As of 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency exchange market concluded its activities on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with the U.S. dollar on an upward trend, the euro remaining unchanged from the previous day, and the MLC experiencing notable fluctuations that warrant caution due to the limited volume of transactions supporting it. The pressure on the Cuban peso has been an ongoing trend in recent weeks.
The U.S. Dollar's Increase
The value of the U.S. dollar reached 709 Cuban pesos (CUP) at the close of Saturday. This marks an increase of 3.5 pesos compared to the previous day's close of 706 CUP. Over the past week, the greenback has risen by 16.5 pesos from 693 CUP, reflecting a 2.4% gain.
When looking back a month, when the dollar was around 663 CUP, the cumulative increase is approximately 46.5 pesos. However, this month-over-month comparison may partially reflect methodological adjustments in the index. In the past 30 days, the dollar fluctuated between a low of 663 and a high of 710 CUP in the informal market. The dollar remains a key indicator in this market amid a structural scarcity of foreign currency.
Euro's Steadfastness
The euro was valued at 805 CUP, unchanged from the previous session. Despite its stability over the last 24 hours, the European currency has gained 17.5 pesos over the past week compared to 788 CUP seven days ago, a 2.2% increase.
On a monthly basis, the euro has increased by around 55 pesos from 750 CUP 30 days prior, although this figure should be interpreted cautiously due to potential index methodology adjustments. In the past month, the euro has reached a peak of 805 CUP, which is the current level, and a low of 746 CUP. It continues to be the costliest currency in Cuba's parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 96 pesos.
MLC's Volatility
The MLC closed at approximately 513 CUP, though this figure should be viewed as indicative given the limited transaction volume backing it. Compared to the previous session's 483 CUP, this represents a jump of 30 pesos, or a 6.2% increase in just one day.
Over the past week, the MLC has increased by 53 pesos from 460 CUP, and over the last month, it has varied by 46 pesos from 467 CUP. Monthly comparisons may be impacted by methodological adjustments. In the last 30 days, the MLC has ranged from a low of 408 to a high of 542 CUP. Without physical existence, its use is confined to state-run stores accepting it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rate Summary
Closing exchange rates for Saturday, September 19, 2026:
- USD to CUP: 709 CUP.
- EUR to CUP: 805 CUP.
- MLC to CUP: 513 CUP (indicative value, limited data).
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains at 669 CUP per dollar and 767 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the practical values in the informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far removed from the informal market rates, failing to meet the real demand for foreign currencies among the population. The gap between the official and informal rates exceeds 40 pesos for the dollar and nearly 38 pesos for the euro.
In a scenario marked by sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, each fluctuation in the informal market directly affects domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market, generated from automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam, weighs each operation based on its age, and consolidates a representative value that updates multiple times daily.
Currency Conversion Examples
Conversion of U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) based on the exchange rates of Saturday, September 19, 2026:
1 USD = 709 CUP
5 USD = 3,545 CUP
10 USD = 7,090 CUP
20 USD = 14,180 CUP
50 USD = 35,450 CUP
100 USD = 70,900 CUP
Conversion of Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) based on the exchange rates of Saturday, September 19, 2026:
1 EUR = 805 CUP
5 EUR = 4,025 CUP
10 EUR = 8,050 CUP
20 EUR = 16,100 CUP
50 EUR = 40,250 CUP
100 EUR = 80,500 CUP
200 EUR = 161,000 CUP
FAQs on Cuba's Informal Currency Market Trends
Why is the U.S. dollar increasing in value in Cuba's informal market?
The U.S. dollar is rising due to ongoing pressure on the Cuban peso and a scarcity of foreign currency, which affects the informal market.
How does the MLC differ from other currencies in the market?
The MLC is not a physical currency and is primarily used in state-run stores, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies like the dollar and euro.
What is the impact of the informal currency market on Cuban citizens?
Fluctuations in the informal market directly affect domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans, especially in a context of inflation and low wages.