What Is Guatemala's Currency? The Quetzal Explained

Guatemala's official currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), named after the resplendent quetzal—the national bird and a symbol of liberty in Mayan culture. The ISO code is GTQ; the symbol is Q.

Quick Facts

• Subunit: 1 quetzal = 100 centavos.
• Banknotes: Q1, Q5, Q10, Q20, Q50, Q100, Q200.
• Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 centavos; Q1.
• Exchange rate (approx.): 1 USD ≈ 7.8 GTQ (fluctuates daily).

Practical Tips for Visitors

• US dollars widely accepted in tourist zones, but change given in quetzales—often at poor rates.
• ATMs (cajeros automáticos) dispense quetzales; use bank-affiliated machines for better rates.
• Notify your bank before travel; bring crisp $20s/$50s as backup.
• Small denominations essential for markets, taxis, tips.

The quetzal's stability reflects Guatemala's relatively conservative monetary policy—handy for budgeting your trip.