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Dollar and Euro Weaken in Cuba's Black Market as MLC Edges Up

Monday, November 9, 2026 by Madison Pena

As of 8:00 PM local Cuban time on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Cuba's informal currency exchange market concludes with declines in its two principal currencies. The U.S. dollar and the euro both close the day lower compared to yesterday's rates, whereas the MLC shows a slight increase, though its valuation should be approached with caution due to the low volume of transactions.

By the end of Sunday, the U.S. dollar is trading at 921 Cuban pesos (CUP), with a buying price of 911 CUP and a selling price of 930 CUP. This marks a 12-peso decrease from the previous day when the average rate was 933 CUP. Despite this drop, the American currency has gained 25.5 pesos over the past week, having been around 895 CUP, and remains well above last month's levels. However, a 30-day comparison may partially reflect index methodology adjustments. Demand for dollars remains high among those looking to safeguard their savings against the depreciating peso.

The euro finishes the day at approximately 997 CUP, with a range of 980 CUP for buying and 1,014 CUP for selling. The European currency drops 13 pesos from the previous session, where it had an average value of 1,010 CUP. Nonetheless, the euro has risen 14.5 pesos over the past seven days, compared to 983 CUP a week ago, surpassing the dollar by 76 pesos and solidifying its dominant position in Cuba's parallel market.

The MLC stands at about 683 CUP at closing, with a buying rate of 636 CUP and a selling rate of 729 CUP. This figure should be seen as indicative due to the limited number of transactions during this time. Compared to the previous day, it has increased by 6 pesos from 677 CUP. Over the past month, the MLC has fluctuated between a low of 496 CUP and a high of 795 CUP. Lacking physical presence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.

Exchange rates: USD to CUP: 921 CUP. EUR to CUP: 997 CUP. MLC to CUP: 683 CUP (indicative, limited data). The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) this Sunday positions the dollar at 800 CUP and the euro at 892 CUP, significantly below the rates prevailing in the everyday informal currency market. The gap between the two markets exceeds 121 pesos for the dollar and 105 pesos for the euro.

Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible currency mechanism, its official rates remain far from those of the black market and fail to meet the real currency demand of the public. Over the last month, the official dollar rate has climbed from 698 to 800 CUP, and the euro from 782 to 892 CUP, yet the parallel market continues to dictate the true pace of the Cuban economy.

In a context of persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, each shift in the informal market directly affects domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. The dollar has reached a peak of 940 CUP in the last 30 days, while the euro hit its high of 1,010 CUP just yesterday.

The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market developed through automated analysis of thousands of foreign currency trading posts on Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighing each transaction according to its time and consolidating a representative value that is updated multiple times daily.

U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) Conversion — Sunday, November 8, 20261 USD = 921 CUP5 USD = 4,605 CUP10 USD = 9,210 CUP20 USD = 18,420 CUP50 USD = 46,050 CUP100 USD = 92,100 CUP

Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) Conversion — Sunday, November 8, 20261 EUR = 997 CUP5 EUR = 4,985 CUP10 EUR = 9,970 CUP20 EUR = 19,940 CUP50 EUR = 49,850 CUP100 EUR = 99,700 CUP200 EUR = 199,400 CUP

FAQs About Cuba's Informal Currency Market

Why is the demand for U.S. dollars high in Cuba?

High demand for U.S. dollars in Cuba is due to the population's desire to protect their savings from the devaluation of the Cuban peso, amid economic instability.

How does the MLC differ from other currencies in Cuba?

The MLC is a virtual currency used primarily in state-run stores, unlike cash currencies like the dollar and euro, which have physical presence and wider circulation.

What is the impact of the informal currency market on Cuba's economy?

The informal currency market significantly influences Cuba's economy by affecting internal prices and the purchasing power of citizens, especially amid inflation and low wages.

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