As of 8:00 PM local time in Cuba on Friday, August 21, 2026, the country's informal currency market wrapped up the day with mixed results. The U.S. dollar remained steady, showing no change from the previous day, while the euro experienced a decline, and the MLC saw a significant drop, though its rate should be approached with caution due to the low volume of transactions backing it.
The U.S. dollar closed at 663 Cuban pesos (CUP), maintaining the same rate as the prior session, underscoring a week of relative stability. Over the past week, the dollar showed minimal fluctuation, having been at 664 pesos a week ago, just one peso more than the current rate. Over the month, the dollar has decreased by 8.5 pesos from 671 CUP thirty days ago, although this drop may partially reflect methodological adjustments in the index. The highest rate in the last thirty days was 675 pesos, with the current rate of 663 pesos marking the lowest point. It continues to highlight the dynamics of the informal market amidst a chronic shortage of foreign currency.
The euro ended the day at 748 CUP, a decrease of 2 pesos from the previous day's rate of 750 CUP. The downward trend has continued throughout the week; a week ago, the euro was valued at 760 pesos, 12 pesos more than today's rate. Over the past month, the euro has fallen by 29.5 pesos from the 778 CUP rate thirty days ago, though this may include index adjustments. Today's rate marks the euro's lowest point in thirty days, with a monthly high of 790 pesos. Despite its drop, the euro remains 85 pesos above the dollar, solidifying its dominant position in Cuba's parallel market.
The MLC is trading around 450 CUP, though this figure should be seen as approximate due to the limited transaction volume recorded at this time. Compared to the previous session, when it was valued at 467 pesos, there's been a decline of 17.5 pesos, or 3.7%. Over the week, the MLC has risen 4.5 pesos from 454 CUP. In the past month, this digital currency has fluctuated between a high of 529 and a low of 413 pesos. With no physical presence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange rates as of this Friday, August 21, 2026, are 663 CUP for 1 USD, 748 CUP for 1 EUR, and 450 CUP for the MLC (indicative value, limited data). The official rate set by Cuba's Central Bank (Segment III) stands at 635 CUP per dollar and 742 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the rates prevailing in the day-to-day informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from informal market rates and fails to meet the real currency demand of the populace. For the dollar, the gap between official and informal rates exceeds 28 pesos; for the euro, the difference is a mere 6 pesos, though the parallel market continues to be the true benchmark for most Cubans.
In a context of persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every shift in the informal market directly influences domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. The euro's decline and the MLC's drop today do little to ease the financial strain on those relying on remittances or foreign currency transactions for their daily needs.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market, compiled through automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange listings in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighting each transaction by its recency to consolidate a representative value updated multiple times daily.
U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) exchange rates for this Friday, August 21, 2026, are as follows:
1 USD = 663 CUP
5 USD = 3,315 CUP
10 USD = 6,630 CUP
20 USD = 13,260 CUP
50 USD = 33,150 CUP
100 USD = 66,300 CUP
Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) exchange rates for this Friday, August 21, 2026, are as follows:
1 EUR = 748 CUP
5 EUR = 3,740 CUP
10 EUR = 7,480 CUP
20 EUR = 14,960 CUP
50 EUR = 37,400 CUP
100 EUR = 74,800 CUP
200 EUR = 149,600 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal market significant in Cuba?
The informal market in Cuba is crucial because it reflects the actual demand and supply of foreign currencies among the population, which the official rates often do not satisfy.
How does the exchange rate impact Cuban citizens?
Exchange rates in the informal market directly affect the purchasing power of Cubans, as fluctuations can lead to changes in internal prices and impact those relying on foreign currencies.
What is the MLC, and why is it important?
The MLC is a digital currency used primarily in state-run stores in Cuba. Its importance lies in its role in transactions involving foreign currencies, despite its limited circulation compared to cash.