As of 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market concluded trading on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, with a decline in the two primary currencies. Both the U.S. dollar and the euro ended the day lower compared to the previous session, while the MLC showed an upward movement. However, caution is advised regarding the MLC's rate due to the limited volume of transactions supporting it. A comprehensive look at the informal market's exchange rate evolution in Cuba is available.
The U.S. dollar closed at 665 Cuban pesos (CUP), marking a drop of 5 pesos from the previous day when it stood at 670 CUP. The downward trend extends over the week: seven days ago, the dollar was at 673 pesos, representing a cumulative decline of 8 pesos over the past week. Over the last 30 days, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 655 and a high of 675 pesos. Its current value is slightly above the 659 CUP recorded a month ago, although 30-day comparisons may reflect index methodology adjustments, not just market movements. The dollar continues to be a crucial indicator in the informal market amid a structural shortage of foreign currency.
The euro ended at 768 pesos, unchanged from the opening of the same day, but down 5 pesos compared to the previous session when it was at 773 CUP. The weekly comparison shows a more significant drop: a week ago, the euro was valued at 785 pesos, indicating a decline of 17.5 pesos over the week. Over the past month, the euro has ranged between 750 and 790 pesos. It surpasses the dollar by 103 pesos, solidifying its leading position in Cuba's parallel market.
As for the MLC, it closed at 443 pesos, a figure that should be viewed as indicative due to the limited transaction volume during this time frame. This marks an increase of 20 pesos from the previous day when it was at 423 CUP. However, it shows a decrease on a weekly basis: a week ago, it was at 451 pesos. Over the last month, the MLC has moved between a minimum of 413 and a maximum of 496 pesos, and its current value is notably lower than the 491 CUP recorded 30 days ago, though this comparison might also be affected by methodological adjustments. Without physical presence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rates and Market Impact
Exchange rates at the close: Dollar to CUP: 665 CUP. Euro to CUP: 768 CUP. MLC to CUP: 443 CUP (indicative value, limited data). The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) is set at 624 CUP per dollar and 721 CUP per euro, remaining well below the practical values of the informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far from those in the informal market, failing to meet the real currency demand of the population. Over the past month, the official dollar rate has risen from 592 to 624 CUP, and the euro from 676 to 721 CUP, but the gap with the parallel market remains wide: over 40 pesos for the dollar and nearly 47 pesos for the euro.
In a context of continued inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every fluctuation in the informal market directly affects internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
Understanding the CiberCuba Exchange Rate
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market, compiled through automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts on Telegram and Facebook groups. It excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction according to its age, and consolidates a representative value updated several times daily.
Currency Conversion Examples
U.S. Dollar to Cuban Peso Conversion for Tuesday, August 11, 2026:
1 USD = 665 CUP
5 USD = 3,325 CUP
10 USD = 6,650 CUP
20 USD = 13,300 CUP
50 USD = 33,250 CUP
100 USD = 66,500 CUP
Euro to Cuban Peso Conversion for Tuesday, August 11, 2026:
1 EUR = 768 CUP
5 EUR = 3,840 CUP
10 EUR = 7,680 CUP
20 EUR = 15,360 CUP
50 EUR = 38,400 CUP
100 EUR = 76,800 CUP
200 EUR = 153,600 CUP
FAQs on Cuba's Informal Exchange Market
What is the current exchange rate for the U.S. dollar in Cuba's informal market?
As of August 11, 2026, the U.S. dollar is exchanged at 665 Cuban pesos in the informal market.
How does the euro compare to the dollar in Cuba's informal market?
The euro is currently valued at 768 Cuban pesos, making it 103 pesos higher than the dollar in the informal market.
Why is there a difference between the official and informal exchange rates in Cuba?
The gap exists because the official rates do not meet the real demand for foreign currency among the population, leading to a higher valuation in the informal market.
What is the significance of the CiberCuba Exchange Rate?
It provides a representative value of the informal currency market in Cuba through the analysis of digital currency exchange posts.