As of 10:00 a.m. local time in Havana, Cuba's unofficial currency market opened on a high note this Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The exchange rate for the U.S. dollar is now 693 Cuban pesos (CUP), with buying rates around 690 CUP and selling rates near 695 CUP. This marks an increase of 5 pesos from the previous day when the dollar averaged 688 CUP.
Looking at the week, the dollar has risen by 10 pesos compared to its value of 683 CUP just seven days ago. Over the span of 30 days, the current rate shows a rise of 27.5 pesos from 665 CUP, although this difference may partly reflect index methodology adjustments rather than sheer market movements.
Today's value also matches the peak recorded over the past month, while the lowest point during that period was 663 CUP. This trend underscores the informal market's response to a chronic shortage of foreign currency.
Euro and MLC Trends
The euro is trading at 787 Cuban pesos (CUP) on the black market, with a buying rate of 785 CUP and a selling rate of 789 CUP. Compared to the previous day's average of 785 CUP, the euro has gained 2 pesos.
Over the last week, the euro has increased by 10 pesos from 777 CUP seven days ago. In a 30-day comparison, which should be interpreted with the same caution as the dollar, the euro shows a gain of 27 pesos from 760 CUP.
This month's highest level is precisely today's 787 CUP, while the lowest was 746 CUP. The euro maintains a lead over the dollar by 94 pesos, solidifying its dominant position in Cuba's parallel market.
MLC Exchange Dynamics
The MLC is priced around 459 Cuban pesos (CUP), with purchase rates near 456 CUP and sales around 462 CUP. This rate should be viewed as indicative, given the low trading volume supporting its valuation at this time.
From the previous session, the MLC has dropped 16.5 pesos, a decrease of 3.5%. However, compared to a week ago when it averaged 451 CUP, it has gained 8 pesos.
The MLC has experienced significant volatility over the past 30 days, ranging from a low of 408 CUP to a high of 529 CUP, reflecting its limited liquidity. Without physical presence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Informal Market Exchange Rates Summary
USD to CUP exchange rate: 693 CUP.
EUR to CUP exchange rate: 787 CUP.
MLC to CUP exchange rate: 459 CUP (indicative value).
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III), set this Saturday at 655 CUP per dollar and 760 CUP per euro, remains significantly lower than the rates in the real-world informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate is still far from meeting the public's actual demand for foreign currency. Today, the gap between the two markets stands at 38 pesos for the dollar and 27 pesos for the euro.
In a landscape marked by persistent inflation, low government wages, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every fluctuation in the informal market directly impacts internal prices and Cubans' purchasing power.
CiberCuba's Exchange Rate Index is a reflection of the Cuban informal market, derived from automated analysis of thousands of foreign currency trade posts on Telegram and Facebook groups.
This calculation filters out atypical offers and spam, weighting each transaction according to its recency to consolidate a representative value that is updated multiple times a day.
Currency Conversion
U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) Conversion:
1 USD = 693 CUP
5 USD = 3,465 CUP
10 USD = 6,930 CUP
20 USD = 13,860 CUP
50 USD = 34,650 CUP
100 USD = 69,300 CUP
Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) Conversion:
1 EUR = 787 CUP
5 EUR = 3,935 CUP
10 EUR = 7,870 CUP
20 EUR = 15,740 CUP
50 EUR = 39,350 CUP
100 EUR = 78,700 CUP
200 EUR = 157,400 CUP
FAQs on Cuba's Informal Currency Market
How does the informal currency market affect Cuban citizens?
Fluctuations in the informal currency market directly influence internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans, especially in a context of inflation and low state salaries.
Why is there a gap between official and informal exchange rates in Cuba?
The gap exists because the official rates set by the Central Bank of Cuba do not meet the actual demand for foreign currency, whereas the informal market reflects real-world trading conditions and scarcity.