How does April begin in the informal market in Cuba?: There are changes in one currency



MLC cards (i) and Cuban pesos, dollars, and euros (d)Photo © Collage CiberCuba

The freely convertible currency (MLC) shows no signs of slowing down in the Cuban informal market. In recent hours, the MLC has once again changed in price, this time decreasing.

The digital monetary monstrosity that the Cuban regime has been operating since 2019, has dropped to 390 CUP, which represents a decline of 10 pesos compared to its value the previous day.

The dollar and the euro, on their part, remain unchanged today, highlighting their streak of stability.

The US dollar remains valued at 515 CUP, and the euro at 580 CUP, according to the daily report from elTOQUE, which documents the fluctuations of currencies.

Exchange Rate Evolution

Both currencies have maintained a stability that now reaches ten consecutive days, one of the longest streaks of the year so far.

In monthly terms, both the US dollar and the euro displayed relatively moderate behavior in March, always on the rise.

We will have to wait to see how things evolve in the newly started month of April.

Exchange rate today 1/04/2026 - 7:10 a.m. in Cuba:

Exchange rate of the USD to CUP according to elTOQUE: 515 CUP.

Exchange rate of the euro EUR to CUP according to elTOQUE: 580 CUP.

Exchange rate from MLC to CUP according to TOQUE: 390 CUP.

The roller coaster of the MLC

The Freely Convertible Currency (MLC), created by the regime as a mechanism to attract foreign currency, has become in recent months one of the most volatile indicators of the already fragmented currency market on the island.

Although it was originally introduced as a temporary solution to supply stores with hard currency, it has, in practice, become trapped between the structural scarcity of foreign exchange, state restrictions, and the growing dependence on the informal market.

Its value, which lacks a clear backing or a transparent official rate against the Cuban peso, is determined on the street, where supply and demand quickly respond to any economic or political signals.

The constant fluctuations of the MLC reflect the fragility of the Cuban monetary system and the population's lack of trust in that instrument.

Unlike the dollar or the euro, which are seen as safer havens, the MLC (Moneda Libre Convertible) is directly influenced by internal government decisions and the availability of products in state-run stores, leading to sharp fluctuations in its exchange rate.

Rumors about changes in sales policies, shortages, or new restrictions are often enough to drive up prices or cause sudden drops, highlighting a highly sensitive market that lacks stability.

Equivalence of United States Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP), according to the exchange rates on this April 1st:

1 USD = 515 CUP.

2 USD = 1,030 CUP.

5 USD = 2,575 CUP.

10 USD = 5,150 CUP.

20 USD = 10,300 CUP.

50 USD = 25,750 CUP.

100 USD = 51,500 CUP.

Equivalence of Euro (EUR) bills to Cuban Peso (CUP):

1 EUR = 580 CUP.

5 EUR = 2,900 CUP.

10 EUR = 5,800 CUP.

20 EUR = 11,600 CUP.

50 EUR = 29,000 CUP.

100 EUR = 58,000 CUP.

200 EUR = 116,000 CUP.

500 EUR = 290,000 CUP.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.