The informal currency market in Cuba experienced a mixed start on Monday, August 17, 2026, with two currencies seeing price increases while another remained stable.
By 10:00 a.m. local time in Cuba, the euro showed a slight increase, while the MLC saw the most significant movement with a notable rise at the market's opening.
In contrast, the U.S. dollar held steady, showing no changes from the previous day.
The Informal Market Exchange Rates
Exchange rate for the U.S. dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP): 664 CUP.
Exchange rate for the euro (EUR) to CUP: 760 CUP.
Exchange rate for the MLC to CUP: 464 CUP (indicative value, limited data).
U.S. Dollar Remains Constant but Below Last Week's Value
The U.S. dollar is trading at 664 Cuban pesos in the informal market, with purchasing at 660 CUP and selling at 668 CUP. This rate mirrors that of the previous day, maintaining the same value as Sunday.
However, looking back over the past week, the dollar has fallen; it was at 673 pesos seven days ago, marking a decline of 8.5 pesos (-1.3%) during this timeframe.
Comparing the rate from 30 days ago when it stood at 663 pesos, there's a minimal increase of just 1.5 pesos (+0.2%). This comparison might partially reflect index methodology adjustments.
Over the past month, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 663 and a high of 675 pesos in the informal market, continuing to influence the market significantly amid a structural currency shortage.
Euro Increases, Leading as the Most Expensive Currency
The euro began Monday with a 2.5-peso increase from the previous session, reaching an average of 760 Cuban pesos, with buying at 750 and selling at 770 CUP.
This represents a 0.3% rise compared to Sunday's 758 pesos.
However, over the past week, the euro has decreased by 15.5 pesos (-2%) from the 776 pesos noted seven days earlier. Compared to 30 days ago when it was at 757 pesos, there's a gain of 3 pesos (+0.4%), although this should be interpreted cautiously as it might include methodological adjustments.
Throughout the last month, the euro has peaked at 790 and dipped to 755 pesos. It surpasses the dollar by 96 pesos, solidifying its dominant position in Cuba's parallel market.
MLC's Significant Rise with Indicative Value
The MLC recorded the most significant gain at the market's opening, reaching approximately 464 Cuban pesos, with buying at 441 and selling at 486 CUP. This marks an 18-peso increase from the previous day's 446 (+4%).
In weekly terms, the MLC has also advanced: it was at 458 pesos seven days ago, reflecting a 6-peso increase (+1.3%). Compared to 30 days ago when it was at 433 pesos, there's an accumulated gain of 31 pesos (+7.2%), though this may include methodological adjustments to the index.
Over the last month, the MLC has ranged from a minimum of 413 to a maximum of 496 pesos.
It's crucial to note that today's figure is marked by low transaction volume, making it an indicative value. Without physical existence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
The Gap with the Official Rate: A Reflection of the Crisis
The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III)—628 CUP per dollar and 727 CUP per euro—remains significantly lower than the rates seen in the everyday informal currency market.
The gap stands at 36 pesos for the dollar and 33 pesos for the euro, highlighting the disparity between the official economy and the daily realities facing Cubans.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate continues to lag behind the informal market, failing to meet the population's real demand for foreign currency.
In the past 30 days, the official dollar rate has increased from 592 to 628 CUP, and the official euro rate from 677 to 727 CUP, indicating a sustained devaluation of the peso in the official channel, which still does not reach parallel market levels.
In an environment of persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, each fluctuation in the informal market directly affects internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
Conversion of U.S. Dollar to Cuban Peso
Based on the exchange rates for Monday, August 17, 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
Conversion of Euro to Cuban Peso
Based on the exchange rates for Monday, August 17, 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
Methodology Behind CiberCuba's Exchange Rate
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market derived from the automated analysis of numerous currency exchange postings in Telegram and Facebook groups.
The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighing each transaction according to its age and consolidating a representative value that is updated multiple times daily.
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal currency market significant in Cuba?
The informal currency market in Cuba is significant because it reflects the real demand and supply of foreign currencies among the population, often revealing economic realities that differ from the official rates set by the government.
What factors influence the fluctuations of currencies in Cuba's informal market?
Several factors influence currency fluctuations in Cuba's informal market, including supply and demand dynamics, government policies, economic instability, inflation rates, and the availability of foreign currencies within the country.
How does the gap between official and informal exchange rates affect Cuban citizens?
The gap between official and informal exchange rates affects Cuban citizens by reducing their purchasing power, complicating access to essential goods and services, and exacerbating economic disparities. It also reflects broader economic challenges faced by the country.