As of 10:00 a.m. local time in Cuba, the informal currency market opens on Thursday, August 6, with a mixed outlook: the U.S. dollar holds steady, the euro experiences a slight decline compared to the previous day, and the MLC shows a minor drop, though limited data suggests that its rate should be considered indicative.
The U.S. dollar is valued at approximately 673 Cuban pesos, the euro is around 783 pesos, and the MLC hovers near 450 pesos as the market opens.
U.S. Dollar: Steady in the Informal Market
The U.S. dollar is trading at 673 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal market, with buying at 670 CUP and selling at 675 CUP.
This rate remains unchanged from the previous day and mirrors the rate from a week ago, underscoring the dollar's stability in a market burdened by a chronic shortage of foreign currency.
Over the past month, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 655 CUP and a high of 675 CUP, demonstrating remarkable stability within this range. Compared to 30 days ago, the average value has increased by just 1.5 pesos, although this comparison may include adjustments in index methodology, not solely market movements.
Euro: Slight Decline After Upward Pressure
The euro is starting the day on a downward trend, priced at 783 Cuban pesos (CUP), with buyers offering 775 CUP and sellers asking 790 CUP.
This represents a decline of 2.5 pesos from the previous day, when it closed at around 785 pesos, and a drop of 3 pesos compared to the 786 pesos recorded a week ago.
Despite this temporary setback, the euro has risen by 19 pesos over the past month. However, similar to the dollar, this 30-day variation should be interpreted cautiously, as it may reflect methodological adjustments in the index.
Over the past month, the euro has hit a high of 790 CUP and a low of 745 CUP. It remains the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 110 pesos in average value.
MLC: Indicative Value with Limited Data
The MLC is trading near 450 Cuban pesos (CUP) at the market's opening, with buying at 439 CUP and selling at 461 CUP.
This marks a 1.5 pesos decline from the previous day's 452 CUP. However, given the limited data available at this time, this rate should be viewed as indicative.
On a weekly basis, the decline is more pronounced: a week ago, it was trading around 478 pesos, marking a 28 pesos drop (-5.9%). Over the past month, the MLC has ranged between a high of 496 CUP and a low of 425 CUP.
Lacking physical existence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation in comparison to cash currencies.
Informal Market Exchange Rate Summary
USD to CUP exchange rate: 673 CUP.
EUR to CUP exchange rate: 783 CUP.
MLC to CUP exchange rate: 450 CUP (indicative value, limited data).
The Persistent Gap with Official Rates
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains at 618 CUP per dollar and 714 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the rates found in the daily practice of the informal currency market.
The gap stands at 55 pesos for the dollar and 69 pesos for the euro, a disparity that the informal market widens or narrows depending on demand pressure.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far removed from that of the informal market and fails to meet the real currency demand of the population.
In the past month, the official rate for the dollar has risen from 589 to 618 CUP, and for the euro from 672 to 714 CUP, indicating a sustained depreciation of the peso even in official channels.
In a scenario of persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, each fluctuation in the informal market directly affects internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
Methodology
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market, created through automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange listings on Telegram and Facebook groups.
The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction by its age, and consolidates a representative value that is updated multiple times a day.
U.S. Dollar to Cuban Peso Equivalence (USD to CUP), according to exchange rates on Thursday, August 6, 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 to Cuban Peso Equivalence (EUR to CUP), according to exchange rates on Thursday, August 6, 2026:
1 EUR = 783 CUP
5 EUR = 3,915 CUP
10 EUR = 7,830 CUP
20 EUR = 15,660 CUP
50 EUR = 39,150 CUP
100 EUR = 78,300 CUP
200 EUR = 156,600 CUP
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the U.S. dollar stable in Cuba's informal market?
The U.S. dollar maintains stability due to a consistent demand amid a structural shortage of foreign currency in Cuba's informal market.
What factors influence the euro's exchange rate in Cuba?
The euro's exchange rate is influenced by market demand, methodological adjustments in index calculations, and its status as the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market.
How is the MLC used in Cuba?
The MLC is primarily used in state-run stores that accept it, as it lacks physical form, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.