At 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market closed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with mixed results. The US dollar remained unchanged at 665 Cuban pesos, showing no movement from the previous session, while the euro dropped to 760 pesos, down from yesterday's 768.
For the MLC, which lacks extensive data at this hour, the indicative value is approximately 453 pesos, slightly above the previous day's close.
The US dollar closed at 665 Cuban pesos (CUP) this Wednesday, with a buying rate of 660 and a selling rate of 670. It remained stable compared to the previous day, maintaining a level that, despite stability, shows a slight weekly decline: seven days ago, the dollar traded at 673 pesos, marking a decrease of 7.5 pesos (-1.1%) over that time span.
Compared to 30 days ago when it was at 655 pesos, the dollar shows a gain of 10 pesos (+1.5%). However, this comparison should be cautiously interpreted as it may reflect index methodology adjustments as well as actual market movements.
In the past month, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 655 and a high of 675 pesos. Demand for dollars remains strong among those looking to safeguard their savings against the peso's depreciation.
Euro's Downward Trend
The euro experienced a decline this Wednesday, trading at 760 Cuban pesos (CUP), with a buying rate of 750 and a selling rate of 770. This marks a drop of 7.5 pesos (-1%) compared to the previous day, when it stood at 768 pesos. The weekly trend also shows a decline: seven days ago, the euro was at 785 pesos, representing a decrease of 25 pesos (-3.2%).
In comparison to 30 days ago, when it was at 755 pesos, the euro has gained 5 pesos (+0.7%), although this variation might be influenced by methodological adjustments in the index.
Over the last month, the euro has ranged between a low of 753 and a high of 790 pesos, maintaining a 95 pesos advantage over the dollar, reinforcing its dominant position in Cuba's parallel market.
MLC's Market Position
The MLC closed this Wednesday with an indicative value of 453 Cuban pesos (CUP), with a buying rate of 445 and a selling rate of 461. Due to limited data available at this hour, this figure should be approached with caution. Compared to the previous session's approximate value of 443 pesos, the MLC has risen by 10.5 pesos (+2.4%).
On a weekly scale, it has increased by 3 pesos (+0.7%) from 450 pesos a week ago. Compared to 30 days ago, when it was at 482 pesos, it has fallen by 28.5 pesos (-5.9%), though this change may reflect index methodology adjustments.
In the past month, the MLC has fluctuated between a minimum of 413 and a maximum of 496 pesos. With no physical presence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Official and Informal Exchange Rates
The exchange rate for the US dollar is 665 CUP, for the euro is 760 CUP, and for the MLC is 453 CUP (indicative value, limited data). The official Central Bank of Cuba rate (Segment III) stands at 624 CUP per dollar and 720 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the rates prevailing in the informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from the informal market's rates and fails to meet the population's real currency demands.
The gap between the official and informal rates stands at 41 pesos for the dollar and 40 pesos for the euro as of Wednesday's close. In a context 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.
The euro's decline and the dollar's stagnation today do not alleviate a structural situation where the Cuban peso continues to lose real value against foreign currencies.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market, created from the automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam, weighting each transaction according to its age and consolidating a representative value updated several times daily.
Exchange rates for US Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) as of Wednesday, August 12, 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
Exchange rates for Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) as of Wednesday, August 12, 2026: 1 EUR = 760 CUP 5 EUR = 3,800 CUP 10 EUR = 7,600 CUP 20 EUR = 15,200 CUP 50 EUR = 38,000 CUP 100 EUR = 76,000 CUP 200 EUR = 152,000 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the US dollar stable in Cuba's informal market?
The US dollar remains stable due to strong demand as Cubans seek to protect their savings from the depreciating peso. Despite minor weekly fluctuations, the dollar's demand continues to uphold its value.
How does the euro's fluctuation impact Cuba's economy?
The euro's decline affects Cuba's economy by influencing internal prices and the purchasing power of Cuban citizens. As the euro's value decreases, it may impact those relying on the euro for savings or transactions.
What is the significance of the MLC in Cuba's currency market?
The MLC, though not physically present, plays a role in state-run stores accepting it. Its value impacts the market as it provides an alternative to cash currencies, but its limited circulation restricts its broader market influence.