As of 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market concluded on Thursday, October 8, 2026, with both the U.S. dollar and the euro showing simultaneous gains.
The American dollar ended the day valued at 775 Cuban pesos (CUP), while the euro climbed to 867 CUP.
The MLC observed a decline, although data for this currency segment is sparse at this time and should be considered as merely indicative.
U.S. Dollar Trends
By the end of Thursday, the U.S. dollar was exchanged at 775 CUP, marking an increase of 7.5 pesos compared to the previous day when it closed at 768 CUP. Over the past week, the dollar has risen by 5 pesos from 770 CUP, representing a growth of 0.6%.
In the past month, the dollar has surged by 90 pesos from 685 CUP, a rise of 13.1%, although this comparison may partially reflect methodological adjustments in the index. Throughout the last 30 days, the greenback has fluctuated between a low of 686 CUP and a peak of 785 CUP. It continues to dictate the pace of the informal market amid a persistent shortage of foreign currency.
Euro Movements
Closing the session at 867 CUP, the euro saw an increase of 7 pesos from the previous session, when it stood at 860 CUP. On a weekly basis, the euro shows a slight decline; a week ago, it was valued at 870 CUP, a decrease of 3 pesos (-0.3%).
Over the past month, the euro has gained 89.5 pesos from 778 CUP, an 11.5% increase, though this change should be viewed cautiously as it may include methodological adjustments. In the last month, the euro has ranged from a low of 777 CUP to a high of 885 CUP. It remains the most expensive currency in Cuba’s parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 92 pesos.
MLC Market Dynamics
The MLC closed Thursday with an indicative average value of 577 CUP, buying at 498 CUP and selling at 655 CUP. This marks a decrease of 21.5 pesos from the previous day when it was at 598 CUP. Data for this segment is limited, so figures should be treated with caution.
In the last month, the MLC has varied between a low of 446 CUP and a high of 603 CUP. Without physical existence, its use is restricted to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rate Disparities
The official exchange rate from Cuba's Central Bank (Segment III) holds at 698 CUP per dollar and 781 CUP per euro, significantly lower than the rates prevailing in the informal currency market.
Despite Segment III's presentation as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far from those in the informal market, failing to meet the real demand for foreign currency among the population. The gap between the official and informal rates for the dollar exceeds 77 pesos at Thursday's close.
This disparity highlights the ongoing currency scarcity within the state banking system and the high demand for dollars and euros among the populace, whether for emigration, importing goods, safeguarding savings, or purchasing in the private sector.
In a context of sustained inflation, low public sector wages, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every shift in the informal market directly impacts domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market, derived from automated analysis of thousands of currency trading posts in Telegram and Facebook groups; the calculation excludes atypical offers and spam, weighs each transaction based on its recency, and consolidates a representative value updated several times daily.
Currency Conversion
Conversion of U.S. dollars (USD) to Cuban pesos (CUP) according to Thursday's exchange rates:
- 1 USD = 775 CUP
- 5 USD = 3,875 CUP
- 10 USD = 7,750 CUP
- 20 USD = 15,500 CUP
- 50 USD = 38,750 CUP
- 100 USD = 77,500 CUP
Conversion of euros (EUR) to Cuban pesos (CUP) according to Thursday's exchange rates:
- 1 EUR = 867 CUP
- 5 EUR = 4,335 CUP
- 10 EUR = 8,670 CUP
- 20 EUR = 17,340 CUP
- 50 EUR = 43,350 CUP
- 100 EUR = 86,700 CUP
- 200 EUR = 173,400 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Exchange Market
Why is the informal exchange rate significantly different from the official rate in Cuba?
The informal exchange rate in Cuba differs greatly from the official rate due to a persistent shortage of foreign currency in the state banking system and a high demand for dollars and euros among the population for various economic activities.
How does the fluctuation of the dollar and euro affect Cuban society?
Fluctuations in the dollar and euro impact Cuban society by directly affecting domestic prices and the purchasing power of residents, especially in a context of sustained inflation and low state wages.
What is the CiberCuba Exchange Rate?
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index reflecting Cuba's informal currency market, calculated through the automated analysis of numerous currency trade posts on social media, excluding atypical offers and spam, and weighing transactions by recency to provide a representative value updated multiple times daily.