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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Guatemala’s currency is the quetzal, written with the symbol Q and divided into 100 centavos. Banco de Guatemala is the only institution authorized to issue the country’s national banknotes and coins. For a current exchange value, check the central bank’s daily reference-rate page; the rate you receive from a bank or exchange provider may differ.
What is the currency in Guatemala?
The quetzal is Guatemala’s monetary unit. Article 1 of the Monetary Law defines its symbol as Q; translated from the Spanish text, it says: “The monetary unit of Guatemala is called the Quetzal. The monetary symbol of the Quetzal is represented by the letter ‘Q’.” One quetzal is divided into 100 centavos. The law also makes the quetzal the default unit of account and means of payment unless the parties expressly agree otherwise. That legal default does not mean every business accepts foreign cash or cards.
Banco de Guatemala is the sole authorized issuer of Guatemala’s national banknotes and coins. The law’s definition and issuer provisions appear in Decree 17-2002, the Monetary Law.
How to check the quetzal exchange rate
Banco de Guatemala calculates and publishes reference exchange rates daily. Use its current exchange-rate page for the latest published reference value rather than relying on a rate quoted in an older article or guide.
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The US-dollar reference rate is calculated from buy and sell transactions reported by institutional participants in Guatemala’s foreign-exchange market. The resulting rates take effect from midnight on the next business day after calculation. The bank says these reference rates apply to tax and other obligations involving payments to or from the State and its entities, as well as administrative or jurisdictional matters. For other currencies, it uses international quotations together with its quetzal-dollar reference rate. Details are set out in the bank’s reference-rate explanation.
A reference rate is not automatically the rate a traveler gets when exchanging cash. Before a transaction, ask the provider for the buy or sell rate that applies to your direction of exchange, any fees, and the final amount you will receive. The sources cited here do not establish what any particular provider charges.
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- 25 Banknotes from the World: Human history has a tangled path, and there are items that support us in researching the events in the past. Take these 25 different banknotes to get to know their stories carefully.
- Foundation of Your Collection: 25 foreign currency banknotes will be a good starting point for numismatic enthusiasts to set up their collection. Collection of banknotes will suffice you and promote your thrill and interest in researching the stories of the currencies.
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Where the quetzal came from
The quetzal became Guatemala’s monetary unit in the 1924 monetary reform, replacing the peso. Banco de Guatemala’s account of the country’s monetary history describes earlier exchange systems that included goods used by Maya communities—such as quetzal feathers, salt, obsidian, jade, precious stones and, especially, cacao—followed by Spanish currency and coins of the Central American federation.
The central bank says the new quetzal initially equaled one US dollar under the gold standard. That describes the original arrangement at the time of the reform; it is not a statement of today’s exchange rate. Banco Central de Guatemala was founded in 1926, and Banco de Guatemala later succeeded it as the currency issuer. The bank’s history of the quetzal gives further institutional context.
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- Modern coins and banknotes have changed dramatically over the last half century, and this collection features several items that were once commonly found in circulation but that have now disappeared and are increasingly hard to find. Together, they bring back memories of bygone days. The coins and banknote are widely sought-after for their timeless designs and compelling stories.
- One of America’s most beloved coins is the Lincoln Wheatback Penny that was last made over 60 years ago in 1958. The back features two stalks of wheat, while the obverse is a portrait of Lincoln that is still used today. The original Jefferson Nickel was minted in 1938 to honor Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States from 1801-1809, and it was last made in 2003 when the design changed. The obverse depicts a portrait of Jefferson based on a bust made in 1789 by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.
- The Roosevelt Dime was first made in 1946 and continued to be made in 90% silver only until 1964 (over half a century ago). It honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who guided America through the Great Depression and World War II. The coin in this collection is 90% silver.
- The original Washington Quarter was first issued in 1932 to honor the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. The same portrait by John Flanagan is still used today, but the reverse has been State Quarters and National Parks Quarters designs since 1999,
- The $1 Silver Certificate was last made in the Series of 1957, and until June 24, 1968, it could be redeemed for the actual silver with which it was backed and that was deposited in the United States Treasury. It features a blue Treasury seal, unlike the green seal on today’s paper currency, to identify it as a Silver Certificate.
Quetzal banknotes and denominations
The Monetary Law lists the following authorized banknote denominations. This statutory list identifies what may be issued; by itself, it does not confirm that every denomination is currently circulating.
| Denomination | What the source establishes |
|---|---|
| Q1 | Authorized by the Monetary Law; current circulation not established by that list |
| Q5 | Authorized by the Monetary Law; current circulation not established by that list |
| Q10 | Authorized by the Monetary Law; current circulation not established by that list |
| Q20 | Authorized by the Monetary Law; current circulation not established by that list |
| Q50 | Authorized by the Monetary Law; current circulation not established by that list |
| Q100 | Authorized by the Monetary Law; current circulation not established by that list |
| Q200 | Authorized by the Monetary Law; current circulation not established by that list |
| Q500 | Authorized by the Monetary Law; current circulation not established by that list |
| Q1,000 | Authorized by the Monetary Law; current circulation not established by that list |
The denominations come from the Monetary Law. For information about notes issued or shown in the bank’s catalog, consult Banco de Guatemala’s banknotes and coins resources.
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- Coins from the Americas - This collection includes 20 authentic coins from countries across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, offering a fascinating glimpse into international currencies and cultures.
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Commemorative banknotes and collectible coins
Banco de Guatemala identifies three commemorative banknotes: Q20 for the Bicentennial of Independence, Q1 for the quetzal’s centennial, and Q100 for the bank’s eightieth anniversary. The central bank says these notes retain their face value and may be used for payments. See its frequently asked questions for that statement. For collectible coins, check the bank’s official numismatic information for current availability and prices rather than assuming a particular issue is for sale.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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