By 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market concluded its session on Monday, August 24, 2026, with the US dollar gaining strength, the euro remaining mostly steady, and the MLC's data requiring careful interpretation due to low trading volume. The American currency continues its upward trajectory seen throughout the week, while the euro shows a decline compared to its position a week ago.
The US dollar ended with an average value of 668 Cuban pesos (CUP), with purchasing at 665 CUP and selling at 670 CUP. This marks an increase of 2.5 pesos from the previous day when it was valued at 665 CUP. Over the past week, the dollar has climbed 5 pesos from the 663 CUP it was worth seven days ago, representing a rise of 0.8%. Over a month, the exchange rate is below the 674 CUP recorded 30 days ago, although this comparison might reflect methodological adjustments in the index. The highest point in the last 30 days was precisely 674 CUP, while the lowest was 663 CUP. Demand for dollars remains high among those looking to safeguard savings against the peso's depreciation.
The euro remained nearly unchanged at closing, averaging 753 Cuban pesos (CUP), compared to 752 CUP the previous day, a variation of just 0.5 pesos. Nevertheless, over the week, the euro has seen a more significant drop: it was at 760 CUP seven days ago, marking a decline of 7.5 pesos in that period. In the past 30 days, the euro fluctuated between a high of 790 CUP and a low of 746 CUP. It surpasses the dollar by 85 pesos, solidifying its dominant position in Cuba's informal market.
The MLC concluded with an indicative average value of 457 Cuban pesos (CUP), with a purchase rate of 411 CUP and a sale rate of 502 CUP. This figure should be interpreted cautiously, as trading volume is low during this time frame. Compared to the previous day, the average value rose by 7.5 pesos from 449 CUP, although it has decreased by 5.5 pesos over the last week from 462 CUP a week ago. Over the past 30 days, the MLC has ranged between a maximum of 529 CUP and a minimum of 408 CUP. Without a physical presence, its use is limited to state-run stores that accept it, restricting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rate Highlights: USD to CUP: 668 CUP. EUR to CUP: 753 CUP. MLC to CUP: 457 CUP (indicative, sparse data). The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III), at 638 CUP per dollar and 745 CUP per euro, remains significantly below the everyday rates in the informal currency market. The gap between the official and informal rates underscores the persistent shortage of currency in the state banking system and the high demand for dollars and euros among the population, whether for emigration, importing goods, protecting savings, or making private sector purchases.
Despite Segment III being introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from the informal market's and fails to meet the population's real demand for currency. In a scenario marked by sustained inflation, low state salaries, and incremental dollarization of the economy, any fluctuation in the informal market directly impacts domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market, derived from automated analysis of thousands of currency buy-sell posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam, weighs each transaction by its age, and consolidates a representative value updated several times daily.
Currency Conversion: According to the exchange rates on Monday, August 24, 2026:
1 USD = 668 CUP
5 USD = 3,340 CUP
10 USD = 6,680 CUP
20 USD = 13,360 CUP
50 USD = 33,400 CUP
100 USD = 66,800 CUP
1 EUR = 753 CUP
5 EUR = 3,765 CUP
10 EUR = 7,530 CUP
20 EUR = 15,060 CUP
50 EUR = 37,650 CUP
100 EUR = 75,300 CUP
200 EUR = 150,600 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the US dollar in high demand in Cuba's informal market?
The demand for the US dollar is high because it serves as a safeguard against the depreciation of the Cuban peso and is frequently used for emigrating, importing goods, and making private sector purchases.
How does the official exchange rate compare to the informal market rate?
The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Cuba is significantly lower than the rates found in the informal market, reflecting the scarcity of foreign currency in the state banking system.
What role does the euro play in Cuba's informal market?
The euro holds a strong position in Cuba's informal market, often surpassing the dollar in value. Its demand is driven by similar factors as the dollar, including economic conditions and purchasing power considerations.