As of 8:00 PM Cuban local time, on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the informal currency exchange market in Cuba wraps up with the U.S. dollar strengthening, while the euro's recent upward trend stalls. The Cuban peso continues to lose value against major currencies, highlighting ongoing pressure on the national currency. For a complete overview, you can check the historical trends in Cuba's informal exchange rates.
The U.S. dollar closes the day trading at 808 Cuban pesos (CUP), marking an increase of 2.5 pesos from the previous session where it stood at 805 CUP. Over the past week, the dollar has appreciated by 22.5 pesos compared to 785 CUP seven days ago, representing a 2.9% increase.
Over a 30-day period, the dollar has risen by 102 pesos from mid-September levels. It's crucial to interpret this data cautiously, as it might partially reflect methodological adjustments in the index. During this period, the dollar has peaked at the current 808 CUP, with a low of 706 CUP, indicating the ongoing impact of currency scarcity on the informal market.
The euro ends the session at 903 CUP, a slight drop of one peso compared to the previous day when it was 904 CUP. Despite this minor decline, the euro maintains a strong upward trajectory over the week: it was valued at 878 CUP seven days ago—25 pesos less than now—marking a 2.8% increase.
In the past month, the euro has fluctuated between a low of 803 CUP and a high of 905 CUP. It remains 95 pesos above the dollar, solidifying its leading position in Cuba's parallel market.
The MLC, or freely convertible currency, is approximately 630 CUP at the close of this session. However, this figure should be seen as indicative due to the low transaction volumes recorded at this time of day. Compared to the previous day, the MLC has dropped 22 pesos from 652 CUP. On a weekly basis, it has risen by 94.5 pesos from 535 CUP a week ago.
Over a 30-day span, which may reflect methodological adjustments, the MLC has increased by 146.5 pesos. Its physical absence limits its use to state-run stores that accept it, restricting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange rate for USD to CUP: 808 CUP. Exchange rate for EUR to CUP: 903 CUP. Exchange rate for MLC to CUP: 630 CUP (indicative value, limited data). The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) today is 720 CUP per dollar and 811 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the prevailing rates in the informal currency market. The gap between the official and informal dollar rates exceeds 88 pesos; for the euro, the difference is nearly 92 pesos.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible currency exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far from the informal market's reality and fail to meet the population's actual currency demands. Over the past month, the official dollar rate increased from 667 to 720 CUP, and the euro from 765 to 811 CUP, yet these changes fall short of paralleling the informal market trends.
In a scenario of persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, fluctuations in the informal market directly impact internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. The dollar reaching its highest point in 30 days at Sunday's close underscores the worsening state of the Cuban peso.
CiberCuba's Exchange Rate Index is an informal market gauge compiled through automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam, weighting each transaction by its recency to consolidate a representative value updated several times daily.
USD to CUP conversion according to exchange rates for Sunday, October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 808 CUP, 5 USD = 4,040 CUP, 10 USD = 8,080 CUP, 20 USD = 16,160 CUP, 50 USD = 40,400 CUP, 100 USD = 80,800 CUP.
EUR to CUP conversion according to exchange rates for Sunday, October 18, 2026: 1 EUR = 903 CUP, 5 EUR = 4,515 CUP, 10 EUR = 9,030 CUP, 20 EUR = 18,060 CUP, 50 EUR = 45,150 CUP, 100 EUR = 90,300 CUP, 200 EUR = 180,600 CUP.
Understanding Cuba's Informal Exchange Market
Why is the U.S. dollar gaining strength in Cuba's informal market?
The U.S. dollar is gaining strength due to ongoing scarcity of foreign currencies and declining confidence in the Cuban peso, driving demand in the informal market.
How does the euro's performance compare to the dollar in this market?
While the euro has also seen an overall increase, its recent performance has slightly slowed compared to the dollar, though it remains significantly higher in value.
What is the role of the Central Bank's Segment III in Cuba's currency market?
Segment III was intended to offer a more flexible exchange mechanism, but its official rates are still far from reflecting the informal market's realities, limiting its effectiveness.