No changes. This is how the informal currency market in Cuba has appeared in recent hours. The dollar, the euro, and the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) have already gone four days without any updates.
However, the median of values indicates a new escalation of the two main currencies.
This Monday, both the dollar and the US currency are solidifying the values they reached last week: the European currency remains at 450 CUP and the dollar at 400, record figures in both cases.
In the case of the MLC, it remains at 200 CUP.
Exchange Rate Evolution
The value of the freely convertible currency on the black market is exactly half of the dollar, which attests to its increasing weakness in the economic sphere in Cuba.
Median increase for the dollar and the euro
A striking detail of this Monday's session is the trend toward an increase in the averages of the U.S. and European currencies.
The dollar shows a value of 402.67 for sale, and the euro is at 452.56.
Exchange rate today 08/18/2025 - 8:00 a.m. in Cuba:
Exchange rate of the dollar USD to CUP according to elTOQUE: 400 CUP.
Exchange rate of the euro EUR to CUP according to elTOQUE: 450 CUP.
Exchange rate from MLC to CUP according to elTOQUE: 200 CUP.
Equivalent of United States Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP), based on the exchange rates of August 18:
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.
Meanwhile, the Cuban government continues to give no hints about the arrival of changes it announced several weeks ago.
In July, Manuel Marrero announced transformations in the official exchange market in Cuba, changes that - as he stated - are planned for the second half of the year. However, nothing has materialized so far.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Foreign Exchange Market in Cuba
What is the current exchange rate of the dollar and the euro in the informal market in Cuba?
The exchange rate for the dollar is 400 CUP and for the euro is 450 CUP in the Cuban informal market. These values are considered record highs and reflect the increase in demand in a challenging economic context.
Why does the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) have a lower value compared to the dollar and the euro?
The MLC is valued at 200 CUP, half of a dollar, which demonstrates its increasing weakness in the Cuban economic landscape. Its use has diminished in favor of stronger currencies such as the dollar and the euro.
What changes are expected in the official foreign exchange market in Cuba?
The Cuban government has announced future changes in the official currency exchange market for the second half of 2025. These changes will include the consolidation of financing schemes and a redistribution of foreign currency generated by state-owned enterprises, although specific details have yet to be finalized.
How does the volatility of the informal foreign exchange market affect Cubans?
The volatility of exchange rates in the informal market directly affects the purchasing power of Cubans, forcing them to seek strategies to protect their income against the devaluation of the Cuban peso. This situation increases the reliance on remittances from abroad and on transactions in the black market.
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