On the evening of July 29, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time, Cuba's informal currency exchange market wrapped up the day with no significant shifts in its main indicators.
The US dollar and euro finished the session at the same values they began with, while the MLC, an index with limited and tentative data, showed a slight downward adjustment. For a detailed look at the progression of exchange rates in Cuba’s informal market, one can explore the comprehensive data available.
By the end of the day, the US dollar was valued at 673 Cuban pesos (CUP), unchanged from the previous day, maintaining a streak of stability in recent hours.
Weekly and Monthly Currency Trends
In a weekly comparison, the dollar has risen by 1.50 pesos from seven days ago, changing from 671 CUP. Over the past 30 days, it has surged by 62 pesos — from 611 CUP at the end of June to the current 673 CUP. However, this data should be interpreted with caution as it may partially reflect methodological adjustments.
Over the last month, the dollar fluctuated between a low of 611 and a high of 675 CUP in the informal market. It continues to be a key indicator in a context marked by a structural shortage of foreign currency.
Euro's Current Standing
As for the euro, it closed the session at 785 CUP, maintaining its initial day's rate without changes from the previous session.
On a weekly basis, the European currency has gained 7.50 pesos compared to the 778 CUP recorded a week ago. Its 30-day evolution shows an increase of 83.50 pesos from 702 CUP last month, although this, like the dollar, could include methodological adjustments.
In the past month, the euro has spanned a minimum of 700 and a maximum of 790 CUP. It surpasses the US dollar by 112 pesos, solidifying its leading position in Cuba's parallel market.
MLC and Official Exchange Rates
The MLC closed at approximately 472 CUP, a provisional figure given the scant data available at this hour.
This represents a decline of 1 peso compared to the previous day. Over the past week, it has dropped by 7 pesos from 479 CUP, and in the last month, it has decreased by 16 pesos from 488 CUP.
Without physical existence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash foreign currencies.
Exchange rates at the close of the day were as follows:
- USD to CUP: 673 CUP
- EUR to CUP: 785 CUP
- MLC to CUP: 472 CUP (provisional value, limited data)
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III), at 605 CUP per dollar and 689 CUP per euro, remains substantially lower than the prevailing rates in the informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far removed from the informal market, failing to meet the real demand for foreign currency among the population.
The gap between the official and informal rates is 68 pesos for the dollar and 96 pesos for the euro.
Impact of Exchange Rate Discrepancies
In a scenario characterized by sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, any variation in the informal market directly affects domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cuban citizens.
Conversion rates for the US dollar to Cuban pesos on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, were as follows:
- 1 USD = 673 CUP
- 5 USD = 3,365 CUP
- 10 USD = 6,730 CUP
- 20 USD = 13,460 CUP
- 50 USD = 33,650 CUP
- 100 USD = 67,300 CUP
For the euro to Cuban pesos:
- 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
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate Index is a measure of the Cuban informal market derived from the automated analysis of thousands of currency trading posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. This calculation excludes atypical offers and spam, weights each transaction by its age, and consolidates a representative value that is updated multiple times daily.
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal currency market in Cuba significant?
The informal market is crucial as it reflects the real demand and supply of foreign currencies in Cuba, which the official market fails to satisfy due to rigid controls and a lack of flexibility.
What causes the gap between official and informal exchange rates?
The gap results from the Cuban government's inability to provide sufficient foreign currency through official channels, leading people to seek higher rates in the informal market where supply meets demand more accurately.