This Tuesday, the informal currency market in Cuba shows no changes compared to the previous day's prices. As of 7:00 a.m. (local time) on August 6, the U.S. dollar is valued at 320 CUP and the euro at 330 CUP. The Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) remains at an average of 280 pesos.
After a sustained decline that lasted almost a month, mid-July saw a reversal in the values of the three main currencies in Cuba, rising almost consistently by five, albeit at a slower pace than in April and early May, when increases of 20 to 30 pesos in a day were common. However, after a day without changes on July 31, the currencies began to fall again from August 1.
Last week, an article published in Granma threatened Cubans who turn to the informal market for currency exchange with up to five years of prison, emphasizing that such street-level transactions "affect the country's economic system."
"These actions are punishable by imprisonment from two to five years, or a fine of 500 to 1,000 quotas, or both," the official source pointed out, adding that any transaction involving the sale, transfer, or acquisition of foreign currency "is illegal and constitutes a crime."
Exchange Rates as of August 6, 2024 - 7:13 a.m. in Cuba
Exchange rate of the U.S. dollar (USD) to CUP according to elTOQUE: 320 CUP.
Exchange rate of the euro (EUR) to CUP according to elTOQUE: 330 CUP.
Exchange rate of the MLC to CUP according to elTOQUE: 280 CUP.
Currency Equivalents
Equivalents of each available bill of euros and U.S. dollars to Cuban pesos (CUP):
U.S. Dollar (USD) to Cuban Peso (CUP), according to exchange rates as of August 6:
1 USD = 320 CUP
5 USD = 1,600 CUP
10 USD = 3,200 CUP
20 USD = 6,400 CUP
50 USD = 16,000 CUP
100 USD = 32,000 CUP
Euros (EUR) to Cuban Peso (CUP):
1 EUR = 330 CUP
5 EUR = 1,650 CUP
10 EUR = 3,300 CUP
20 EUR = 6,600 CUP
50 EUR = 16,500 CUP
100 EUR = 33,000 CUP
200 EUR = 66,000 CUP
500 EUR = 165,000 CUP
FAQs on Cuba's Informal Currency Market
Given the complexities and recent developments in Cuba's informal currency market, here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity.
Why are informal currency exchanges in Cuba illegal?
Informal currency exchanges are deemed illegal because they are conducted outside of the official economic system, which the government argues disrupts the national economy.
What are the penalties for participating in informal currency exchanges in Cuba?
Penalties include imprisonment for two to five years, fines ranging from 500 to 1,000 quotas, or both.
How often do exchange rates change in Cuba's informal market?
Exchange rates in Cuba's informal market can fluctuate daily, often influenced by supply and demand as well as government policies.