The US dollar opened this Sunday, August 17, at a price of 400 CUP in the Cuban informal market, remaining stable for the third consecutive day.
This figure represents one of the highest recorded values for the currency this year, reflecting the increasing demand for foreign exchange in a context of economic crisis and limited supply in the official banking system.
The euro, for its part, continues its upward trend, consolidating at 450 CUP, with no fluctuations over the past three days. This stability confirms the strengthening of the European currency against the Cuban peso, positioning it as the most expensive currency in the parallel market.
Meanwhile, the MLC (Freely Convertible Currency) remains at 200 CUP. Although its exchange rate has lost prominence compared to the dollar and the euro, it continues to serve as a reference for prices in some state-run stores that accept foreign currency.
Exchange Rate Evolution
The stability of the three currencies reflects a volatile informal market that has entered a phase of apparent temporary equilibrium.
Informal exchange rate in Cuba, Sunday, August 17, 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 dollar bills (USD) to Cuban pesos (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.
Equivalency of euro bills (EUR) 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 informal currency market in Cuba
What is the current exchange rate of the dollar in the Cuban informal market?
The exchange rate of the US dollar in the Cuban informal market is 400 CUP. This figure has remained stable over the past few days, reflecting a high demand for foreign currency in the context of an economic crisis and limited supply in the official banking system.
Why is the euro the most expensive currency in Cuba's informal market?
The euro is trading at 450 CUP, solidifying its position as the most expensive currency in the Cuban parallel market. This is due to its increasing demand and scarcity in the market, which reinforces its status as a strong currency on the island.
What is happening with the freely convertible currency (MLC) in Cuba?
The MLC remains stable at 200 CUP in the informal market. Although it has lost prominence compared to the dollar and the euro, it continues to be an important reference for prices in certain state-run stores that operate in foreign currencies.
How does the informal exchange rate affect the purchasing power of Cubans?
The informal exchange rate determines the real purchasing power of Cubans in an economy marked by scarcity and inflation. The constant devaluation of the Cuban peso against the dollar and the euro has created an inflationary spiral, particularly affecting those who rely on income in the national currency.
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