As of 8:00 PM local Cuban time, the informal currency market in Cuba concluded its trading session this Friday, October 9, exhibiting mixed trends among its key currencies. The exchange rate data from the informal market indicates that the U.S. dollar remained unchanged from the previous day, steadying at 775 Cuban pesos. Meanwhile, the euro saw an uptick, closing at 872 pesos, an increase of 4.5 pesos compared to yesterday's close.
The MLC (Freely Convertible Currency) reported a reference value of 526 pesos, although the available data is sparse and should be approached with caution.
Stability in the U.S. Dollar
The U.S. Dollar (USD) settled at 775 Cuban pesos (CUP) by the end of the day, maintaining a stable position compared to the previous session. This marks a week of slight downward adjustment; a week ago, the average rate was 780 pesos, indicating a decline of 4.5 pesos (-0.6%) over the week.
Over the past month, the dollar has gained 87.5 pesos from 30 days ago, although this increase may partly reflect methodological adjustments in the index. Throughout the last 30 days, the dollar fluctuated between a low of 688 and a high of 785 pesos in the informal market, continuing to dominate in a context of chronic currency shortages.
Euro Gains Momentum
The Euro (EUR) closed higher at 872 Cuban pesos (CUP), rising by 4.5 pesos from the previous session's close of 867 pesos. However, on a weekly scale, it has dropped 6.5 pesos from 878 last week (-0.7%).
In the past month, the euro has climbed 94 pesos from 778, though this variation should be interpreted with caution due to possible methodological adjustments. The highest point in the last 30 days was 885 pesos, with a low of 778. It remains the most expensive currency in the Cuban parallel market, exceeding the dollar by 97 pesos.
Insights into the MLC
The MLC shows a reference value of 526 Cuban pesos (CUP) at the end of this session. Due to limited data available during this timeframe, this figure should be taken cautiously. Compared to the previous day, the indicative rate fell by 51 pesos (-8.8%), although this variation largely reflects the limited sample of recorded transactions.
On a weekly comparison, it increased by 40 pesos from 486 seven days ago. Without physical presence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, restricting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Market Summary for October 9, 2026
Exchange rates in the informal market at the close of October 9, 2026:
- USD to CUP: 775 CUP
- EUR to CUP: 872 CUP
- MLC to CUP: 526 CUP (indicative value, limited data)
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains significantly lower at 698 CUP per dollar and 782 CUP per euro, compared to the practical rates in the informal market.
Despite being introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, Segment III's official rate still falls short of meeting the real currency demand of the population. Over the past month, the official dollar rate has increased from 649 to 698 CUP, while the informal market rate exceeds 775 pesos, creating a gap of over 77 pesos per unit.
In a scenario characterized by sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every fluctuation in the informal market directly impacts domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. The balance of this session confirms a scenario of relative stability at elevated levels, following a sharp rise in the past month.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market, created from the automated analysis of thousands of currency buy-sell posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction based on its age, and consolidates a representative value updated multiple times daily.
Currency Equivalency
U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) equivalency according to exchange rates on October 9, 2026:
- 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
Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) equivalency according to exchange rates on October 9, 2026:
- 1 EUR = 872 CUP
- 5 EUR = 4,360 CUP
- 10 EUR = 8,720 CUP
- 20 EUR = 17,440 CUP
- 50 EUR = 43,600 CUP
- 100 EUR = 87,200 CUP
- 200 EUR = 174,400 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is the informal market exchange rate higher than the official rate?
The informal market exchange rates are higher due to the scarcity of foreign currency and the Cuban government's inability to meet the real demand of the population through official channels.
How does inflation affect the currency market in Cuba?
Inflation reduces the purchasing power of the Cuban peso, leading people to seek more stable foreign currencies like the dollar or euro, intensifying demand in the informal market and driving up exchange rates.
What role does the CiberCuba Exchange Rate play in the currency market?
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate provides a representative value of the informal market by analyzing numerous currency transactions on social media, offering a more accurate reflection of the real exchange rates experienced by Cubans.