By 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market wrapped up its trading day on Sunday, August 9, 2026, with mixed results: the U.S. dollar stayed constant, the euro continued its downward trend for the second consecutive day, and the MLC saw further decline, though the limited trading volume suggests caution in interpreting these figures. For a comprehensive view, refer to the full evolution of Cuba's informal exchange rates.
The U.S. dollar closed at 673 Cuban pesos (CUP), unchanged from yesterday and consistent with last week's rate. The dollar's stability is noteworthy; over the past month, it has fluctuated between 655 and 675 pesos in the informal market, indicating an unusual stretch of stability. Compared to 30 days ago, when it was around 663 pesos, it has increased by 10 pesos, though this should be read carefully as it may partly reflect changes in the index's methodology. The dollar remains a key indicator in a market plagued by a chronic shortage of foreign currency.
Meanwhile, the euro dropped three pesos from the previous day, closing at 778 CUP. Previously, it was at 781 pesos, and a week ago it averaged 788 pesos, marking a 10-peso decrease over the week (-1.3%). Over the last month, the euro reached a high of 790 and a low of 745 pesos in the informal market. Although it has gained 20.5 pesos in the past month compared to 757 pesos, recent trends suggest a gradual cooling. The euro surpasses the dollar by 105 pesos, maintaining its dominant position in the parallel market.
MLC and Its Limited Circulation
The MLC ended the day around 446 CUP, a figure to be taken cautiously given the low trading volume at this time. Compared to the previous day, when it was reported at 461 pesos, it has dropped 15 pesos (-3.3%). Over the past week, it has shed 33.5 pesos (-7%), and in the last 30 days, it has ranged from a high of 496 to a low of 425 pesos. Without physical presence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Official vs. Informal Exchange Rates
The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) stands at 621 CUP per dollar and 717 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the rates prevailing in the informal currency market. The gap between official and informal rates exceeds 50 pesos for the dollar and around 61 pesos for the euro, highlighting the disconnect between the formal economy and the everyday reality faced by Cubans.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far removed from those in the informal market and fail to meet the actual demand for foreign currency among the population. Over the past month, the official dollar rate has increased from 592 to 621 CUP, and the official euro rate has risen from 677 to 717 CUP, but these gradual adjustments have not bridged the gap with the parallel market.
In an environment of persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every shift in the informal market directly affects domestic prices and Cubans' purchasing power. The euro's decline and the MLC's drop in the past week do not necessarily alleviate pressure on households, given that the dollar—the most sought-after currency—remains strong.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market developed through automated analysis of thousands of currency trading postings on Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weights each transaction according to its age, and consolidates a representative value updated several times daily.
Currency Conversion Rates
Conversion of U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) as per the rates on Sunday, August 9, 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
Conversion of Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) as per the rates on Sunday, August 9, 2026:
1 EUR = 778 CUP
5 EUR = 3,890 CUP
10 EUR = 7,780 CUP
20 EUR = 15,560 CUP
50 EUR = 38,900 CUP
100 EUR = 77,800 CUP
200 EUR = 155,600 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the U.S. dollar stable in Cuba's informal market?
The U.S. dollar's stability in Cuba's informal market is unusual, likely due to a combination of limited supply and demand dynamics, as well as potential adjustments in the index's methodology that tracks exchange rates.
How does the euro compare to the dollar in Cuba's parallel market?
In Cuba's parallel market, the euro is valued higher than the dollar, surpassing it by 105 pesos, which solidifies its dominant position despite recent declines.