As of 10:00 a.m. local Cuban time, the informal currency market in Cuba is seeing the U.S. dollar rise at the start of the day. The greenback has increased by two pesos compared to the previous session, reaching 668 Cuban pesos (CUP), while the euro remains unchanged at 755 CUP. The MLC is hovering around 468 pesos, although this value should be taken as indicative given the low volume of transactions backing it this Tuesday.
The Dollar's Upward Trend Continues
The U.S. dollar is priced at 668 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal market, with a buying rate of 665 CUP and a selling rate of 670 CUP. This marks a two-peso increase from the previous day when the average value was 666 CUP. Over the past week, the trend has also been upward; seven days ago, the dollar was exchanged at 663 CUP, resulting in a cumulative rise of 5 pesos (+0.8%) in that period. Looking at the monthly horizon, the greenback is trading below the 674 CUP recorded 30 days ago, although this comparison may partially reflect methodological adjustments to the index. Over the last four weeks, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 663 CUP and a high of 674 CUP in the informal market. Demand for dollars remains high among those seeking to safeguard their savings against the peso's depreciation.
Euro Holds Steady
The euro opens without changes compared to the previous day and is priced at 755 Cuban pesos (CUP), with a buying range of 750 CUP and a selling range of 760 CUP. On a weekly comparison, the European currency has slightly decreased; seven days ago, it was exchanged at 758 CUP, representing a drop of 2.5 pesos (-0.3%). Over the past 30 days, the euro has seen a decline of 30 pesos from the 785 CUP of then, although this variation may also account for methodological adjustments to the index. The euro's monthly range in the informal market has moved between a low of 746 CUP and a high of 790 CUP, maintaining its position as the most expensive currency in the Cuban parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 87 pesos and solidifying its dominant position.
MLC's Indicative Value
The MLC is approximately 468 Cuban pesos (CUP), with a buying rate of 434 CUP and a selling rate of 502 CUP. Compared to the previous day, the average value shows little change, as it was recorded at 469 CUP. On a weekly basis, the MLC has risen by 9.5 pesos from 459 CUP seven days ago (+2.1%). However, today's figure should be interpreted with caution; the source warns of a reduced volume of operations in this time frame, making the value more indicative. Over the past month, the MLC has fluctuated between a low of 408 CUP and a high of 529 CUP. Without physical existence, its use is limited to state-run stores that accept it, which restricts its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rate Summary
Exchange rate for USD to CUP: 668 CUP.
Exchange rate for EUR to CUP: 755 CUP.
Exchange rate for MLC to CUP: 468 CUP (indicative value, limited data).
Gap Between Informal and Official Exchange Rates
The official exchange rate by the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) stands at 638 CUP per dollar and 744 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the practical values in the informal currency market. The difference between the two markets today is 30 pesos for the dollar and 11 pesos for the euro.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from the informal market's rate and fails to meet the real demand for foreign currencies among the population. Over the past month, the official dollar rate has increased from 601 to 638 CUP, and the euro rate has risen from 684 to 744 CUP, reflecting a sustained devaluation of the peso even in the official channel.
Context of the Informal Market
In a setting of ongoing inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, any variation in the informal market directly impacts domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. The gap between the official and informal rates highlights the persistent shortage of foreign currency in the state banking system and the high demand for dollars and euros by the population, whether for emigration, importing goods, protecting savings, or making purchases in the private sector.
Methodology
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market derived from the automated analysis of thousands of foreign currency buying and selling posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation discards atypical offers and spam messages, weighing each transaction according to its age and consolidating a representative value that is updated several times a day.
Dollar and Euro Bill Equivalents
Equivalence of U.S. Dollar (USD) bills to Cuban Peso (CUP), as per the exchange rates on this Tuesday, August 25, 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
Equivalence of Euro (EUR) bills to Cuban Peso (CUP), as per the exchange rates on this Tuesday, August 25, 2026:
1 EUR = 755 CUP
5 EUR = 3,775 CUP
10 EUR = 7,550 CUP
20 EUR = 15,100 CUP
50 EUR = 37,750 CUP
100 EUR = 75,500 CUP
200 EUR = 151,000 CUP
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Currency Market
Why is the demand for dollars high in Cuba?
The high demand for dollars in Cuba is primarily due to the need to protect savings from the peso's depreciation, import goods, and make purchases in the private sector. Additionally, the ongoing inflation and low state salaries contribute to this demand.
What factors influence the euro's dominance in the Cuban parallel market?
The euro's dominance in the Cuban parallel market is influenced by its higher exchange rate compared to the dollar, making it the most expensive currency in this market. Its value reflects both demand and the methodological adjustments in the exchange rate index.
How is the CiberCuba Exchange Rate calculated?
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is calculated through automated analysis of numerous buy and sell posts for foreign currencies in Telegram and Facebook groups. The process filters out atypical offers and spam, weighs transactions by their age, and consolidates a value that updates multiple times daily.