MLC closes the day around 423 Cuban pesos (CUP), but this figure should be considered indicative given the limited volume of transactions recorded at this time. Compared to the previous day, when the average value was 446 CUP, the apparent drop is 23 pesos (-5.2%), a variation that should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited sample available. Over the last week, the decline is even more pronounced: seven days ago, the MLC was trading at 489 pesos. Without physical existence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rates as of Monday, August 10, 2026:
- USD to CUP: 670 CUP
- EUR to CUP: 773 CUP
- MLC to CUP: 423 CUP (indicative value, limited data)
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III), at 621 CUP per dollar and 717 CUP per euro, remains significantly lower than the practical rates prevailing in the informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from the informal market's rate and fails to meet the real demand for foreign currency among the population. The gap between the official and informal rates highlights the persistent shortage of foreign currency in the state banking system and the high demand for dollars and euros among the population, whether for emigration, importing goods, safeguarding savings, or purchasing in the private sector.
In a context of sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, each fluctuation in the informal market directly impacts domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate Index is a measure of the Cuban informal market created through the automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange listings in Telegram and Facebook groups; it excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction by its age, and consolidates a representative value updated several times a day.
Currency Conversion for August 10, 2026:
- 1 USD = 670 CUP
- 5 USD = 3,350 CUP
- 10 USD = 6,700 CUP
- 20 USD = 13,400 CUP
- 50 USD = 33,500 CUP
- 100 USD = 67,000 CUP
- 1 EUR = 773 CUP
- 5 EUR = 3,865 CUP
- 10 EUR = 7,730 CUP
- 20 EUR = 15,460 CUP
- 50 EUR = 38,650 CUP
- 100 EUR = 77,300 CUP
- 200 EUR = 154,600 CUP
Key Insights into the Cuban Currency Market
Why is there a difference between official and informal exchange rates in Cuba?
The disparity is largely due to a persistent shortage of foreign currency in the state banking system, leading to high demand in the informal market where rates are driven by real-time supply and demand dynamics.
How does the informal market impact Cuban citizens?
Fluctuations in the informal market directly affect the cost of goods and services, impacting the purchasing power of Cubans, especially in a context of inflation and low state salaries.
What is the role of the MLC in Cuba's economy?
The MLC is primarily used in state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies. It serves as a digital currency without a physical form, reflecting supply constraints.