Understanding the Guatemala Exchange Rate
The Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ) has been one of Central America’s most stable currencies, trading in a narrow band between Q7.60 and Q7.80 per US dollar since 2022. The Banco de Guatemala (Banguat) sets a daily reference rate based on interbank transactions, and individual banks set their own buy (compra) and sell (venta) rates around it.
We track 8 major Guatemalan banks daily – Banrural, Banco Industrial, BAM, BAC Credomatic, Bantrab, Banco Inmobiliario, Banco Promerica, and Banco Agromercantil – so you can find the best rate without visiting multiple branches.
How Banks Set Their Rates
Each bank adds a spread to the Banguat reference rate. The buy rate (compra) is what the bank pays you for your dollars – you want this as high as possible when selling USD. The sell rate (venta) is what they charge you to buy dollars – you want this as low as possible.
Typical bank spreads range from Q0.25 to Q0.40. Banco Inmobiliario and Banrural consistently offer the tightest spreads, while BAC Credomatic and Banco Promerica tend toward wider margins.
Exchange Rates by Bank
Here is what to expect from each of the 8 banks we track. Check the comparison table above for today’s exact rates.
Banrural (Banco de Desarrollo Rural)
Banrural has the largest branch network in Guatemala with over 700 agencies nationwide, including remote rural areas. Their exchange rates are consistently competitive, and they are the primary bank for receiving family remittances from the US. If you live outside Guatemala City, Banrural is likely your most accessible option.
Banco Industrial (BI)
The largest bank in Guatemala and Central America by total assets. Banco Industrial offers reliable spreads and strong digital banking through their “Bi en Linea” platform. For amounts over $500, they often offer preferential rates if you ask at the counter. Their ATMs are widely available in shopping centers and gas stations.
BAM (Banco Agromercantil)
BAM stands out for digital-first currency exchange. Their mobile app allows you to convert USD to GTQ directly, often at better rates than at the branch counter. A solid choice if you prefer handling transactions from your phone.
BAC Credomatic
A regional bank operating across Central America. BAC spreads tend to be slightly wider than average, but their ATM network is extensive and many machines dispense both quetzales and US dollars – useful if you need physical USD.
Bantrab (Banco de los Trabajadores)
Originally founded for Guatemalan workers, Bantrab offers competitive rates especially for clients who receive their salary or remittances through the bank. They have strong coverage in urban commercial areas.
Banco Inmobiliario
Often the bank with the tightest spread in the entire system, meaning you pay the least in fees when converting currencies. Worth checking if you are exchanging large amounts and want to minimize the buy-sell difference.
Banco Promerica
A mid-size bank with branches across the country. Rates are generally in line with the market average. They offer USD accounts for those who want to hold dollars locally.
Banco Agromercantil
Maintains rates close to the banking system average with solid branch presence in Guatemala City’s commercial zones and major regional cities.
Where to Exchange Money in Guatemala
| Option | Best for | Typical rate |
|---|---|---|
| Banks | Best rates, secure | Near Banguat reference |
| ATMs | Convenience, 24/7 | Good, minus Q25-35 fee |
| Transfer services (Wise, Xoom) | Sending from US | Near mid-market rate |
| Licensed casas de cambio | Speed, no account needed | Slightly worse than banks |
| Airport counters | Emergencies only | Worst rates in the country |
| Street changers | Not recommended | Counterfeit risk |
Tips for Getting the Best Rate
- Check this page first – rates vary by up to Q0.15 between banks, which on $1,000 is Q150 difference
- Exchange at banks, not hotels or airports
- Use ATMs with no-foreign-fee cards (Wise, Charles Schwab, Revolut) to avoid double charges
- For amounts over $500, ask the bank teller for a “tasa especial” (preferential rate)
- Bring clean, new $100 bills – banks may reject damaged or small-denomination notes
- Check our remittance comparison if you are sending money from the US – transfer services often beat bank rates
Why the Quetzal Is So Stable
The Guatemalan quetzal is one of the most stable currencies in Latin America, and there are three main reasons:
- International reserves: The Banguat holds over $20 billion in reserves, providing a strong buffer against currency shocks.
- Remittance inflows: Guatemala receives over $20 billion per year in family remittances from the United States, generating constant demand for quetzales.
- Conservative monetary policy: The central bank actively intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent sharp fluctuations.
For expats earning in USD, this stability means your purchasing power in Guatemala stays predictable month to month.
Sending Money to Guatemala
If you are sending dollars from the United States to Guatemala, the exchange rate you receive can vary significantly by provider. Services like Wise, Remitly, and Xoom often offer rates closer to the mid-market rate than banks do.
Guatemala is the 5th largest remittance-receiving country in Latin America, with over $20 billion flowing in annually. Compare current rates on our remittance comparison page.
Related Resources
- Remittance Comparison – Which service gives you the most quetzales per dollar
- Banking Guide – How to open accounts, find ATMs, and use digital banking
- Cost of Living in Guatemala – Real monthly budgets in quetzales and USD
- Internet & Connectivity Guide – ISP plans and speeds across the country