As of 10:00 a.m. local Cuban time on Saturday, September 5, 2026, the unofficial currency exchange market in Cuba presents mixed signals. The US dollar holds steady compared to the previous day, the euro continues to climb, and the MLC has seen a notable decline, though these figures should be approached cautiously due to the scarcity of transactions recorded at this time.
The US dollar is trading at 683 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal market, with a buying rate of 680 CUP and a selling rate of 685 CUP. Despite showing no change from the previous session, this stability shouldn't be mistaken for a structural calm. Over the past week, the dollar has increased by 8.5 pesos, marking a 1.3% rise from its previous standing of around 674 CUP.
Comparing to 30 days ago, the dollar has seen an increase of 10 pesos (+1.5%), although part of this change can be attributed to adjustments in index methodology. During this period, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 663 CUP and the current high of 683 CUP. This highlights its role in the informal market amid a persistent shortage of foreign exchange.
The euro starts the day at 777 CUP, with buying and selling rates at 773 CUP and 780 CUP, respectively. This marks a 3-peso increase from the previous day when it was at 774 CUP. Over the last week, the euro has experienced an upward trend, rising from 763 CUP, amounting to a gain of 14 pesos (+1.8%).
Looking back 30 days, the euro has slightly decreased by 6 pesos (-0.8%) from 783 CUP, possibly influenced by methodological changes in the index. Over the past month, the euro has reached a high of 785 CUP and a low of 746 CUP, maintaining a 94-peso lead over the dollar, thus solidifying its dominant position in the Cuban parallel market.
MLC's Limited Circulation in a Cash-Driven Economy
The MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible) is valued around 451 CUP as a guideline, with estimated buying and selling rates at 432 CUP and 470 CUP. Data for this currency is scarce during this time slot, warranting cautious interpretation.
According to previous session data, the MLC was trading at 477 CUP, indicating a 26-peso drop (-5.5%). However, this variation should be cautiously regarded due to limited transaction samples. A week ago, it was at 467 CUP, and a month ago, at 450 CUP. Over the last month, its range was between a high of 529 CUP and a low of 408 CUP. Without physical existence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Disparity Between Official and Informal Exchange Rates
The current exchange rates are as follows: USD to CUP at 683 CUP, EUR to CUP at 777 CUP, and MLC to CUP at an indicative 451 CUP, with limited data. The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains considerably lower at 640 CUP per dollar and 744 CUP per euro compared to the practical rates in the informal market.
This gap of 43 pesos for the dollar and 33 pesos for the euro underscores the disconnect between the formal economy and the daily challenges faced by Cubans. Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far removed from those in the informal market, failing to meet the real demand for foreign currency among the population.
Over the past month, the official dollar rate has increased from 618 to 640 CUP, and the euro from 714 to 744 CUP, reflecting a progressive devaluation of the peso even in the official channel, yet without closing the gap with the parallel market.
In a context of ongoing inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every shift in the informal market directly affects domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. The stability of the dollar at this opening does not ease the financial strain on those who rely on remittances or currency trading to meet daily needs.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an informal Cuban market index developed through automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam, weighting each transaction based on its age to consolidate a representative value that updates multiple times daily.
Understanding Currency Equivalencies
Exchange equivalencies for US dollars (USD) to Cuban pesos (CUP) based on this Saturday, September 5, 2026, are as follows: 1 USD equals 683 CUP, 5 USD equals 3,415 CUP, 10 USD equals 6,830 CUP, 20 USD equals 13,660 CUP, 50 USD equals 34,150 CUP, and 100 USD equals 68,300 CUP.
For euros (EUR) to Cuban pesos (CUP), the rates are: 1 EUR equals 777 CUP, 5 EUR equals 3,885 CUP, 10 EUR equals 7,770 CUP, 20 EUR equals 15,540 CUP, 50 EUR equals 38,850 CUP, 100 EUR equals 77,700 CUP, and 200 EUR equals 155,400 CUP.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Informal Currency Market
What is the current exchange rate for USD to CUP in the informal market?
As of the latest data, the US dollar is trading at 683 CUP in the informal market.
How does the euro compare to the dollar in Cuba's informal market?
The euro is currently valued at 777 CUP, maintaining a lead of 94 CUP over the dollar in the informal market.
What is the significance of the MLC in Cuba's economy?
The MLC is a currency used primarily in state-run stores, with its current informal market value around 451 CUP. Its circulation is limited compared to physical currencies.
Why is there a gap between official and informal exchange rates in Cuba?
The gap reflects the disconnect between Cuba's formal economy and the real market conditions, as the official rates do not meet the population's foreign currency demand.