If you walk into a bank in Guatemala City and ask for the Guatemalan dollar to USD rate, the teller might give you a polite, slightly confused smile.
Here is the thing: there is no such thing as a "Guatemalan dollar."
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Guatemala uses the Quetzal (GTQ). It is named after the resplendent quetzal, a bird with stunning green tail feathers that the ancient Mayans actually used as currency. While the US dollar is widely used and loved across the country, the quetzal is the king of the streets.
As of early 2026, the exchange rate has been hovering around Q7.65 to Q7.70 per $1 USD. It is one of the most stable pairings in all of Latin America. Seriously. While other currencies in the region sometimes feel like a roller coaster, the quetzal is more like a steady old bus—it doesn't move fast, and it rarely breaks down.
Why the Quetzal stays so steady against the Dollar
You’d think a small economy would have a volatile currency. Nope. Not here.
The Bank of Guatemala (Banguat) manages the exchange rate with what experts call a "managed float." They don't let the quetzal drift too far in either direction. If it starts getting too weak or too strong, the central bank steps in and buys or sells dollars to keep things level.
But there’s a bigger reason: remittances.
Millions of Guatemalans living in the United States send billions of dollars home every year. In 2025 alone, these inflows grew by nearly 20%. This constant flood of US dollars keeps the local supply high. When there are plenty of dollars around, the quetzal stays strong.
Real-world conversion: What you’ll actually pay
If you are checking the guatemalan dollar to usd on a Google search, you are seeing the "mid-market" rate. That is the "fair" price banks use to trade with each other.
You will almost never get that rate at a window.
- The Airport: Honestly, don't do it. The booths at La Aurora International Airport often take a 5% to 10% cut through bad rates.
- Local Banks: This is your best bet. Banks like Banco Industrial or Banrural will give you a rate much closer to the official one, usually around Q7.40 or Q7.50 when the official rate is Q7.67.
- The Street: You’ll see "cambistas" in places like Antigua or Panajachel. They are fast, but you’re trading safety for convenience.
One weird quirk about Guatemala: they are incredibly picky about physical US bills. If your $20 bill has a tiny tear, a pen mark, or even looks a bit too wrinkled, a bank will flat-out refuse it. They want "ATM fresh" bills. If you're bringing cash, keep it in a hard envelope.
Current Exchange Snapshots (Approximate)
| You Send (USD) | You Get (GTQ) |
|---|---|
| $10 | Q76.70 |
| $50 | Q383.50 |
| $100 | Q767.00 |
| $500 | Q3,835.00 |
The "Tourist Dollar" vs. The Official Rate
In places like Antigua, many restaurants and hotels list prices in both currencies. It’s convenient. But pay attention.
Often, a business will use a simplified "internal" rate of 8 to 1.
If the market rate is 7.67 and they charge you at 8.00, you are basically paying a 4% convenience fee. For a coffee, who cares? But for a $200-a-night boutique hotel, that adds up. Always ask to pay in quetzales if you have them; it almost always saves you money.
What is changing in 2026?
We are seeing some new shifts this year. The World Bank notes that while growth is steady at about 3.7%, there is a new "remittances tax" discussion that has some people nervous.
If remittance growth slows down because of changes in US migration or trade policies, the quetzal could finally see some real pressure. For now, inflation in Guatemala is sitting comfortably around 3.5%, which is lower than many of its neighbors.
This stability is a double-edged sword. It makes the guatemalan dollar to usd conversion predictable for travelers, but it also makes Guatemalan exports (like coffee and sugar) more expensive for the rest of the world to buy.
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Practical tips for managing your money
Don't rely solely on your credit card. While Visa and Mastercard are accepted in malls and upscale hotels, the soul of Guatemala is in the markets.
The "paca" (thrift markets) or the vegetable stalls in Chichicastenango don't take Apple Pay.
- Use ATMs inside banks: Look for "5B" or "BI" ATMs. Avoid the standalone ones on dark street corners—not just for safety, but because they often have lower withdrawal limits and higher fees.
- Tell your bank you're traveling: Seriously. Guatemalan transactions are often flagged as high-risk, and getting your card frozen while you're trying to buy a bus ticket to Tikal is a nightmare.
- Carry small bills: Breaking a Q100 bill (about $13) can be surprisingly hard in a small village. Keep a stash of Q5 and Q10 notes for tuk-tuks and street food.
- Download a converter: Use an app like Xe or Oanda, but remember to subtract about 2% to 3% to account for real-world bank spreads.
The Bottom Line on Guatemalan Currency
The search for guatemalan dollar to usd is really a search for the Quetzal. It’s a resilient, historic currency that reflects a country caught between ancient tradition and a massive modern connection to the US economy.
If you are heading there soon, expect stability. Don't expect to use your credit card everywhere. And definitely don't bring messy cash.
To get the best value, withdraw quetzales directly from a bank ATM upon arrival. This bypasses the terrible exchange booth rates and gives you the "local" price for everything from Gallo beer to hand-woven textiles. Just make sure to choose the "Decline Conversion" option on the ATM screen if it asks—your home bank's conversion rate is almost always better than the ATM's.