The Cuban informal market wakes up this March 12 without changes in the currency prices.
After a Tuesday when the euro surprised with a five peso increase in the informal buying and selling, today the currencies woke up peacefully.
The European currency remains at 350 CUP, according to monitoring conducted by the independent media elToque on the fluctuations in currency values in Cuba.
In the case of the dollar, the U.S. currency remains unchanged, valued at 345 CUP.
Also unchanged is the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC), which continues to be traded at an average of 280 CUP.
Exchange Rate Evolution
Regarding the median values of buying and selling currencies in the informal market, there are changes in the euro and the MLC.
Exchange rate today 12/03/2025 - 8:22 a.m. in Cuba:
Exchange rate of the dollar USD to CUP according to elTOQUE: 345 CUP.
Exchange rate of the euro EUR to CUP according to elTOQUE: 350 CUP.
Exchange rate from MLC to CUP according to elTOQUE: 280 CUP.
Equivalencies of each available euro and US dollar bill to Cuban pesos (CUP)
United States Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP), according to the exchange rates for this March 12:
Dollar (USD):
1 USD = 345 CUP.
5 USD = 1,725 CUP.
10 USD = 3,450 CUP.
20 USD = 6,900 CUP.
50 USD = 17,250 CUP.
100 USD = 34,500 CUP.
Euro (EUR):
1 EUR = 350 CUP.
5 EUR = 1,750 CUP.
10 EUR = 3,500 CUP.
20 EUR = 7,000 CUP.
50 EUR = 17,500 CUP.
100 EUR = 35,000 CUP.
Why are Cubans attentive to the informal currency market on the island?
The volatility of exchange rates in Cuba leads many residents on the island to closely monitor the evolution of the informal market, in search of strategies to protect their purchasing power against the devaluation of the national currency.
Cubans are constantly watching the informal exchange rates of the dollar, euro, and MLC because it determines their real purchasing power in an economy marked by scarcity and inflation.
In a country where salaries and pensions in Cuban pesos (CUP) are insufficient to meet basic needs, access to foreign currency has become a necessity to purchase essential products in stores that only sell in foreign currency or to conduct transactions in the black market, where items that are not available in state commerce can be found.
The constant devaluation of the Cuban peso against the dollar and the euro has created an inflationary spiral that particularly impacts those who rely on income in national currency.
This has made daily tracking of the exchange rate a common practice for Cubans, who try to anticipate market movements to make decisions related to their domestic economy, such as purchasing foreign currency to protect their savings or planning remittances from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Foreign Exchange Market in Cuba
What is the current exchange rate of the dollar in the Cuban informal market?
The US dollar (USD) is currently trading at 345 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal currency market in Cuba, with no recent changes in its value.
What is the exchange rate of the euro in Cuba's informal market?
The euro (EUR) is trading at 350 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the Cuban informal market, showing a recent increase in its value.
What is the value of the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) in the informal Cuban market?
The Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) is quoted at 280 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal market, consolidating a recent stability in its value.
Why is it important to monitor the informal currency market in Cuba?
In Cuba, the informal foreign exchange market is crucial due to the constant devaluation of the Cuban peso and the scarcity of basic products. Cubans rely on this market to protect their purchasing power and access essential goods, as state-run stores only accept foreign currencies or MLC.
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