As of 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency exchange market wrapped up its activities on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, exhibiting contrasting trends: the U.S. dollar continued its upward trajectory, while the euro showed signs of easing compared to the previous session.
With limited trading activity, the MLC experienced a sharp movement, serving as a tentative indicator rather than a definitive value.
The Dollar's Ascent
The U.S. dollar closed the day priced at 915 Cuban pesos (CUP), with buying rates around 910 CUP and selling rates near 920 CUP. This marks a 5-peso increase from the previous day when the average value stood at 910 CUP. The upward trend is evident and sustained: just a week ago, the dollar was valued at 858 CUP, reflecting a 57.5 peso rise, equivalent to a 6.7% increase.
Looking over the past 30 days, the dollar has surged by 145 pesos—a striking 18.8%—though this figure might partly account for adjustments in index methodology. Over the month, the dollar hit a high of 915 CUP and a low of 768 CUP. There remains a strong demand for dollars among those seeking to safeguard their savings against the depreciating peso.
Euro's Dominance Despite a Slowdown
The euro concluded at 996 CUP, with purchasing at 992 CUP and selling at 999 CUP. Compared to the prior day, the average value saw a modest rise of 1.5 pesos—a mere 0.2%—rendering the exchange rate virtually unchanged with a slight dip from intraday peaks.
Over the past week, the euro has climbed 55.5 pesos, a 5.9% increase from the 940 CUP recorded seven days ago. Today's closing figure—996 CUP—matches the highest point in the last 30 days, while the lowest was 860 CUP. The euro maintains its leading position in Cuba's parallel market, standing 81 pesos above the dollar.
MLC Values as a Guideline
The MLC concluded at an average of 758 CUP, with buying at 698 CUP and selling at 818 CUP. This represents a leap of 70 pesos from the previous session—a 10.2% increase—and a 66.5 peso rise since today's opening. However, due to the low volume of transactions, these figures should be viewed with caution.
In the last 30 days, the MLC has fluctuated between a low of 496 CUP and the current high of 758 CUP. Without physical presence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to physical currencies.
Exchange Rate Summary for November 4, 2026
USD to CUP rate: 915 CUP.
EUR to CUP rate: 996 CUP.
MLC to CUP rate: 758 CUP (indicative value, limited data).
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains significantly lower at 781 CUP per dollar and 874 CUP per euro, far detached from the practical rates in the informal currency market.
Despite Segment III being introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain disconnected from the informal market's reality, failing to meet the public's genuine currency needs.
The gap between official and informal rates highlights the chronic shortage of foreign currency in the state banking system and the high demand for dollars and euros among the population for emigration, importing goods, safeguarding savings, or private sector purchases.
In a landscape of persistent inflation, low state wages, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, fluctuations in the informal market directly impact internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate index, developed from the automated analysis of thousands of currency trading posts in Telegram and Facebook groups, discards atypical offers and spam, weighting each transaction by its age and consolidating a representative value updated several times daily.
U.S. Dollar to Cuban Peso Conversion Rates for November 4, 2026
1 USD = 915 CUP
5 USD = 4,575 CUP
10 USD = 9,150 CUP
20 USD = 18,300 CUP
50 USD = 45,750 CUP
100 USD = 91,500 CUP
Euro to Cuban Peso Conversion Rates for November 4, 2026
1 EUR = 996 CUP
5 EUR = 4,980 CUP
10 EUR = 9,960 CUP
20 EUR = 19,920 CUP
50 EUR = 49,800 CUP
100 EUR = 99,600 CUP
200 EUR = 199,200 CUP
FAQs on Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal exchange rate for the dollar higher than the official rate in Cuba?
The informal exchange rate is higher due to high demand for dollars among the Cuban population, who seek to protect their savings and have more purchasing power, in contrast to the limited availability of foreign currency through official channels.
What factors influence the fluctuation of the euro in Cuba's informal market?
The euro's fluctuation is influenced by its demand for similar reasons as the dollar, including the need to import goods, save money securely, and the informal market's reaction to global financial trends.