As of 10:00 a.m. local time in Cuba, the informal currency market kicks off this Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with both the U.S. dollar and the euro on the rise.
The U.S. dollar has climbed by one peso from the previous session, now standing at 684 Cuban pesos, while the euro has surged by two pesos, reaching 778 CUP.
The MLC, characterized by a low volume of transactions, is currently around 417 pesos, a figure that should be considered merely indicative.
The Dollar's Incremental Rise
On Tuesday, the U.S. dollar is traded at an average of 684 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal market, with buying at 680 CUP and selling at 687 CUP. This marks a one-peso increase from the previous day, when it closed at 683 CUP.
Looking at the weekly trend, the U.S. currency has gained six pesos compared to 678 CUP seven days ago, reflecting a 0.9% rise. A month ago, it was valued at 673 CUP, marking an increase of 11 pesos (+1.6%). However, this comparison should be approached with caution as it may reflect methodological adjustments in the index.
Over the past 30 days, the dollar's value has fluctuated between a low of 663 CUP and the current high of 684 CUP, driven by sustained demand from those seeking to protect their savings from the peso's depreciation.
Euro Strengthens as the Priciest Currency
The euro is valued at an average of 778 Cuban pesos on Tuesday, with a buying range of 775 CUP and a selling range of 780 CUP. This reflects an increase of two pesos compared to the previous day, when it was reported at 776 CUP.
Over the last week, the European currency has gained 10 pesos compared to 768 CUP from seven days ago, a rise of 1.3%. Compared to 30 days ago, the euro's average value has remained stable, though this monthly steadiness may be influenced by index methodology adjustments.
Throughout the past month, the euro's rate has varied between a minimum of 746 CUP and a maximum of 780 CUP, maintaining its position as the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 94 pesos.
MLC's Indicative Value Amid Low Transaction Volume
The MLC is reported around 417 Cuban pesos on Tuesday, with buying at 362 CUP and selling at 471 CUP. Given the low volume of transactions recorded during this time, this value should be seen as indicative.
Compared to the previous day, the MLC has dropped by 5 pesos from 422 CUP. Over the past week, it has seen a significant decline from 467 CUP, a decrease of 50 pesos (-10.7%).
In the last 30 days, the MLC has decreased from 450 to 417 CUP, with a high of 529 CUP and a low of 408 CUP. Without physical existence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rate Summary
USD to CUP Exchange Rate: 684 CUP.
EUR to CUP Exchange Rate: 778 CUP.
MLC to CUP Exchange Rate: 417 CUP (indicative value, limited data).
The Gap with Official Rates Reflects Scarcity
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III), set this Tuesday at 644 CUP per dollar and 749 CUP per euro, remains significantly below the practical rates in the informal currency market.
The gap between the two markets stands at 40 pesos for the dollar and 29 pesos for the euro today. Despite Segment III being introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far removed from the informal market and fails to meet the real demand for foreign currency among the population.
In the past month, the official dollar rate has increased from 621 to 644 CUP, and the euro from 717 to 749 CUP, indicating a progressive devaluation that still fails to close the gap with the parallel market. In a scenario of sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, each change in the informal market directly impacts internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
USD to CUP Bill Equivalences, as of Tuesday, September 8, 2026:
- 1 USD = 684 CUP
- 5 USD = 3,420 CUP
- 10 USD = 6,840 CUP
- 20 USD = 13,680 CUP
- 50 USD = 34,200 CUP
- 100 USD = 68,400 CUP
EUR to CUP Bill Equivalences, as of Tuesday, September 8, 2026:
- 1 EUR = 778 CUP
- 5 EUR = 3,890 CUP
- 10 EUR = 7,780 CUP
- 20 EUR = 15,560 CUP
- 50 EUR = 38,900 CUP
- 100 EUR = 77,800 CUP
Methodology: The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market developed through automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange listings on Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each operation by its recency, and consolidates a representative value updated multiple times a day.
Understanding Cuba's Currency Exchange Dynamics
Why is the informal exchange rate higher than the official rate in Cuba?
The disparity arises from scarcity in the formal market, pushing people to seek foreign currencies in the informal exchange where demand and supply dynamics drive higher rates.
What is the MLC and why is its value significant?
MLC stands for "Moneda Libremente Convertible," a digital currency used in state-run stores in Cuba. Its value is significant as it indicates the exchange dynamics within a limited transaction volume, reflecting economic conditions.
How does the informal market impact Cuba's economy?
The informal market directly influences internal pricing and purchasing power by dictating currency availability and value, affecting inflation and economic stability.