Money in Guatemala
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- GTQGuatemalan quetzal
- Symbol
- Q
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Guatemala
Carry cash for markets and small towns. Use ATMs inside banks.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Cash is needed at markets, small shops, food stalls and rural businesses. Cards work mainly at hotels, restaurants and larger tourist businesses, and some add a fee or minimum.
- ATMs
- ATMs are widely found in Guatemala City, Antigua, Quetzaltenango and Flores but are less common in rural areas. World Travel Guide advises using ATMs inside banks, shopping centres or hotels, and Original Travel says debit cards are sometimes rejected by ATMs.
- Foreign currency
- Some hotels and tour operators in major tourist areas accept US dollars, but change is given in quetzales at a rate that may be worse than the official one.
- Exchanging money
- Original Travel advises changing money in hotels, at banks or at foreign exchange offices.
- Watch out for
- Check ATMs for tampering and pay in quetzales if a card terminal offers a choice. Amounts of US$10,000 or more must be declared on entry or exit.
Tipping in Guatemala
Restaurant bills often include a suggested 10% tip, so check before adding more. Tip guides and drivers, about US$6–10 and US$3–5 per person a day on group tours.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: World Travel Guide, Original Travel, Living in Guatemala, Discover Corps, Freewheelings.
Convert to and from GTQ
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7.64 GTQ | 8.56 GTQ | 10.25 GTQ |
| 10 | 76.41 GTQ | 85.61 GTQ | 103 GTQ |
| 50 | 382 GTQ | 428 GTQ | 513 GTQ |
| 100 | 764 GTQ | 856 GTQ | 1,025 GTQ |
| 500 | 3,821 GTQ | 4,280 GTQ | 5,127 GTQ |
What each amount is worth in GTQ. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Guatemala use?
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ).
Do you need to tip in Guatemala?
Appreciated. Restaurant bills often include a suggested 10% tip, so check before adding more. Tip guides and drivers, about US$6–10 and US$3–5 per person a day on group tours.
Can you pay by card in Guatemala?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash is needed at markets, small shops, food stalls and rural businesses. Cards work mainly at hotels, restaurants and larger tourist businesses, and some add a fee or minimum.
Are there ATMs in Guatemala?
ATMs are widely found in Guatemala City, Antigua, Quetzaltenango and Flores but are less common in rural areas. World Travel Guide advises using ATMs inside banks, shopping centres or hotels, and Original Travel says debit cards are sometimes rejected by ATMs.