GTQGuatemalan QuetzalGuatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
The Guatemalan quetzal is Guatemala's national currency and a Central American unit supporting a large regional economy and remittance network.
- ISO code
- GTQ
- Symbol
- Q
- Region
- Americas
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- The Bank of Guatemala issues quetzal currency and conducts monetary and foreign-exchange policy under Guatemala's central-bank law.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
GTQ at a glance
Currency profile
How GTQ works
The Guatemalan quetzal is Guatemala's national currency and a Central American unit supporting a large regional economy and remittance network.
The Bank of Guatemala issues quetzal currency and conducts monetary and foreign-exchange policy under Guatemala's central-bank law.
- GTQ is divided into 100 centavos and was created during Guatemala's 1920s monetary reform.
- The quetzal replaced the peso and took its name from Guatemala's national bird.
Context
Why this currency matters
GTQ combines a national monetary symbol with Guatemala's modern trade and remittance economy. The quetzal's relatively long continuity since 1925 aids historical comparison, while its independent central-bank framework separates it from neighboring currencies and the U.S. dollar.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
The Bank of Guatemala issues quetzal currency and conducts monetary and foreign-exchange policy under Guatemala's central-bank law.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for GTQ
Monetary reform authorized
Guatemala approved the legal framework for a new national currency and central monetary system.
Bank of Guatemala - monetary historyQuetzal introduced
GTQ replaced the Guatemalan peso as the national monetary unit.
Bank of Guatemala - monetary historyBank of Guatemala began operations
The modern central bank assumed responsibility for monetary policy and currency issue.
Bank of Guatemala - monetary history
Usage and economy
How GTQ is used
- Prices, salaries, taxes and settlement across Guatemala.
- Central American comparisons involving MXN, HNL, CRC and USD.
Banknotes and coins
GTQ currency units
The Bank of Guatemala publishes current quetzal banknotes and their security features.
The Bank of Guatemala documents quetzal and centavo circulation coins.
One Guatemalan Quetzal unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Centavo as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
GTQ questions
What currency did the quetzal replace?
GTQ replaced the Guatemalan peso when the quetzal entered circulation in 1925.
Why is the currency called quetzal?
The unit is named for Guatemala's national bird, a longstanding national symbol.
Who issues GTQ banknotes and coins?
The Bank of Guatemala is responsible for the quetzal currency issue and monetary system.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.