The value of the U.S. dollar has once again risen in Cuba's informal market, reaching an exchange rate of 440 Cuban pesos (CUP) this Sunday, January 4, 2026, as reported by elTOQUE.
This uptick of five pesos followed events that shook both Cubans and Venezuelans on Saturday. The United States conducted a military operation in Venezuela, capturing leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. They have been transported to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the value of the other two major currencies in Cuba remained steady. The euro is trading at 480 CUP, maintaining its position as the strongest currency in the informal market. The Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) is stable at approximately 395 CUP.
The Current Informal Exchange Rates in Cuba
As of Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 06:09, the exchange rates are as follows:
Dollar (USD) to Cuban pesos (CUP): 440 CUP
Euro (EUR) to Cuban pesos (CUP): 480 CUP
Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) to Cuban pesos (CUP): 395 CUP
Currency Bill Conversions in Cuban Pesos
U.S. Dollar (1 USD = 440 CUP)
1 USD bill → 440 CUP
5 USD bill → 2,200 CUP
10 USD bill → 4,400 CUP
20 USD bill → 8,800 CUP
50 USD bill → 22,000 CUP
100 USD bill → 44,000 CUP
Euro (1 EUR = 480 CUP)
5 EUR bill → 2,400 CUP
10 EUR bill → 4,800 CUP
20 EUR bill → 9,600 CUP
50 EUR bill → 24,000 CUP
100 EUR bill → 48,000 CUP
200 EUR bill → 96,000 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Exchange
What caused the recent increase in the dollar's value in Cuba's informal market?
The increase was triggered by the United States' military intervention in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, which caused economic uncertainty in the region.
How do the euro and MLC compare in the informal market?
The euro is trading at 480 CUP, making it the strongest currency, while the MLC remains stable at around 395 CUP.