This Monday, July 27, Cuba's informal currency market opens with a blend of stability and change.
As of 10:00 a.m. local time, the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar holds steady compared to the previous day, while the euro shows an upward trend.
The Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) also sees an increase, though its rate is more of a guideline due to the limited number of transactions supporting it.
Steady Dollar at 674 CUP
Today, the U.S. dollar is valued at 674 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal market, unchanged from its rate at the same time yesterday.
However, the dollar has shown significant weekly growth: it was approximately 665 pesos a week ago, marking an increase of 8.5 pesos over the period (+1.3%).
In a monthly comparison, the dollar stands 48 pesos higher than the 626 CUP recorded 30 days ago, a rise of 7.7%. This change may partly reflect methodological adjustments in the index.
Over the past month, the dollar's exchange rate has ranged between a low of 610 and a high of 675 pesos, continuing to influence the informal market amidst a structural currency shortage.
Euro Nearing 790 CUP
The euro is the standout currency this morning.
Currently, it is trading at 788 CUP, up by 3 pesos from the previous session's 785 CUP (+0.4%).
Looking at the weekly change, the euro has gained 23 pesos from its 765 CUP position a week ago (+3%).
Compared to 30 days ago, when it was around 725 CUP, the euro has climbed 63 pesos (+8.7%), though this comparison should be viewed with caution due to possible index adjustments.
In the last month, the euro has fluctuated between a minimum of 688 and a maximum of 790 pesos. It stands as the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 114 pesos.
MLC: Cautious Increase
The MLC is valued this Monday at about 494 CUP, up from 479 CUP the previous day, a growth of 15.5 pesos (+3.2%).
Throughout the week, it has increased by 22.5 pesos from 472 CUP a week ago (+4.8%).
These figures should be regarded as indicative, as the volume of transactions supporting this rate is limited during this time of day.
Without physical existence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Summary of Informal Market Rates
Exchange rate for USD to CUP: 674 CUP.
Exchange rate for EUR to CUP: 788 CUP.
Exchange rate for MLC to CUP: 494 CUP (indicative value, limited data).
The Gap with Official Rates
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains significantly lower than the informal market rates, set at 601 CUP per dollar and 684 CUP per euro.
Today's difference between official and informal rates is 73 pesos for the dollar and 104 pesos for the euro.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far from those in the informal market and fail to meet the real currency demand of the population.
Understanding the Persistent Gap
In a scenario of sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, any shift in the informal market directly affects internal prices and Cubans' purchasing power.
Demand for dollars and euros remains high among those seeking to protect savings, emigrate, import goods, or make private sector purchases, while the state banking system cannot channel this demand effectively.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market, created through automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups.
The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam, weighing each operation by its age and consolidating a representative value updated several times daily.
USD to CUP Conversion Rates for July 27, 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
EUR to CUP Conversion Rates for July 27, 2026
1 EUR = 788 CUP
5 EUR = 3,940 CUP
10 EUR = 7,880 CUP
20 EUR = 15,760 CUP
50 EUR = 39,400 CUP
100 EUR = 78,800 CUP
200 EUR = 157,600 CUP
FAQs on Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is there a gap between official and informal exchange rates in Cuba?
The gap exists due to sustained inflation, low salaries, and the economy's partial dollarization, which drive high demand for foreign currency in the informal market.
How does the CiberCuba Exchange Rate index work?
The index is developed from automated analysis of currency exchange posts on social media, excluding atypical offers and spam, to provide a real-time representative value.