The United States dollar (USD) continues its rise in the Cuban informal market and this Sunday reaches 460 Cuban pesos (CUP), its highest level since early December.
The euro (EUR) remains at 500 CUP, while the Convertible Currency (MLC) maintains its value at 400 CUP, according to the independent observatory elTOQUE.
In contrast, the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC) established its official rates this Sunday at 413 CUP per dollar and 480.36 CUP per euro, leaving a difference of 47 pesos in the case of the dollar and 20 in the case of the euro between the official rates and those of the informal market.
Informal exchange rate in Cuba Sunday, January 11, 2026 - 05:54
Exchange Rate Evolution
- Exchange rate of the dollar (USD) to Cuban pesos CUP: 460 CUP
- Exchange rate of the euro (EUR) to Cuban pesos CUP: 500 CUP
- Exchange rate from (MLC) to Cuban pesos CUP: 400 CUP
Central Bank of Cuba (official):
- 1 USD = 413 CUP (+2)
- 1 EUR = 480.36 CUP
The difference between the two quotes reflects the loss of effectiveness of the so-called "floating rate" that the BCC implemented in December as part of its new exchange rate policy.
While the BCC keeps its rates unchanged for the second consecutive day, the informal market continues to move, widening the gap between the official and real exchange rates.
Today, the dollar is worth 47 pesos more on the street than at the Central Bank, a difference that highlights the failure of the controlled float to reflect the true behavior of the Cuban market.
“The Central Bank attempts to reflect a controlled float, but the real market floats on its own,” commented an independent economist from Havana. “The nearly 50 pesos per dollar difference is not a technical error, but rather the result of an economy disconnected from reality.”
With the dollar at 460 and the euro consolidated at 500 CUP, the national currency begins another week weaker and with less credibility, while the street continues to dictate the real value of money in Cuba.
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