The informal currency market in Cuba begins this January 12 with a new development: the dollar has increased in price for the fourth consecutive day.
In recent hours, the US dollar rose to 465 CUP in the informal exchange rate of the island, according to the rate published by the independent elTOQUE. This figure represents an increase of five pesos compared to its value from the previous day.
The increase confirms the upward trend of currencies on the island following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela on January 3rd, an event that has generated political tension and economic instability throughout the region.
The increase is occurring, moreover, amid growing warnings from Donald Trump regarding Cuba and his pursuit of a "deal" with the regime, as announced by the president on the evening of this very Sunday.
Exchange Rate Evolution
In recent days, the U.S. president has repeatedly insisted that Cuba is doomed to "failure" without Venezuela, and that it should view the unfolding events as a warning.
In the case of the euro, the European currency is priced at 500 CUP in Cuba this Monday, a rate it reached on Saturday.
The Freely Convertible Currency (MLC), for its part, remains stable at 400 CUP since Friday.
With the informal market rates from January 12, the Cuban peso has fallen a bit more against the dollar, in a start to the year marked by political and economic uncertainty, along with the already habitual loss of purchasing power on the island.
The increase in the value of the dollar reflects the growing distrust in the Cuban peso (CUP) and the citizens' search for refuge in strong currencies in the face of the economic and political uncertainty looming over the country.
Exchange rate today 12/01/2026 - 6:56 a.m. in Cuba:
Dollar exchange rate USD to CUP according to elTOQUE: 465 CUP.
Exchange rate of the euro EUR to CUP according to elTOQUE: 500 CUP.
Exchange rate of MLC to CUP according to elTOQUE: 400 CUP.
Equivalence of United States Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP), according to the exchange rates on January 12th:
1 USD = 465 CUP.
5 USD = 2,325 CUP.
10 USD = 4,650 CUP.
20 USD = 9,300 CUP.
50 USD = 23,250 CUP.
100 USD = 46,500 CUP.
Equivalence of Euro (EUR) banknotes to Cuban Peso (CUP):
1 EUR = 500 CUP.
1 EUR = 500 CUP.
5 EUR = 2,500 CUP.
10 EUR = 5,000 CUP.
20 EUR = 10,000 CUP.
50 EUR = 25,000 CUP.
100 EUR = 50,000 CUP.
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