Official Currency of Guatemala
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
- Currency Name: Quetzal
- Currency Code: GTQ
- Symbol: Q
- Status: Official and sole legal tender
Currency Details
Banknotes
- Denominations: Q1, Q5, Q10, Q20, Q50, Q100, Q200
- Features: Colorful designs showcasing Guatemalan culture, history, and biodiversity
Guatemalan banknotes come in various colors. This isn’t a recent change—it’s said that they started using different colors to assist people who couldn’t read, write, or recognize numbers, making it easier for them to distinguish between the bills.
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Coins
- Denominations: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos
- Q1 coins also in circulation
Key Facts to Know
Currency Exchange
- Availability: Banks, exchange offices, and some hotels
- Best Rates: Typically at banks and official exchange houses
- US Dollars: Widely accepted in tourist areas but quetzales preferred for better rates
Daily Transactions
- Cash: Primary payment method, especially outside major cities
- Credit/Debit Cards: Accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in urban areas
- ATMs: Available throughout the country, dispensing quetzales
Economic Context
- Central Bank: Banco de Guatemala regulates currency
- Stability: Generally stable currency with managed floating exchange rate
- Inflation: Moderate inflation rates maintained by central bank policies
Practical Information
For Visitors
- Exchange currency at banks or official exchange offices
- Carry smaller denominations for daily expenses
- US dollars accepted but quetzales offer better value
- Notify your bank about travel plans
Currency Features
- Named after the resplendent quetzal bird, Guatemala’s national symbol
- Features prominent Guatemalan historical figures and landmarks
- Security features include watermarks, security threads, and holograms
Current Status
The Guatemalan quetzal remains the stable, official currency of Guatemala, maintaining its position as one of Central America’s most reliable currencies with consistent central bank management and economic policies.