As of 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal exchange market wrapped up on Sunday, August 16, 2026, with no significant fluctuations in its key indicators. The US dollar closed the day at 664 Cuban pesos, the euro remained at 760 pesos, and the MLC, with limited and merely suggestive data, indicated a value of around 458 pesos.
The US dollar ended the day trading at 664 Cuban pesos (CUP), unchanged from the previous session. Over the past 30 days, the dollar's exchange rate has fluctuated between a low of 660 and a high of 675 pesos. On a weekly basis, the dollar fell by 8.5 pesos compared to seven days ago, when it traded at 673 CUP, marking a 1.3% decrease. The greenback continues to set the pace for the informal market amid a structural shortage of foreign currency.
Meanwhile, the euro also closed at 760 Cuban pesos (CUP) without changes from the previous day. During the session, it briefly gained 2.5 pesos over the opening rate. Weekly comparisons show the euro has decreased by 17.5 pesos from 778 CUP a week ago, reflecting a 2.3% drop. In the past month, the euro has varied between a low of 755 and a high of 790 pesos, positioning itself as the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 96 pesos.
MLC's Indicative Value and Market Dynamics
The MLC concluded with an indicative rate of 458 Cuban pesos (CUP). Although data at this hour is sparse and should be interpreted cautiously, this represents a 23-peso increase, or a 5.3% rise from the previous session. Over the past month, the MLC has ranged between 413 and 496 pesos, though monthly comparisons might reflect methodological adjustments rather than pure market movements. The absence of physical currency means it is primarily used in state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange rates on August 16, 2026, show the USD at 664 CUP, the EUR at 760 CUP, and the MLC at 458 CUP (indicative, limited data). The official exchange rate issued by the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains at 628 CUP per dollar and 727 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the rates in the informal market. This results in a gap of 36 pesos for the dollar and 33 pesos for the euro between the official and informal rates.
Despite Segment III being introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates still fall short of addressing the real currency demand among the Cuban populace. In a climate of persistent inflation, low state wages, and an increasing partial dollarization of the economy, any change in the informal market directly affects internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate serves as an index of Cuba's informal market, derived from automated analysis of thousands of currency trading posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. It excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction by its age, and establishes a representative value updated several times a day.
Currency Conversion Rates
US Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) conversion on Sunday, August 16, 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
Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) conversion on Sunday, August 16, 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 Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal market exchange rate higher than the official rate?
The informal market exchange rate is higher due to the scarcity of foreign currency in Cuba and the increased demand for dollars and euros, which are more readily accessible through informal channels than through official means.
How does the exchange rate impact everyday life in Cuba?
Exchange rate fluctuations affect the cost of imported goods and services, impacting inflation and the purchasing power of Cuban citizens, who often rely on foreign currency for essential items.
What is the role of the MLC in Cuba's economy?
The MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) is used mainly in state-run stores that sell goods priced in foreign currency, allowing the government to capture hard currency within an economy that lacks sufficient cash flow in traditional currencies.