By 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market wrapped up on Thursday, July 30, without any significant fluctuations. Both the U.S. dollar and the euro remained stable compared to the previous session, while the MLC showed a slight change, though its value should be viewed as indicative due to the low trading volume.
The U.S. dollar closed the day valued at 673 Cuban pesos (CUP), unchanged from the prior day. The American currency has not shifted since yesterday, although it has risen by 3 pesos over the past week—last Thursday it was trading at 670 CUP.
Looking at the monthly trend, the dollar has surged by 57.5 pesos from 615 CUP a month ago, yet this figure should be interpreted cautiously as it might partially reflect methodological adjustments in the index. It continues to set the pace in the informal market amidst a backdrop of structural currency shortages.
The Euro's Competitive Edge
Meanwhile, the euro concluded the session at 785 CUP, maintaining its level from the previous day. The European currency holds a 112-peso advantage over the dollar, driven by limited supply and demand from individuals receiving remittances from Europe.
In the past week, the euro has increased by 7 pesos, climbing from 778 to 785 CUP. A month ago, it was valued at 705 CUP, marking an 80.5-peso difference, although this monthly change might include index methodological adjustments. The euro stands as the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market.
MLC's Indicative Value
The MLC closed at an approximate value of 474 CUP, a figure to be taken as rough guidance due to the limited number of transactions. Compared to the previous day, it rose by 2 pesos. Over the past week, the change has been minimal, with only a 1.5-peso increase. Without physical presence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, restricting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange rates for Thursday, July 30, 2026: 1 USD equals 673 CUP, 1 EUR equals 785 CUP, and the MLC is valued at 474 CUP (indicative, limited data). Over the past month, the dollar has fluctuated between 615 and 675 CUP, the euro between 704 and 790 CUP, and the MLC from 410 to 543 CUP. The day's stability contrasts with the sustained upward trend these main currencies have shown throughout the month.
Discrepancies Between Official and Informal Rates
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains at 608 CUP per dollar and 692 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the rates prevailing in the everyday informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from the informal market's reality and fails to meet the population's actual currency demands. The gap between official and informal rates highlights the ongoing currency shortage in the state banking system and the high demand for dollars and euros among the population for migration, importation, savings protection, or private sector purchases.
In a scenario characterized by persistent inflation, low state wages, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, any fluctuation in the informal market directly impacts domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market derived from automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange listings in Telegram and Facebook groups; it filters out atypical offers and spam, weighs each transaction based on its timeliness, and consolidates a representative value updated multiple times a day.
Currency Conversion Details
Conversion rates for U.S. dollars (USD) to Cuban pesos (CUP) for Thursday, July 30, 2026, are 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 (EUR) to CUP: 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.
FAQs About Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is there such a large gap between official and informal exchange rates in Cuba?
The gap is primarily due to the scarcity of foreign currency in the state banking system and high demand among Cubans for dollars and euros, which the official mechanisms fail to meet.
How does the rising informal exchange rate affect ordinary Cubans?
Increases in informal exchange rates lead to higher domestic prices and reduced purchasing power, impacting everyday expenses for the Cuban population.
What is the MLC, and how is it used in Cuba's economy?
MLC is a digital currency used primarily in state-run stores in Cuba. It is not available in physical form, limiting its use compared to cash currencies like the dollar and euro.
How is the CiberCuba Exchange Rate calculated?
The rate is determined through automated analysis of currency exchange listings across social media platforms, filtering out anomalies and spam to provide a representative value.