At 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market concluded its session on Friday, September 18, 2026, with notable increases in both the dollar and the euro.
These currencies wrapped up the week at higher prices compared to the previous day, while the MLC also showed significant gains despite limited data, indicating its valuation should be seen as a guideline.
The upward trend continues to exert pressure on the purchasing power of Cubans as the week draws to a close.
Dollar's Performance
The U.S. dollar ended Friday with an average rate of 706 Cuban pesos (CUP), with a buying price of 701 CUP and a selling price of 710 CUP.
This marks an increase of 3 pesos compared to the previous day when the rate was 703 CUP. Over the week, the dollar has climbed 14 pesos from the 692 CUP recorded a week ago, representing a 2% rise. Compared to a month ago, when it was around 663 CUP, the U.S. currency has increased by 43 pesos, or 6.5%, although this comparison might partially reflect methodological adjustments in the index.
The dollar also reached its highest point in the last 30 days during this session, standing at 706 CUP. It continues to be a key indicator in the informal market amidst a structural scarcity of foreign exchange.
Euro's Strong Position
The euro closed the day as the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market, with an average rate of 805 Cuban pesos (CUP), buying at 800 CUP, and selling at 809 CUP.
Compared to the previous day, when it averaged 798 CUP, the euro rose by 7 pesos, a 0.9% increase.
Over the past week, the European currency has gained 20 pesos from the 785 CUP recorded seven days ago, a 2.5% increase. Compared to a month ago, when it was around 750 CUP, the euro has risen by 54.5 pesos (7.3%), though this variation should be considered cautiously as it may include methodological adjustments.
Today, the euro reached its highest level in the last 30 days, with 805 CUP, surpassing the dollar by 99 pesos, reinforcing its dominant position in the informal market.
MLC's Indicative Value
The MLC ended with an indicative average value of 483 Cuban pesos (CUP), buying at 449 CUP and selling at 517 CUP. Due to the limited data available for this segment, this figure should be interpreted with caution.
Compared to the previous session, when it was reported at 453 CUP, the MLC recorded a gain of 30.5 pesos (6.7%). However, over the last week, the digital currency has fallen by 22 pesos from the 461 CUP recorded seven days ago.
Without physical form, its use is limited to state-run stores that accept it, which restricts its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rate Disparities
Exchange rates for the informal market on Friday, September 18, 2026, were as follows: USD to CUP: 706 CUP; EUR to CUP: 805 CUP; MLC to CUP: 483 CUP (indicative value, limited data).
The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) stood at 667 CUP per dollar and 765 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the practical values seen in the informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from the informal market's and fails to meet the real demand for foreign currency from the population. Today, the gap between the official and informal rates is 39 pesos for the dollar and 40 pesos for the euro.
In a scenario characterized by sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every change in the informal market directly impacts internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The upward close this week, with the dollar hitting a 30-day high and the euro at its peak for the month, further exacerbates the pressure on Cuban households.
The Currency Exchange Rate Index of CiberCuba is an informal market index in Cuba derived from automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighting each transaction by its age and consolidating a representative value updated several times daily.
Currency Conversion Examples
Conversion rates from U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) for this Friday, September 18, 2026:
- 1 USD = 706 CUP
- 5 USD = 3,530 CUP
- 10 USD = 7,060 CUP
- 20 USD = 14,120 CUP
- 50 USD = 35,300 CUP
- 100 USD = 70,600 CUP
Conversion rates from Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) for this Friday, September 18, 2026:
- 1 EUR = 805 CUP
- 5 EUR = 4,025 CUP
- 10 EUR = 8,050 CUP
- 20 EUR = 16,100 CUP
- 50 EUR = 40,250 CUP
- 100 EUR = 80,500 CUP
- 200 EUR = 161,000 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal currency market important in Cuba?
The informal currency market in Cuba plays a crucial role due to the scarcity of foreign exchange and the gap between official rates and the real demand for foreign currencies.
How does the currency exchange rate impact Cuban households?
Fluctuations in the informal currency exchange rate directly affect internal prices and the purchasing power of Cuban households, especially in a context of inflation and low wages.
What factors contribute to the rise in dollar and euro rates?
The increase in dollar and euro rates can be attributed to economic instability, foreign currency scarcity, and the partial dollarization of the Cuban economy.