The informal currency exchange market in Cuba kicks off this Sunday, October 18, 2026, with yet another surge in foreign currency rates.
As of 10:00 a.m. (local Cuban time), the U.S. dollar has climbed to an average of 807 Cuban pesos, while the euro has reached 904 pesos, and the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) is hovering around 652 pesos.
The Dollar's Upward Trend
This Sunday, the U.S. dollar is trading at 807 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal market, marking a two-peso increase from the previous day when it closed at 805 CUP.
The upward trend is evident over the week as well: seven days ago, the greenback was exchanged at 783 pesos, reflecting a rise of 24 pesos in the past week, equivalent to a 3.1% increase.
Compared to 30 days ago, when the rate was at 703 pesos, the accumulated jump reaches 104 pesos (+14.8%). However, this monthly comparison might partially represent methodological adjustments to the index rather than market movements alone.
The dollar has reached its highest point in the last 30 days today at 807 CUP, compared to a low of 704 CUP within the same period. The demand for dollars remains high among those seeking to safeguard their savings amid the depreciation of the peso.
Euro: The Most Expensive Currency in the Parallel Market
The euro is trading at 904 Cuban pesos (CUP), up by three pesos from the 901 recorded the previous day. Over the past week, the European currency has gained 26 pesos from 878 CUP seven days ago, marking a 3.0% increase.
Over the monthly horizon, the euro has risen 101 pesos from 803 CUP 30 days ago (+12.6%). As with the dollar, this variation should be interpreted cautiously, as it may include index methodological adjustments.
The highest rate recorded in the last 30 days is 905 CUP, just one peso above the current level. It stands out as the most expensive currency in the Cuban parallel market, surpassing the U.S. dollar by 97 pesos and solidifying its dominant position.
MLC: Indicative Data with Significant Weekly Variation
The MLC is listed around 652 Cuban pesos (CUP) this Sunday, 18 pesos higher than the 634 recorded the previous day. However, this value should be taken cautiously, as the source indicates few data points in this time frame, making it an indicative figure.
The weekly variation is notable: seven days ago, the MLC was at 497 pesos, indicating an increase of 155 pesos in a week (+31.2%). Compared to 30 days ago, when it traded at 454 pesos, the accumulated rise is 198 pesos (+43.6%). This monthly comparison may also reflect index methodological adjustments. Without physical existence, its use is limited to state-run stores that accept it, restricting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Widening Gap with Official Rates
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains at 720 CUP per dollar and 811 CUP per euro, significantly below the values that govern the informal currency market in practice.
Today, the gap between the official and informal rates is 87 pesos for the dollar and 93 pesos for the euro. Over the last 30 days, the official dollar rate has increased from 667 to 720 CUP, and the euro from 765 to 811 CUP, a pace of adjustment that has failed to close the gap with the parallel market.
In a scenario of 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.
Currency Equivalences
Equivalence of U.S. dollar (USD) bills to Cuban peso (CUP) as per exchange rates this Sunday, October 18, 2026:
1 USD = 807 CUP
5 USD = 4,035 CUP
10 USD = 8,070 CUP
20 USD = 16,140 CUP
50 USD = 40,350 CUP
100 USD = 80,700 CUP
Equivalence of euro (EUR) bills to Cuban peso (CUP) as per exchange rates this Sunday, October 18, 2026:
1 EUR = 904 CUP
5 EUR = 4,520 CUP
10 EUR = 9,040 CUP
20 EUR = 18,080 CUP
50 EUR = 45,200 CUP
100 EUR = 90,400 CUP
Understanding the Methodology
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market, created through automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange listings in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation eliminates atypical offers and spam messages, weights each transaction according to its age, and consolidates a representative value that is updated multiple times a day.
FAQs About Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why are currency rates rising in Cuba's informal market?
Currency rates are increasing due to high demand for foreign currencies as people seek to protect their savings from the depreciating Cuban peso.
How does the informal market impact the Cuban economy?
The informal market affects the Cuban economy by directly influencing internal prices and reducing the purchasing power of its citizens amid inflation and low state salaries.
What is the current gap between official and informal currency rates?
Currently, the gap is 87 pesos for the dollar and 93 pesos for the euro between official and informal exchange rates.