By 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market wrapped up on Monday, August 31, 2026, with notable gains for both the U.S. dollar and the euro. The American currency ended the day averaging 678 Cuban pesos, while the euro rose to 769 pesos. The MLC, with its figures being more tentative due to low transaction volumes, hovered around 479 pesos, a number that should be approached cautiously.
U.S. Dollar Performance
The USD closed the day trading at 678 Cuban pesos (CUP). This marks a rise of 2 pesos from the previous session where it was valued at 676 CUP. Over the past week, the dollar increased by 10 pesos, equating to a 1.5% rise from 668 CUP a week prior. Monthly, the current rate surpasses the one from 30 days ago by 5 pesos, though this comparison may reflect methodological adjustments in the index. The past month has seen the dollar fluctuate between a low of 663 CUP and today's peak of 678 CUP, underscoring its influence in the informal market amid a chronic scarcity of foreign currencies.
Euro Gains Momentum
The euro concluded Monday's trading at 769 Cuban pesos (CUP), a 4-peso increase from the previous day, when it stood at 765 CUP. Over the last week, the European currency gained 16.5 pesos, a 2.2% increase from 753 CUP a week earlier. Compared to 30 days ago, the euro was trading at 785 CUP, showing a monthly decrease of 16 pesos, though this could be affected by index adjustments. Throughout the month, the euro ranged from a low of 746 CUP to a high of 788 CUP. It outpaces the dollar by 91 pesos, strengthening its dominant position in Cuba's parallel market.
MLC Exchange Rate
The MLC is approximately valued at 479 Cuban pesos (CUP), though this figure is largely indicative given the limited volume of trades recorded. This signifies a 13-peso increase from the previous session, where it was 466 CUP. Over the past week, the MLC has risen by 22.5 pesos, representing a 4.9% increase from 457 CUP a week ago. Without physical currency, its utilization is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash-based currencies.
Exchange Rates:
- USD to CUP: 678 CUP
- EUR to CUP: 769 CUP
- MLC to CUP: 479 CUP (indicative value)
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) stands at 634 CUP per dollar and 735 CUP per euro, remaining significantly below the practical rates in the informal currency market.
Despite Segment III being introduced as a more adaptable exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from the informal market's, failing to meet the real currency demand of the populace. Today, the gap between the markets is 44 pesos for the dollar and 34 pesos for the euro.
In the midst of persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, any change in the informal market directly impacts domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market, based on automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. This calculation filters out atypical offers and spam, weighs each transaction by its recency, and consolidates a representative value that updates multiple times a day.
USD to CUP Equivalents as of Monday, August 31, 2026:
- 1 USD = 678 CUP
- 5 USD = 3,390 CUP
- 10 USD = 6,780 CUP
- 20 USD = 13,560 CUP
- 50 USD = 33,900 CUP
- 100 USD = 67,800 CUP
EUR to CUP Equivalents as of Monday, August 31, 2026:
- 1 EUR = 769 CUP
- 5 EUR = 3,845 CUP
- 10 EUR = 7,690 CUP
- 20 EUR = 15,380 CUP
- 50 EUR = 38,450 CUP
- 100 EUR = 76,900 CUP
- 200 EUR = 153,800 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
What factors contribute to the rise of the dollar and euro in Cuba's informal market?
The increase in dollar and euro values is largely due to the shortage of foreign currencies and the economic instability in Cuba, which drives higher demand in the black market.
How does the official exchange rate compare to the informal market rate?
The official rates set by the Central Bank of Cuba are much lower than those in the informal market, with a significant gap of 44 pesos for the dollar and 34 pesos for the euro.
Why is the MLC exchange rate considered indicative?
The MLC rate is indicative due to the low volume of transactions and its limited use, primarily accepted in state-run stores, which restricts its circulation compared to cash currencies.