The informal currency exchange market in Cuba concluded its trading on Tuesday, August 4, with a day of stability, showing no significant fluctuations in the primary currencies that shape the everyday economy for Cubans.
By 8:00 p.m. (Cuban time), the U.S. dollar was valued at 673 Cuban pesos (CUP), mirroring its value from Monday and the previous week.
Meanwhile, the euro held steady at 785 CUP, maintaining its status as the most expensive currency in the informal market, surpassing the dollar by 112 pesos.
The Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) was approximately 451 CUP. However, this figure should be taken with caution due to the limited number of transactions available to determine its rate.
Exchange Rates in Cuba's Informal Market
Exchange rate for USD to CUP: 673 CUP. Exchange rate for EUR to CUP: 785 CUP. Exchange rate for MLC to CUP: 451 CUP (indicative value, limited data). The stability of the dollar and euro confirms the trend seen in recent days, although both currencies remain appreciated compared to a month ago.
Over the last 30 days, the dollar has fluctuated between 655 and 675 pesos, while the euro has moved between 745 and 790 pesos, illustrating a market adjusting to foreign currency shortages and a high demand for foreign exchange.
The MLC, however, continues on a downward path. Compared to the previous day, it lost 38 pesos and has dropped 22 pesos over the last week. Compared to a month ago, the decline is about 63.5 pesos, although this reference might be affected by changes in the index methodology.
Informal Market vs. Official Exchange Rates
The informal market rates remain significantly higher than the official rates. The Central Bank of Cuba's official exchange rate remains at 615 CUP per dollar and 708 CUP per euro for Segment III, falling short of the prevailing informal market rates.
This disparity continues to highlight the scarcity of foreign currency in the state banking system and the high demand for dollars and euros to facilitate emigration, import goods, safeguard savings, or make purchases in an increasingly dollarized market.
In an environment characterized by inflation, loss of purchasing power, and insufficient availability of foreign currency in banks, the informal market's evolution remains a benchmark for thousands of Cubans, directly impacting the prices of goods and services.
Currency Conversion Examples
U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) Conversion — Tuesday, August 4, 2026
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
Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) Conversion — Tuesday, August 4, 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 Currency Market
Why are the informal market rates higher than the official rates in Cuba?
The informal market rates are higher due to the scarcity of foreign currency in the official banking system and high demand for USD and EUR for various purposes, such as emigration and purchasing goods.
What is the impact of the informal currency market on the Cuban economy?
The informal market plays a crucial role by influencing the prices of goods and services, as many Cubans rely on it for currency exchange due to the lack of foreign currency availability in official channels.