The U.S. dollar strengthened in Cuba's informal market on Friday, November 13, 2026, closing at 910 Cuban pesos (CUP), up from 905 CUP the previous day. The euro, meanwhile, weakened slightly, ending at 988 CUP, down from 989 CUP the day before and 1.2% lower than a week ago. The MLC, a digital currency used in state-run stores, saw a significant drop to 438 CUP, though its value is considered unreliable due to low transaction volumes.
The official exchange rates set by the Central Bank of Cuba remain far below the informal market values, with the dollar at 825 CUP and the euro at 913 CUP. This gap highlights the disconnect between the official and informal markets, where the dollar and euro are in higher demand as a hedge against the depreciating peso. The informal market's fluctuations are driven by inflation, economic instability, and the population's need for stable currencies.
The CiberCuba Exchange Rate, an index based on automated analysis of currency trade postings, provides a snapshot of these informal transactions. The index excludes atypical offers and spam, weighting transactions by their age to reflect a more accurate market value. Despite the official market's attempts to introduce flexibility, the informal rates continue to dominate, reflecting the real currency demand of the Cuban population.