As of 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market closed on Monday, September 21, 2026, with a noticeable upward trend. Both the U.S. dollar and the euro showed increases compared to the previous day, while the MLC, despite limited trading volume, also marked a slight rise, which should be considered as an indicative value.
The U.S. dollar was valued at 718 Cuban pesos (CUP) at the close of this Monday, its average rate in the informal market. This indicates an increase of five pesos from the previous session, where it traded at 713 CUP. Over the past week, the dollar has climbed twenty pesos — up from 698 CUP a week ago — representing a 2.9% increase. Over a month, the currency has gained 54.5 pesos, although it's important to note that the 30-day comparison might partly reflect methodological adjustments of the index. The dollar continues to set the pace in the informal market amid a structural shortage of foreign currency.
The euro is priced at 818 CUP, up from 815 in the previous session, marking an increase of 2.5 pesos. Over the last seven days, the European currency has risen by 23.5 pesos — from 794 CUP a week ago — a 3% increase. The euro has also reached its highest point in 30 days during this session, solidifying its position as the most expensive currency in the Cuban parallel market, surpassing the dollar by a hundred pesos.
MLC Values and Market Context
The MLC closed around 504 CUP, though this figure should be seen as indicative due to the low volume of transactions recorded at this time. Compared to the previous day, it increased by 9.5 pesos from 495 CUP. However, on a weekly comparison, it has decreased by five pesos from 509 CUP seven days ago. Without a physical form, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange rates are as follows: the USD to CUP stands at 718 CUP, the EUR to CUP at 818 CUP, and the MLC to CUP at 504 CUP (indicative value due to limited data). The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) is significantly lower, at 669 CUP per dollar and 767 CUP per euro, compared to the practical values seen in the informal currency market. The gap between these markets is 49 pesos for the dollar and 51 pesos for the euro.
Impact of Exchange Rate Discrepancies
Despite Segment III being introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far from those of the informal market and fail to meet the real demand for foreign currency by the populace. Over the past month, the official dollar rate has risen from 638 to 669 CUP, and the euro from 745 to 767 CUP, yet these adjustments have not bridged the gap with the parallel market.
In an environment of persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, any fluctuation in the informal market directly affects domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. The cumulative rise of the dollar over the last four weeks — over 54 pesos in the informal market — highlights the ongoing pressure on the Cuban peso and the challenge faced by those who depend on remittances or foreign currency savings to maintain their purchasing power.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market, compiled through automated analysis of thousands of currency trading posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighing each transaction according to its age and consolidating a representative value that is updated several times a day.
Currency Equivalency in Cuban Pesos
Currency equivalency based on this Monday, September 21, 2026 exchange rates:
- 1 USD = 718 CUP
- 5 USD = 3,590 CUP
- 10 USD = 7,180 CUP
- 20 USD = 14,360 CUP
- 50 USD = 35,900 CUP
- 100 USD = 71,800 CUP
For the euro:
- 1 EUR = 818 CUP
- 5 EUR = 4,090 CUP
- 10 EUR = 8,180 CUP
- 20 EUR = 16,360 CUP
- 50 EUR = 40,900 CUP
- 100 EUR = 81,800 CUP
- 200 EUR = 163,600 CUP
FAQs about Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal market exchange rate higher than the official rate in Cuba?
The informal market exchange rate is higher because it reflects the actual demand and scarcity of foreign currency, which the official rate does not fully address. This discrepancy is due to the limited availability of foreign currency at official rates.
How does the rising dollar affect the Cuban economy?
A rising dollar increases the cost of imports, exacerbates inflation, and reduces the purchasing power of Cubans. It particularly impacts those reliant on remittances or foreign currency savings, as it diminishes their ability to purchase goods and services.
What is the role of the CiberCuba Exchange Rate?
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate provides a more accurate reflection of the informal currency market by analyzing data from numerous online trading platforms. It offers a representative value that helps gauge the real exchange trends in Cuba.