As of 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market closed on Sunday, October 25, 2026, with both the U.S. dollar and the euro gaining ground compared to the previous day.
The U.S. dollar concluded the session at approximately 838 Cuban pesos, while the euro was valued at 930 pesos. Meanwhile, the MLC, with limited trading volume and indicative data, showed a downward trend, closing at around 547 pesos—figures that should be approached with caution.
U.S. Dollar's Climb in the Informal Market
The U.S. dollar was valued at 838 Cuban pesos (CUP) by the end of Sunday, marking a rise of 3.5 pesos since the prior day, when it closed at about 834 pesos. Over the past week, the dollar has surged by 29.5 pesos, a 3.7% increase from the 808 CUP recorded a week ago.
Comparing the current rate to 30 days ago shows an increase of 105 pesos, although this figure might reflect methodological adjustments in the index. Over the past month, the dollar peaked at 838 CUP and hit a low of 733 CUP, continuing to dictate the informal market's rhythm amidst a structural shortage of foreign currency.
Euro Reaches New Heights
The euro closed at 930 Cuban pesos (CUP), its highest point in the last 30 days. This reflects a 3.5 peso increase from the previous session, which saw the European currency at 927 pesos. Over the past week, the euro has risen by 27.5 pesos, or 3% compared to seven days prior.
A month ago, it was trading at approximately 836 pesos, though this comparison should be viewed with caution due to potential methodological adjustments. The euro stands as the most expensive currency in Cuba's parallel market, surpassing the dollar by 92 pesos at Sunday's close.
Volatility of the MLC
The MLC ended with an indicative value of 547 Cuban pesos (CUP), though data at this time is scant and should be taken cautiously. This represents a decline of 34.5 pesos from the previous day, when the indicative value was around 582 pesos. Over the past week, the MLC has dropped by 82.5 pesos.
In the last 30 days, it fluctuated between a high of 742 CUP and a low of 457 CUP, highlighting its high volatility. With no physical existence, its use is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Disparity Between Official and Informal Rates
The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III), at 743 CUP per dollar and 832 CUP per euro, remains significantly lower than the rates prevalent in the everyday informal currency market. The gap between the official and informal dollar rates exceeded 95 pesos by the end of Sunday; for the euro, the difference was 98 pesos.
Despite Segment III being introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rate remains far from the informal market's, failing to meet the real currency demand of the population. Over the past month, the official dollar rate increased from 678 to 743 CUP, and the euro from 771 to 832 CUP, yet this adjustment has not narrowed the gap with the parallel market.
With persistent inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, any fluctuation in the informal market directly impacts domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans. This Sunday's bullish close, with the dollar at a 30-day high, intensifies the financial strain on those reliant on the Cuban peso for daily expenses.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market developed through automated analysis of thousands of currency trading posts in Telegram and Facebook groups. The calculation excludes atypical offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction according to its age, and consolidates a representative value updated several times a day.
Dollar to Cuban Peso (CUP) conversion based on this Sunday, October 25, 2026 rates: 1 USD = 838 CUP, 5 USD = 4,190 CUP, 10 USD = 8,380 CUP, 20 USD = 16,760 CUP, 50 USD = 41,900 CUP, 100 USD = 83,800 CUP. Euro to Cuban Peso (CUP) conversion: 1 EUR = 930 CUP, 5 EUR = 4,650 CUP, 10 EUR = 9,300 CUP, 20 EUR = 18,600 CUP, 50 EUR = 46,500 CUP, 100 EUR = 93,000 CUP, 200 EUR = 186,000 CUP.
Key Questions About Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Why is there a large gap between official and informal exchange rates in Cuba?
The gap exists due to the official rates being set by the Central Bank of Cuba, which do not reflect the real demand and supply of foreign currencies in the country. The informal market rates are driven by actual transactions and the scarcity of foreign currency.
How does the fluctuation in informal currency rates affect Cubans?
Fluctuations in the informal currency rates impact the cost of goods and services, as many are priced in foreign currencies. This affects the purchasing power of Cubans, particularly those who earn their income in Cuban pesos.
What is the role of the MLC in Cuba's economy?
The MLC is a digital currency used primarily in state-run stores. It lacks physical form and is less accessible than cash currencies, limiting its widespread use among the general population.