By 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market has closed this Friday, August 14, 2026, with a slight decline in the US dollar and stability in the euro.
The day's summary reveals a gradual cooling of major foreign currencies on the streets, amid a week marked by cumulative declines in all key currencies.
The US dollar finished the day with an average rate of 664 Cuban pesos (CUP), buying at 660 CUP and selling at 668 CUP. This marks a one-peso drop from the previous day, when the dollar was valued at an average of 665 CUP.
Looking at the week, the downward trend is more evident: seven days ago, the dollar exchanged at 673 CUP, representing an 8.5-peso drop over the past week, equating to a 1.3% decline.
Compared to 30 days ago, when the average value was 655 CUP, the US dollar has seen a 9-peso increase. However, this comparison should be approached cautiously as it may reflect methodological adjustments in the index in addition to real market movements.
Over the past month, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 655 CUP and a high of 675 CUP. It remains a key indicator in the informal market amidst a persistent shortage of foreign currency.
Euro and MLC Market Dynamics
The euro ends the session unchanged from the previous day, with an average value of 760 CUP, buying at 750 CUP and selling at 770 CUP.
Although the day closes on par with yesterday, the euro has experienced a significant weekly drop: it was valued at 783 CUP seven days ago, marking a 23-peso decline over the week, or 2.9% less.
Over a monthly horizon, the euro stands just 5 pesos above the 755 CUP from 30 days ago, with a peak of 790 CUP and a low of 755 CUP during this period. It surpasses the dollar by 96 pesos, solidifying its dominant position in Cuba's parallel market.
The MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) closes with an indicative average value of 454 CUP, buying at 429 CUP and selling at 479 CUP. Given the limited data for this segment, these figures should be interpreted cautiously.
From the previous day, the average value remains steady. Weekly, the MLC shows a minor increase of 1.5 pesos compared to 453 CUP a week ago.
Over 30 days, the decrease is more pronounced: from 481 CUP a month ago to the current 454, a drop of 26.5 pesos. This variation might partly reflect methodological adjustments in the index.
In the past month, it has ranged between a low of 413 CUP and a high of 496 CUP. Without physical presence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rates and Economic Impact
Dollar to CUP exchange rate: 664 CUP. Euro to CUP exchange rate: 760 CUP. MLC to CUP exchange rate: 454 CUP (indicative value, limited data). The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains at 624 CUP per dollar and 720 CUP per euro, significantly below the informal market's practical values.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far from the informal market and fail to meet the population's actual foreign currency needs.
This Friday, the gap between the official and informal rates stands at 40 pesos for both the dollar and the euro, directly impacting those who rely on the parallel market for daily transactions.
In a scenario of sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every change in the informal market directly influences internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market created through automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange listings in Telegram and Facebook groups.
The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction according to its age, and consolidates a representative value that updates several times a day.
Currency Equivalencies
Equivalencies for US Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) as per the exchange rates of this Friday, August 14, 2026:
- 1 USD = 664 CUP
- 5 USD = 3,320 CUP
- 10 USD = 6,640 CUP
- 20 USD = 13,280 CUP
- 50 USD = 33,200 CUP
- 100 USD = 66,400 CUP
Equivalencies for Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) as per the exchange rates of this Friday, August 14, 2026:
- 1 EUR = 760 CUP
- 5 EUR = 3,800 CUP
- 10 EUR = 7,600 CUP
- 20 EUR = 15,200 CUP
- 50 EUR = 38,000 CUP
- 100 EUR = 76,000 CUP
- 200 EUR = 152,000 CUP
Understanding the Currency Exchange in Cuba's Informal Market
Why is there a gap between official and informal exchange rates in Cuba?
The gap exists due to the Cuban government's control over official exchange rates, which often do not reflect the real demand and supply in the informal market. This discrepancy forces individuals to rely on informal channels for foreign currency needs, creating a parallel market with its own set of rates.
How does the fluctuation of the dollar and euro impact the Cuban economy?
Fluctuations in the dollar and euro affect the purchasing power of Cubans, as many goods are priced according to these foreign currencies. Changes in exchange rates can lead to price adjustments for imported goods, influencing inflation and the cost of living.