This Sunday, August 17, the U.S. dollar held steady at 400 CUP in Cuba’s informal market for the third consecutive day. This rate marks one of the highest values recorded this year, highlighting the increased demand for foreign currency amidst a deepening economic crisis and limited availability in the official banking sector.
Similarly, the euro continues its upward trend, stabilizing at 450 CUP without changes over the past three days. This stability underscores the strengthening of the European currency against the Cuban peso, making it the most expensive currency in the parallel market.
Meanwhile, the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) remains at 200 CUP. Although its exchange rate has become less prominent compared to the dollar and euro, it still serves as a price reference in certain state-run stores dealing in foreign currency.
The stability of these three currencies suggests a temporarily balanced yet inherently unstable informal market.
Exchange Rates as of Sunday, August 17, 2025 – 06:00
Dollar to Cuban Pesos (USD to CUP):
1 USD = 400 CUP
5 USD = 2,000 CUP
10 USD = 4,000 CUP
20 USD = 8,000 CUP
50 USD = 20,000 CUP
100 USD = 40,000 CUP
Euro to Cuban Pesos (EUR to CUP):
1 EUR = 450 CUP
5 EUR = 2,250 CUP
10 EUR = 4,500 CUP
20 EUR = 9,000 CUP
50 EUR = 22,500 CUP
100 EUR = 45,000 CUP
200 EUR = 90,000 CUP
500 EUR = 225,000 CUP
Understanding Cuba’s Informal Currency Market
Why is the U.S. dollar so valuable in Cuba’s informal market?
The U.S. dollar is highly valued due to the scarcity of foreign currency in the official banking system, leading to increased demand in the informal market.
How does the euro compare to the dollar in Cuba’s market?
The euro is currently more expensive than the dollar in Cuba’s informal market, highlighting its strength against the Cuban peso.
What role does the MLC play in the Cuban economy?
The MLC serves as a reference for pricing in some state-run stores, despite losing prominence against the dollar and euro in the informal exchange rates.
