By 10:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Cuba's informal currency market witnesses an upward trend in both the U.S. dollar and the euro, while the Cuban peso continues to lose value against these foreign currencies.
The MLC, however, shows a decline compared to the previous session. Its rate should be considered indicative due to the low transaction volume supporting it.
The day's opening solidifies the upward trend seen throughout the week: both the dollar and the euro display higher values than those recorded seven days prior, with the euro reaching its peak for the past month during this opening.
Euro's Ascendancy
The euro starts the day at 785 Cuban pesos (CUP), which represents a jump of 6.5 pesos from the previous day when it closed at 778 CUP.
On a weekly scale, the European currency shows a gain of 27.5 pesos since it stood at 757 CUP a week ago, marking a 3.6% increase, making it the currency with the most significant upward momentum this week.
Compared to 30 days ago, when it was exchanged at around 769 CUP, the euro has added 16 pesos, though this monthly reference may include methodological index variations.
Today's value of 785 CUP matches the highest seen over the last 30 days, reinforcing the euro's upward pressure. It is now the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 111 pesos.
U.S. Dollar's Performance
The U.S. dollar trades at 674 CUP in the informal market on this Saturday. This marks an increase of 1.5 pesos from the previous day when it was at 673 CUP.
Over the week, the American currency has risen by 11.5 pesos from 663 CUP a week ago, which translates to a 1.7% increase.
Compared to last month, when it was around 670 CUP, the rise is 4 pesos. However, this comparison should be viewed cautiously, as it may reflect both methodological adjustments and actual market changes.
In the past month, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 610 CUP and a high of 675 CUP, remaining a key indicator of the informal market amid a persistent currency shortage.
MLC's Fluctuation
The MLC is exchanged at approximately 473 CUP at the start of today, but this should be taken as indicative given the limited transaction data.
This represents a drop of 9 pesos from the previous day when it was at 482 CUP. However, on a weekly basis, the MLC has increased by 40 pesos from 433 CUP seven days ago, a 9.2% rise.
Over the last month, it has varied widely between a minimum of 399 CUP and a maximum of 543 CUP. With no physical presence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Informal Market Exchange Rates Summary — July 25, 2026
USD to CUP exchange rate: 674 CUP.
EUR to CUP exchange rate: 785 CUP.
MLC to CUP exchange rate: 473 CUP (indicative value, limited data).
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains at 601 CUP per dollar and 684 CUP per euro, significantly lower than those prevailing in the practical reality of the informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from the informal market's and fails to meet the real demand for foreign currencies among the population.
The disparity between the two markets today exceeds 73 pesos for the dollar and 101 pesos for the euro.
In an environment of sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every variation in the informal market directly impacts internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The Exchange Rate Index of CiberCuba is a measure of the Cuban informal market developed from automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups.
The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction according to its age, and consolidates a representative value that is updated multiple times daily.
Equivalence of U.S. Dollar (USD) Bills to Cuban Peso (CUP), according to exchange rates for Saturday, July 25, 2026
1 USD = 674 CUP
5 USD = 3,370 CUP
10 USD = 6,740 CUP
20 USD = 13,480 CUP
50 USD = 33,700 CUP
100 USD = 67,400 CUP
Equivalence of Euro (EUR) Bills to Cuban Peso (CUP), according to exchange rates for Saturday, July 25, 2026
1 EUR = 785 CUP
5 EUR = 3,925 CUP
10 EUR = 7,850 CUP
20 EUR = 15,700 CUP
50 EUR = 39,250 CUP
100 EUR = 78,500 CUP
200 EUR = 157,000 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal currency market in Cuba significant?
The informal currency market is significant in Cuba because it reflects the real exchange rate conditions experienced by the population, which are often vastly different from official rates set by the government. It impacts the local economy by influencing prices and purchasing power.
What is the MLC, and why is its rate considered indicative?
The MLC is a virtual currency used in certain state-run stores in Cuba. Its rate is considered indicative due to the low volume of transactions, and it lacks physical representation, limiting its use compared to cash currencies.
How does the exchange rate disparity affect Cubans?
The disparity between official and informal exchange rates affects Cubans by increasing inflationary pressures, reducing their purchasing power, and complicating financial planning, as many goods and services are priced according to informal market rates.