By 8:00 PM local time in Cuba, the informal currency market wrapped up its trading session on Thursday, October 22, 2026, with both the US dollar and the euro on the rise compared to the previous day.
The exchange rate in the informal market placed the US dollar at 827 Cuban pesos, while the euro strengthened to 915 CUP. Meanwhile, the MLC, with limited data available, offered a tentative value of 676 pesos, which should be approached with caution.
At the close of trading, the US dollar was priced at 827 Cuban pesos (CUP), marking an increase of 4 pesos from the prior day’s average of 823 CUP.
Looking at the week, the dollar has climbed 29 pesos from 798 CUP seven days ago, indicating a 3.6% rise. Over the last month, the pressure on the Cuban peso becomes more pronounced as the dollar rose from 720 pesos a month ago, an increase of more than 107 pesos, though part of this change may reflect adjustments in the index methodology.
The dollar is currently at its highest in the past 30 days, continuing to set the pace in the informal market amidst a backdrop of chronic currency shortages.
Euro's Position in the Parallel Market
The euro is trading at 915 Cuban pesos (CUP), a rise of 3.5 pesos from the previous day when it closed at 912 CUP. Over the past week, the European currency has gained 20 pesos from 895 CUP a week earlier, a 2.2% increase.
A month ago, the euro was exchanged at 823 pesos, showing a 92-peso appreciation in the time frame, although some of this movement might be due to methodological adjustments in the index. The euro leads the parallel market by 88 pesos over the dollar, solidifying its dominant position.
MLC's Limited Role in the Market
The MLC offers an indicative average value of 676 Cuban pesos (CUP), though data in this time frame is sparse and not very representative, necessitating caution.
Compared to the previous session, its average value dropped by 57.5 pesos, though this fluctuation might be influenced by the limited sample of recorded transactions. Without physical presence, its usage is confined to state-run stores that accept it, limiting its circulation compared to cash currencies.
Exchange rates for the US dollar to CUP stand at 827 CUP, for the euro to CUP at 915 CUP, and for the MLC to CUP at a tentative 676 CUP. The official exchange rate from the Central Bank of Cuba (Segment III) remains significantly below the practical values in the informal exchange market, with a gap exceeding 90 pesos for the dollar and nearing 91 pesos for the euro.
Despite Segment III being introduced as a more flexible exchange mechanism, its official rates remain far removed from the informal market and do not meet the real demand for foreign currency among the population.
In the past month, the official rate for the dollar rose from 670 to 734 CUP, while the euro rate went from 768 to 824 CUP, an adjustment that has yet to close the gap with the parallel market.
Amidst ongoing inflation, low state salaries, and increasing partial dollarization of the economy, every fluctuation in the informal market directly impacts internal prices and the purchasing power of Cubans.
The dollar's cumulative rise over recent weeks—over 100 pesos from a month ago—worsens living conditions for those who rely on the Cuban peso for daily expenses.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate is an index of the Cuban informal market, created through the automated analysis of thousands of currency trading posts in Telegram and Facebook groups.
The calculation excludes unusual offers and spam messages, weighs each transaction based on its age, and consolidates a representative value updated multiple times daily.
Currency Conversion Rates
US Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP) conversion rates for Thursday, October 22, 2026:
- 1 USD = 827 CUP
- 5 USD = 4,135 CUP
- 10 USD = 8,270 CUP
- 20 USD = 16,540 CUP
- 50 USD = 41,350 CUP
- 100 USD = 82,700 CUP
Euro (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP) conversion rates for Thursday, October 22, 2026:
- 1 EUR = 915 CUP
- 5 EUR = 4,575 CUP
- 10 EUR = 9,150 CUP
- 20 EUR = 18,300 CUP
- 50 EUR = 45,750 CUP
- 100 EUR = 91,500 CUP
- 200 EUR = 183,000 CUP
Understanding Cuba's Informal Currency Market Trends
Why is there a significant gap between official and informal exchange rates in Cuba?
The gap exists because the official exchange rate does not meet the real demand for foreign currency, leading people to engage in informal trading where rates are typically higher due to supply and demand dynamics.
How do fluctuations in the informal currency market affect Cubans?
Variations in the informal currency market influence domestic prices and the purchasing power of Cubans, especially in a context of inflation and low state salaries.
What role does the euro play in Cuba's parallel market?
The euro holds a dominant position in Cuba's parallel market, often exceeding the value of the US dollar, making it a significant currency for transactions outside the official channels.