By 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market concluded its trading session on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, exhibiting mixed trends among the key foreign currencies.
The U.S. dollar ended the day with an upward movement, while the euro showed no change, and the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) experienced a slight uptick from its opening value. However, caution is advised when considering the MLC's rate due to the low volume of transactions backing it.
U.S. Dollar Sees Gains
The U.S. dollar (USD) closed at 688 Cuban pesos (CUP), marking an increase of 2.5 pesos from the previous day's 685 CUP. Over the past week, the dollar has climbed 10 pesos from 678 CUP, translating to a 1.5% rise. In the past month, it has gone up by 17.5 pesos from 670 CUP, although this comparison might partially reflect methodological adjustments in the index.
During the last 30 days, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 663 CUP and today's high of 688 CUP, continuing to drive the informal market amid a persistent currency shortage.
Euro Remains Stable
The euro (EUR) concluded the day at 778 CUP, showing stability compared to the previous session. Despite maintaining its daily rate, the euro has gained 7.5 pesos over the past week from 770 CUP—a 1% increase. Compared to 30 days ago, when it stood at 773 CUP, the increase is a modest 5 pesos. This change should be viewed with caution as it may incorporate methodological adjustments.
Throughout the last month, the euro has ranged between a low of 746 CUP and a high of 780 CUP. It remains the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 90 pesos in today's closing.
Freely Convertible Currency Fluctuations
The MLC closed around 465 CUP, a figure that should be treated as an approximation due to the low transaction volume during this period. The MLC rose 3 pesos from Tuesday's 462 CUP. However, on a weekly scale, it decreased by 8 pesos from the previous week's 473 CUP.
In the past month, the MLC has varied from a minimum of 408 CUP to a maximum of 529 CUP, highlighting its volatility as a currency with limited liquidity in the informal market. Its circulation is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, given its lack of physical form, unlike cash currencies.
Currency Exchange Summary as of September 9, 2026
Exchange rates at market close were as follows: USD to CUP at 688, EUR to CUP at 778, and MLC to CUP at 465 (advisory rate, limited data available). Official rates from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) listed the dollar at 649 CUP and the euro at 754 CUP, which are significantly lower than those in the informal market.
While Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far from those in the informal market and fail to meet the real currency demand of the populace. The disparity between official and informal rates underscores the ongoing currency shortage in the state banking system and the high demand for dollars and euros among Cubans for emigration, importing goods, safeguarding savings, or purchasing in the private sector.
In a scenario of persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, changes in the informal market directly affect domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index reflecting Cuba's informal market, derived from automated analysis of thousands of currency trading posts on Telegram and Facebook groups. It excludes atypical offers and spam, weights each transaction by its age, and consolidates a representative value updated multiple times daily.
U.S. Dollar to Cuban Peso (CUP) Equivalences on September 9, 2026:
1 USD = 688 CUP
5 USD = 3,440 CUP
10 USD = 6,880 CUP
20 USD = 13,760 CUP
50 USD = 34,400 CUP
100 USD = 68,800 CUP
Euro to Cuban Peso (CUP) Equivalences on September 9, 2026:
1 EUR = 778 CUP
5 EUR = 3,890 CUP
10 EUR = 7,780 CUP
20 EUR = 15,560 CUP
50 EUR = 38,900 CUP
100 EUR = 77,800 CUP
200 EUR = 155,600 CUP
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the U.S. dollar gaining value in Cuba's informal market?
The U.S. dollar's rise in value is primarily due to high demand amidst a structural shortage of foreign currencies, as well as economic factors like partial dollarization and inflation.
How does the informal market affect Cuba's economy?
The informal market impacts Cuba's economy by influencing domestic prices and purchasing power, given the state's low salaries and the high demand for foreign currencies for various essential activities.