By 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market wrapped up on Friday, October 2, 2026, with both the dollar and euro showing significant gains. The US dollar ended the day at 780 CUP, while the euro climbed to 878 CUP. The MLC, which saw limited trading activity, hovered around 486 CUP, a figure that should be regarded as indicative.
These figures reflect the closing exchange rates in Cuba's informal market.
Sharp Increase in Dollar Value
The US dollar was valued at 780 CUP at the end of the day, marking an increase of 9.5 CUP compared to the previous session when it closed at 770 CUP. Over the past week, the dollar has risen by 47 CUP, representing a 6.4% increase from 733 CUP just a week prior. Over the past month, the dollar has surged by 102 CUP, although this comparison may partially reflect methodological adjustments in the index. This session's rate of 780 CUP is the highest in the last 30 days, compared to a low of 678 CUP during the same timeframe. The dollar continues to be a crucial indicator in Cuba's informal market amid ongoing currency shortages.
Euro's Dominant Position
The euro closed at 878 CUP, gaining eight CUP from the previous day when it registered 870 CUP. On a weekly basis, the euro has increased by 42.5 CUP, a 5.1% rise from 836 CUP seven days ago. Over a month, the euro has climbed 108 CUP from 770 CUP, though this should be viewed cautiously due to potential methodological adjustments. At 878 CUP, the euro also hits its peak for the past 30 days, outpacing the dollar by 98 CUP and solidifying its dominance in Cuba's parallel market.
Limited MLC Activity
The MLC stands at approximately 486 CUP, a figure that should be considered indicative due to the low trading volumes observed. This reflects a decrease of 20 CUP from the previous day's 506 CUP. Over the past week, it has dropped by six CUP from 492 CUP. Without physical form, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Official vs. Informal Exchange Rates
The official exchange rate set by the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) for October 2 remains at 693 CUP per dollar and 778 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the rates in the informal market. The gap between the official and informal dollar rates exceeds 87 CUP, while for the euro, the difference is nearly 100 CUP. Despite being introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, Segment III's official rate remains far from reflecting the real demand for foreign currency among the population. Over the last month, the official dollar rate increased from 638 to 693 CUP, and the euro from 739 to 778 CUP, a gradual devaluation that fails to keep pace with the depreciation in the parallel market.
In a climate of ongoing inflation, low state salaries, and growing partial dollarization of the economy, fluctuations in the informal market directly impact domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. The close of this Friday, with the dollar at 780 CUP and the euro at 878, illustrates a trend showing no signs of short-term reversal.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market, created through automated analysis of thousands of currency trade posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. It filters out atypical offers and spam, weighs each transaction by its age, and provides a representative value updated several times a day.
Currency Conversion Rates
US Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) Equivalents — Friday, October 2, 2026
1 USD = 780 CUP
5 USD = 3,900 CUP
10 USD = 7,800 CUP
20 USD = 15,600 CUP
50 USD = 39,000 CUP
100 USD = 78,000 CUP
Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) Equivalents — Friday, October 2, 2026
1 EUR = 878 CUP
5 EUR = 4,390 CUP
10 EUR = 8,780 CUP
20 EUR = 17,560 CUP
50 EUR = 43,900 CUP
100 EUR = 87,800 CUP
200 EUR = 175,600 CUP
Understanding the Currency Market in Cuba
Why are the exchange rates in Cuba's informal market higher than the official rates?
The informal market rates are higher due to a shortage of foreign currency and the inability of the official market to meet public demand, causing people to turn to the parallel market where rates are dictated by supply and demand.
What factors contribute to the rising dollar and euro rates in Cuba?
The increase in dollar and euro rates is driven by ongoing economic challenges, including inflation, low wages, and partial dollarization of the economy, which heighten demand for stable foreign currencies.
How does the exchange rate affect the purchasing power of Cubans?
Fluctuations in the exchange rate impact the cost of goods and services, affecting Cubans' purchasing power. As the local currency devalues, prices rise, reducing what people can afford with their incomes.