The Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) is once again the focus of the only change registered in Cuba’s informal market in recent hours.
As of 6:00 a.m. Local time this Thursday, the MLC continues its downward trend, falling from 415 to 410 Cuban pesos (CUP) on the black market.
The U.S. Dollar and the euro, meanwhile, are maintaining their streak of stability, according to data published daily by the independent media outlet elTOQUE.
Currently, the informal market for the two main reference currencies in Cuba has not reacted to reports of alleged conversations between Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro – nicknamed “El Cangrejo” – and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Exchange Rate Evolution
The U.S. Dollar has reached ten consecutive days valued at its record high of 500 CUP.
The euro also remains unchanged, valued at 560 CUP as of February 19th.
Exchange Rates Today 02/19/2026 – 6:00 a.m. In Cuba:
Dollar exchange rate (USD to CUP) according to elTOQUE: 500 CUP.
Euro exchange rate (EUR to CUP) according to elTOQUE: 560 CUP.
MLC exchange rate (MLC to CUP) according to elTOQUE: 410 CUP.
Sustained Volatility in the MLC Exchange Rate
The MLC has been experiencing marked instability in the Cuban informal market for weeks, fluctuating between 400 and 420 CUP.
This volatility reflects growing uncertainty surrounding the financial instrument, which has faced an environment of distrust and structural scarcity.
In practice, the MLC has become a parallel currency within Cuba’s already complex partial dollarization, with its informal rate responding more to supply and demand than any official benchmark.
Dollar and Euro Maintain Stability in the Informal Market
Unlike the MLC, the U.S. Dollar has shown more marked stability in the Cuban informal market in recent days, consolidating at its record high of 500 CUP.
The euro is also maintaining a stable value, trading at a higher rate than the dollar.
Current exchange rates as of February 19, 2026:
1 USD = 500 CUP
5 USD = 2,500 CUP
10 USD = 5,000 CUP
20 USD = 10,000 CUP
50 USD = 25,000 CUP
100 USD = 50,000 CUP
1 EUR = 560 CUP
5 EUR = 2,800 CUP
10 EUR = 5,600 CUP
20 EUR = 11,200 CUP
50 EUR = 28,000 CUP
100 EUR = 56,000 CUP
200 EUR = 112,000 CUP
500 EUR = 280,000 CUP
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current exchange rate for the MLC?
As of 6:00 a.m. Local time on February 19, 2026, the MLC is trading at 410 CUP, according to elTOQUE.
What is the current exchange rate for the U.S. Dollar?
The U.S. Dollar is currently valued at 500 CUP, a record high maintained for ten consecutive days, according to elTOQUE.
What is the current exchange rate for the euro?
The euro is currently valued at 560 CUP, according to elTOQUE.
How might these fluctuating exchange rates impact everyday life for Cubans?
