As of 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency exchange market closed this Friday with notable increases in the two leading currencies. The U.S. dollar and the euro have both risen compared to the previous day, while the MLC remains nearly unchanged, although limited data is available at this hour.
The U.S. dollar finished the day with an average value of 733 Cuban pesos (CUP), with buying at 730 CUP and selling at 735 CUP. This marks a rise of five pesos compared to the previous day, which saw the dollar at 728 CUP.
Over the past week, the dollar has climbed from 706 CUP, representing an increase of 27 pesos, or 3.8%. In the last month, it has surged from 669 CUP, although such a 30-day comparison may partly reflect index methodology adjustments. Currently, the dollar is at its highest point in the past 30 days, solidifying its role as the primary reference currency in Cuba's informal market.
The euro is closing at 836 Cuban pesos on average, with a buying rate of 835 CUP and a selling rate of 836 CUP. From the previous session, when it was at 830 CUP, the euro has increased by six pesos, a rise of 0.7%.
In the past week, the euro has jumped 31 pesos from 805 CUP, a 3.9% increase. Thirty days ago, it was at 758 CUP. As with the dollar, this monthly variation should be interpreted cautiously. The euro surpasses the dollar by 103 pesos, reinforcing its dominant position in Cuba's parallel market.
The MLC shows an indicative average value of 492 Cuban pesos, with buying at 481 CUP and selling at 502 CUP. Compared to the previous day, when it was at 493 CUP, the change is a mere one peso decrease. It is important to note that this currency has limited data available at this time, so its rate should be considered an approximate reference.
In the last week, the MLC has risen 8.5 pesos from 483 CUP. Without physical presence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
The exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to CUP stands at 733 CUP. The euro is at 836 CUP, while the MLC’s indicative rate is 492 CUP. The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) is set at 678 CUP per dollar and 771 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the values prevailing in the everyday informal currency exchange market. Currently, there is a gap of 55 pesos for the dollar and 65 pesos for the euro between the official and informal rates.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far removed from the informal market, failing to meet the real demand for foreign currency among the population. In the past month, the official dollar rate has moved from 636 to 678 CUP, and the euro from 742 to 771 CUP, but both remain inadequate to reflect market realities.
In a scenario characterized by persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every shift in the informal market directly influences internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The demand for dollars and euros remains high among those seeking to protect their savings against the devaluation of the peso or to fund imports and emigration projects.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market, crafted from the automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. This calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each operation based on its recency, and consolidates a representative value updated several times a day.
Equivalence of U.S. Dollar (USD) bills to Cuban Peso (CUP), according to exchange rates this Friday, September 25, 2026:
1 USD = 733 CUP
5 USD = 3,665 CUP
10 USD = 7,330 CUP
20 USD = 14,660 CUP
50 USD = 36,650 CUP
100 USD = 73,300 CUP
Equivalence of Euro (EUR) bills to Cuban Peso (CUP), according to exchange rates this Friday, September 25, 2026:
1 EUR = 836 CUP
5 EUR = 4,180 CUP
10 EUR = 8,360 CUP
20 EUR = 16,720 CUP
50 EUR = 41,800 CUP
100 EUR = 83,600 CUP
200 EUR = 167,200 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why are the informal exchange rates higher than the official rates in Cuba?
The informal exchange rates in Cuba are higher than the official rates due to limited foreign currency availability through official channels, leading people to rely on the informal market where demand often exceeds supply, driving prices up.
How does the fluctuation of the dollar and euro impact Cuba's economy?
Fluctuations in the dollar and euro directly affect Cuba's economy by altering the cost of imports, affecting internal price levels, and impacting the purchasing power of Cuban citizens, particularly in a dollarized environment.
What is the role of the Central Bank of Cuba in the currency exchange market?
The Central Bank of Cuba sets official exchange rates and attempts to regulate currency flows; however, its rates often fail to align with the realities of the informal market, where most transactions occur.