On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time, Cuba's informal currency market witnessed the US dollar reaching a record-breaking rate of 850 Cuban pesos. This seven-and-a-half peso increase from the previous day highlights a persistent upward trend with no signs of slowing down. Meanwhile, the euro has also risen, now valued at 932 pesos, whereas the MLC has dipped to 554 pesos, though this figure should be considered an estimate due to the low volume of transactions. Keep track of the evolving exchange rates in Cuba's informal market.
The US dollar closed at 850 Cuban pesos (CUP) today, marking a 7.5 peso rise from yesterday's 843 CUP. Over the past week, the dollar has surged 32.5 pesos, having been at 818 pesos just seven days ago. A month prior, it was at 740 pesos, though these comparisons may also reflect methodological index adjustments, not solely market movements. Today, the dollar hits a 30-day peak, continuing to set the pace in the black market amidst a chronic shortage of foreign currency.
The euro, now priced at 932 CUP, has edged up by three pesos from 929 CUP in the previous session. In the past week, it has grown by 24 pesos from 908 CUP, and over the last month, it has gained 84.5 pesos from 847 CUP, with similar caution advised regarding potential methodological adjustments. Today’s close, just one peso shy of the 30-day high at 933 pesos, places it 82 pesos above the dollar, solidifying its lead in the Cuban parallel market.
The MLC stands at approximately 554 CUP, considered a rough estimate due to the limited transaction volume during this time. Since the previous day, this digital currency has dropped 43.5 pesos and has fallen 33.5 pesos over the past week from 587 CUP. Its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange rates for October 27, 2026: 1 USD equals 850 CUP, 1 EUR equals 932 CUP, and the MLC stands at approximately 554 CUP, based on scarce data. Today's closure confirms the dollar has reached its highest level recorded in Cuba's informal market, surpassing the psychological barrier of 850 pesos for the first time. In just a month, the US dollar has appreciated over 110 pesos, severely impacting the purchasing power of the Cuban populace. Meanwhile, the euro nears its own 30-day high of 933 pesos.
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains at 749 CUP per dollar and 837 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the prevailing rates in the informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far from those in the informal market, failing to meet the actual demand for foreign currency among the population. The gap between the official and informal markets now exceeds 100 pesos for the dollar and 95 pesos for the euro.
This disparity underscores the persistent shortage of foreign currency within Cuba's state banking system and the high demand for dollars and euros among the population for emigration, importing goods, safeguarding savings, or making private sector purchases.
In a scenario of sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every change in the informal market directly affects domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market, developed through automated analysis of thousands of currency sale postings on Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam, weighing each transaction by its recency to consolidate a representative value updated several times daily.
Currency conversions for October 27, 2026, based on current exchange rates: 1 USD = 850 CUP, 5 USD = 4,250 CUP, 10 USD = 8,500 CUP, 20 USD = 17,000 CUP, 50 USD = 42,500 CUP, 100 USD = 85,000 CUP. For euros: 1 EUR = 932 CUP, 5 EUR = 4,660 CUP, 10 EUR = 9,320 CUP, 20 EUR = 18,640 CUP, 50 EUR = 46,600 CUP, 100 EUR = 93,200 CUP, 200 EUR = 186,400 CUP.
Understanding Cuba's Currency Market Dynamics
Why is the US dollar rising in Cuba's informal market?
The rise is attributed to the chronic shortage of foreign currency and high demand for dollars for emigration and private transactions, amidst economic instability.
How does the informal exchange rate affect Cubans?
It directly impacts the cost of goods and services, reducing purchasing power and exacerbating inflation, as many prices are tied to the dollar value.
What role does the euro play in Cuba's currency market?
The euro serves as an alternative to the dollar, often used for similar purposes, and its high value reflects its dominance alongside the dollar in the informal market.