The US dollar is trading at 400 Cuban pesos on the informal foreign exchange market this August 16. It maintains the record value reached at the beginning of the week, according to data published by elTOQUE.
On its part, the euro also continues to rise. This Saturday, its price is 450 CUP. It is the strongest currency on the island. The Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) has been trading at 200 CUP for several days now.
The stability of the currencies at these high values in the black market does not surprise Cubans, but it does cause concern. Some speak of a possible consolidation of prices and worry about the ongoing devaluation of the Cuban peso.
Others are alarmed by the MLC, which was created as a control mechanism for foreign currency within the country, but the government no longer accepts it in most of its stores.
Exchange Rate Evolution
Informal exchange rate in Cuba, Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 06:00
- Exchange rate of the dollar (USD) to Cuban pesos (CUP): 400 CUP
- Exchange rate of the euro (EUR) to Cuban pesos (CUP): 450 CUP
- Exchange rate from MLC to Cuban pesos (CUP): 200 CUP
Equivalence of United States Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (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.
Equivalence of Euro (EUR) banknotes to Cuban Peso (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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Foreign Exchange Market in Cuba
What is the value of the dollar in the Cuban informal market today?
The US dollar is currently trading at 400 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal market. This value has remained stable since the beginning of the week, reaching a record high according to data from the independent source elTOQUE.
Why is the euro the most expensive currency in Cuba?
The euro is trading at 450 CUP, making it the most expensive currency in the Cuban informal market. Its high value is due to its limited availability and increasing demand from travelers and individuals conducting transactions abroad. Additionally, the ongoing depreciation of the Cuban peso strengthens its position.
What is the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) and what is its current value?
The Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) is a control mechanism for foreign currencies within Cuba, primarily used in state-owned stores. Currently, its value is 200 CUP in the informal market. Although it was an important tool, the government no longer accepts it in most of its stores.
How has the exchange rate of the dollar evolved in recent months?
The dollar has shown an upward trend in the Cuban informal market. Since March 2025, when it was at 345 CUP, it has risen to 400 CUP in August. This evolution reflects inflation and the strong demand for foreign currency on the island, while the Cuban peso continues to lose purchasing power.
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