The informal exchange rate in Cuba remains stable this Sunday, March 22, 2026, with the US dollar trading at 515 Cuban pesos (CUP), with no changes compared to previous days.
This pause in the increase represents a temporary relief for Cubans who rely on the informal market to access foreign currency, amid an economic context marked by inflation and shortages.
Informal exchange rate in Cuba Sunday, March 22, 2026 - 07:00
- Exchange rate of the dollar (USD) to Cuban pesos CUP: 515 CUP
- Exchange rate of the euro (EUR) to Cuban pesos CUP: 580 CUP
- Exchange rate from (MLC) to Cuban pesos CUP: 400 CUP
The euro (EUR) remains at 580 CUP, while the MLC, the freely convertible currency widely used in transactions within the island, is quoted at 400 CUP.
Exchange Rate Evolution
The relative stability of these currencies is attributed, according to local analysts, to lower pressure on the informal market over the weekend; however, they warn that any increase in demand or changes in monetary policy could reactivate the upward trend.
The informal market remains a key barometer for measuring citizens' confidence in the economy. Many turn to this market due to the limited availability of foreign currency in banks and official exchange houses, which do not always reflect the actual needs of the population.
The stable exchange rate of the dollar in recent days allows households to plan their purchases and transfers with some predictability, although it does not eliminate the widespread uncertainty that characterizes the Cuban economy.
Experts indicate that the current stability could be temporary. The dependence on MLC and the US dollar for the acquisition of basic goods and medicines continues to exert pressure on the informal economy, and any news regarding new regulations or the opening of businesses in foreign currencies could swiftly alter the situation.
Meanwhile, citizens are closely monitoring the evolution of the informal market, aware that the exchange rates of these currencies have a direct impact on their purchasing power and their ability to access essential goods. For now, the exchange rate remains stable, providing a brief respite in a complex economic context.
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