Currency in Haiti: HTG Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Haiti with the Haitian gourde.
What's in this Haiti currency guide?
What currency is used in Haiti?
The official currency of Haiti (country code: HT) is the Haitian gourde, with symbol G and currency code HTG.
What is a good Haitian gourde exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Haiti?
The domestic currency in Haiti is the Haitian gourde.
What is the Haitian gourde currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Haitian gourde is HTG — symbol is G.
What does the Haitian gourde look like?
Here is an example Haitian gourde banknote:
Which countries use the Haitian gourde?
It is the domestic currency in Haiti.
Is the Haitian gourde a closed currency?
No, the Haitian gourde is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of CAD and HTG?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for CAD to HTG (Canadian dollar to Haitian gourde)*.
*Converted at the current CADHTG interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Haiti
Using Wise for Haitian gourde travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Haitian gourde otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Haitian gourde cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the HTG cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Haiti: Travel Guide
Traveling to Haiti requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
There are many things to do and see in Haiti. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include the Citadelle Laferrière, the Palace of Sans-Souci, the National Palace, and the Cathedral of Port-au-Prince. Others include the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien, the Grand Rue, and the Place Boyer.
Top Travel tips for Haiti
1. When traveling to Haiti, it is important to be aware of the potential for political unrest and civil unrest.
2. Travelers should avoid wearing expensive jewelry or clothes that could make them a target for thieves.
3. It is also important to be aware of the potential for natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.
4. Travelers should have a backup plan in case their primary mode of transportation is unavailable.
5. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for travelers to Haiti.
What's the best way to pay in Haiti?
The best way to pay in Haiti is to pay in cash.
Everyday Costs in in Haiti
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Haiti? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide for Haiti (HT)
For travelers planning a mid-range stay in Haiti for one week, it’s wise to budget around 500 to 1,000 USD (equivalent to about 60,000 to 120,000 HTG), depending on your activities and personal spending habits. This should cover accommodations, meals, and some sightseeing. Here’s a breakdown of typical daily expenses in Haitian Gourde (HTG):
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 600 HTG
- ☕ Coffee: 100 HTG
- 🚍 Public transport fare: 50 HTG
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 1,000 HTG
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 3,500 HTG per night
Overall, Haiti can be considered relatively affordable compared to the United States, with many expenses costing 30-50% less. For instance, dining out in the U.S. may set you back $15-20 for a meal, versus just $6 in Haiti. When compared with the UK, travelers can expect similar introductory prices, with Haiti typically offering better value on day-to-day expenses.
Insights for Expats in Haiti
For expats residing in Haiti, understanding typical monthly living costs is crucial for effective budgeting. In general, you can expect to spend around 40,000 to 70,000 HTG (approximately 400-700 USD) per month on rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Essential expenses like groceries may vary but typically require around 15,000 to 20,000 HTG monthly.
When it comes to banking, it’s advisable to use local banks for daily transactions and consider keeping a debit card on hand for cash withdrawals. Credit cards are accepted in many larger establishments, but cash is still king in smaller shops and markets. For sending and receiving money, using online transfer services like Wise or OFX might offer more competitive rates compared to exchanging cash locally due to often higher fees at local exchanges. However, always compare current rates to find the best deal for your specific needs.
USD/HTG Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/HTG change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Haiti - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Haiti you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Haiti
When sending money to Haiti it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Haitian gourde amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted HTG amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Haiti.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Haitian gourde deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Haiti
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Haitian gourde currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the HTG exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Haitian gourde bank account: A local HTG bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Haiti. It may also be more convenient to use a local HTG bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Haiti. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Haiti. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Haiti, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Haiti.
How is the cost of living in Haiti?
The cost of living in Haiti is relatively low. Basic necessities such as food and shelter are relatively affordable, and transportation costs are also relatively low. However, healthcare and education costs can be quite high, and many people in Haiti live in poverty.
What is doing business like in Haiti?
It is difficult to do business in Haiti because of the political instability and the poor infrastructure.
How is the economy in Haiti?
The economy in Haiti is very poor. The country has a very low GDP per capita, and most people live in poverty. Haiti also has a high unemployment rate, and a lot of its infrastructure was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake.