1 USD to GTQ - Convert US Dollar to Guatemalan Quetzal

Looking at the 30-day window, the USD/GTQ pair traded in a range of 7.4138 to 7.8045. The monthly average was 7.6121 with 1.44% volatility. The relatively low volatility indicates stable trading conditions for the USD/GTQ currency pair.

The current mid-market exchange rate is 1 USD = 7.6313 GTQ, updated as of July 3, 2026, 6:21 AM UTC. Mid-market rates represent the fairest available rate and are the midpoint between buy and sell prices on global currency markets. Actual transaction rates from banks or money transfer services may include a markup above this rate.

US Dollar to Guatemalan Quetzal Exchange Rate

Guatemala is Central America's largest economy and one of the top remittance-receiving countries in the world relative to GDP. Over $19 billion in remittances flow from the US to Guatemala annually, representing roughly 18% of the country's GDP. The quetzal, named after Guatemala's national bird (whose tail feathers were used as currency by the ancient Maya), has been one of the most stable currencies in Latin America in recent years.

The Remittance Lifeline

Guatemala's economy runs on remittances more than almost any other country in the Western Hemisphere. Over 2 million Guatemalans live in the United States, working primarily in construction, agriculture, food processing, and services. The money they send home supports families, builds houses, funds education, and drives consumer spending across the country. In some rural departments, remittances account for over 50% of household income. The Bank of Guatemala has credited these inflows with keeping the quetzal stable despite structural trade deficits. Unlike neighboring Honduras and El Salvador, Guatemala has maintained its own currency and a managed float that has delivered remarkably low inflation and gradual appreciation in recent years. For Guatemalan workers in Los Angeles, Houston, New York, and Chicago, the USD/GTQ rate determines whether their family can afford private school tuition, a doctor's visit, or home improvements with each monthly transfer.

What Drives the USD/GTQ Rate

Remittance volumes, Bank of Guatemala monetary policy, coffee and sugar export revenue, inflation, US immigration policy (which affects diaspora earning capacity), and Fed policy are the main drivers. Guatemala's central bank has been praised for prudent management that has delivered single-digit inflation and a stable currency during periods when regional neighbors experienced much higher volatility.

What a Conversion Really Costs

The US-Guatemala remittance corridor is competitive due to massive volume. Traditional money transfer shops charge 1-3%. Digital services offer 0.3-1% above mid-market with fees under $5. Banks charge 2-4%. For the Guatemalan diaspora, the choice of provider on a $500 monthly transfer can mean 50-100 quetzales more or less reaching their family, which matters in a country where the minimum daily wage is under 100 quetzales.

How to Get the Best USD to GTQ Rate

Compare the mid-market rate on this page with your provider. Digital services are consistently cheapest for remittances. The US-Guatemala corridor has enough competition that no one should accept a rate more than 1% off mid-market. For larger transfers related to property or business, negotiate rates directly.