At 8:00 PM local Cuban time, the informal currency market in Cuba wrapped up on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with both the US dollar and the euro showing significant gains.
The dollar climbed to an average value of 783 Cuban pesos, while the euro reached 876 pesos. The Freely Convertible Currency (MLC), despite limited data available at this hour, was approximately 497 pesos, marking a notable decline from the previous day. For a full overview, you can track the informal exchange rate evolution in Cuba.
US Dollar's Performance
The US dollar closed at 783 Cuban pesos (CUP) this Saturday, reflecting an increase of 7.5 pesos compared to the previous day when it stood at 775 pesos.
Over the past week, the dollar slightly decreased; it was at 785 pesos seven days ago, indicating a drop of 2.5 pesos (-0.3%).
Examining the past month, the US dollar has seen an increase of 95 pesos from the 688 pesos recorded 30 days ago. However, this comparison should be approached with caution as it may partly reflect methodological adjustments of the index. In the last 30 days, the dollar has fluctuated between a low of 688 and a high of 785 pesos in the informal market, continuing to set the pace in a context of chronic currency shortages.
Euro's Market Position
The euro was valued at 876 Cuban pesos (CUP) at market close, representing a rise of 4 pesos from the previous session, where it averaged 872 pesos. On a weekly basis, the euro dropped 9.5 pesos compared to the 885 pesos reported a week ago (-1.1%).
Over the last month, the euro has increased by 92 pesos from 784 pesos 30 days ago, though this variation might include methodological index adjustments. In the past 30 days, it has ranged between 783 and 885 pesos, maintaining an advantage over the dollar by 93 pesos and solidifying its dominance in Cuba's parallel market.
MLC's Fluctuations
The MLC stood at approximately 497 Cuban pesos (CUP) at Saturday's close, though this figure should be seen as indicative due to the limited data available at this time. This represents a decrease of 28.5 pesos from the previous day, when it was around 526 pesos.
On a weekly scale, the MLC rose by 37 pesos from 460 pesos seven days ago. Over the past month, it varied between a minimum of 446 and a maximum of 603 pesos. Without physical existence, its usage is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange Rate Discrepancies
Exchange rate for USD to CUP: 783 CUP. Exchange rate for EUR to CUP: 876 CUP. MLC to CUP: 497 CUP (indicative value, limited data). The official rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains at 698 CUP per dollar and 781 CUP per euro, far below the rates prevailing in the informal currency market.
Although Segment III was introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain significantly distant from those in the informal market, failing to meet the real demand for foreign currencies among the population. The gap between official and informal rates for the dollar exceeds 85 pesos, while for the euro it approaches 95 pesos.
In a scenario characterized by sustained inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, each fluctuation in the informal market directly affects internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. The uptick in the dollar and euro at Saturday's close intensifies the financial strain on those relying on the Cuban peso for daily expenses.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of Cuba's informal market, created through automated analysis of thousands of currency exchange listings on Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighing each transaction by its recency to establish a representative value updated multiple times a day.
Dollar and Euro Equivalency
US Dollar to Cuban Peso (CUP) equivalents for this Saturday, October 10, 2026: 1 USD = 783 CUP, 5 USD = 3,915 CUP, 10 USD = 7,830 CUP, 20 USD = 15,660 CUP, 50 USD = 39,150 CUP, 100 USD = 78,300 CUP.
Euro to Cuban Peso (CUP) equivalents for this Saturday, October 10, 2026: 1 EUR = 876 CUP, 5 EUR = 4,380 CUP, 10 EUR = 8,760 CUP, 20 EUR = 17,520 CUP, 50 EUR = 43,800 CUP, 100 EUR = 87,600 CUP, 200 EUR = 175,200 CUP.
Understanding Cuba's Currency Market Dynamics
Why is there a disparity between official and informal exchange rates in Cuba?
The disparity arises because the official rates do not reflect the real market conditions and demand for foreign currencies. The informal market rates are driven by actual supply and demand dynamics, often leaving the official rates out of touch with the economic reality faced by Cubans.
How does the informal currency market impact Cuba's economy?
The informal currency market significantly influences internal prices and the purchasing power of Cuban citizens, as it dictates the real value of the peso against foreign currencies. This impacts the cost of goods and services, contributing to inflation and financial strain on households.
What role does the MLC play in Cuba's economy?
The MLC serves as a digital currency used primarily in state-run stores, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies. Its value fluctuates in the informal market, impacting its purchasing power and the availability of goods in stores that accept it.