Money in Haiti is weird. If you’re looking at 1 US to Haitian Dollars, you might think it's a straightforward math problem. You check a converter, see a number, and move on. But honestly, if you actually try to buy a soda in Port-au-Prince using that logic, you’re going to get very confused, very fast.
The first thing you’ve got to understand is that the "Haitian Dollar" doesn't actually exist as a physical bill. It’s a ghost currency. A concept. Basically, it’s a leftover from the early 20th century when the exchange rate was pegged at 5 Gourdes to 1 US Dollar. Even though that peg broke decades ago, people still quote prices in "dollars." When a merchant says something costs "10 dollars," they usually mean 50 Gourdes.
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But wait. It gets messier.
1 US to Haitian Dollars: The Real Numbers Today
As of January 18, 2026, the official exchange rate sits right around 130.62 HTG (Haitian Gourdes) for every 1 US Dollar. This is the rate the Banque de la République d’Haïti (BRH) puts out. It’s what banks use for official transfers.
However, the "street rate" or the informal market is where most of the actual living happens. Lately, the informal market has seen rates slightly higher, often hovering around 135.90 HTG. This gap matters. If you’re sending money via Zelle or Western Union, you’re dealing with the formal side. If you’re standing on a corner in Pétion-Ville with a twenty-dollar bill in your hand, you’re in the informal world.
Why the Rate Is Jumping Around
Haiti's economy is in a bit of a tug-of-war right now. On one hand, you've got massive remittance flows—money sent home by the diaspora. These dollars actually help keep the Gourde from falling into a total death spiral. In fact, remittances often make up nearly 25% of the country’s GDP.
On the other hand, the country is grappling with an inflation rate that the IMF recently projected at about 26.2% for 2026. That’s high. It means even if the exchange rate stays "stable" at 130, the amount of rice you can buy with those Gourdes is shrinking.
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The "Haitian Dollar" Confusion
Let's clear this up once and for all. If you are looking for the rate of 1 US to Haitian Dollars in the way locals use the term, you are looking for a 1:5 ratio that is purely mental.
- Official Currency: Haitian Gourde (HTG)
- The "Haitian Dollar" Unit: Always equals 5 Gourdes.
- The Reality: 1 USD is currently worth about 26 "Haitian Dollars" (because $130 / 5 = 26$).
If you tell someone you’ll give them "one US dollar" and they expect "one Haitian dollar," you’ve just accidentally offered them 130 Gourdes when they were expecting 5. They will be very happy. Your wallet will not.
The Role of the BRH
The Banque de la République d’Haïti (BRH) isn't just sitting back. They frequently intervene in the market. They'll inject millions of US dollars into the banking system to satisfy the demand from importers. Why? Because Haiti imports almost everything. From fuel to flour, the country needs US dollars to pay for its basic survival. When the supply of USD dries up, the price of 1 US to Haitian Dollars spikes, and suddenly, the price of bread in the market goes up the next morning.
It's a fast-moving cycle.
Tips for Dealing with the Exchange Rate
If you're traveling or doing business in Haiti in early 2026, keep these specific points in mind.
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Watch the "Taux de Référence."
Always check the BRH website or their official X (Twitter) account. They post the daily reference rate every morning. If a business tries to charge you a rate of 150 HTG when the reference is 130, you’re getting ripped off.
Carry Small USD Bills.
Changing a $100 bill is a nightmare. Banks often have long lines, and informal changers might not have the change. Small bills ($1, $5, $10) are king. They allow you to negotiate more effectively without revealing how much cash you’re carrying.
Digital Transfers are Safer.
With the security situation being what it is, carrying piles of cash is risky. Use apps like Natcash or MonCash. These are mobile money platforms that have become the backbone of the Haitian economy. You can often convert your USD into Gourdes directly within these ecosystems at a fair rate.
The Economic Outlook for 2026
Recent reports from the IMF and local analysts like Rocheny Sifrain suggest that while the Gourde has seen some stabilization compared to the chaotic fluctuations of 2023, the floor is still shaky. The GDP is expected to see a slight contraction of about -1.2% this year.
What does this mean for the exchange rate?
It means the US Dollar is going to remain a "refuge" currency. People don't hold Gourdes if they can help it; they buy Dollars to protect their savings from inflation. This constant demand for USD ensures that the price of 1 US to Haitian Dollars will likely face upward pressure throughout the rest of the year.
Final Practical Steps
To handle your money wisely in this environment, you should focus on these three things:
- Check the spread: Before exchanging money, compare the bank's buying rate (achat) and selling rate (vente). If the gap is wider than 5 Gourdes, look for a different branch.
- Use the 5x Rule: When you see a price in "dollars" at a local market, immediately multiply it by 5 to get the Gourde price. Then, divide that by 130 to see what it’s costing you in real US money.
- Monitor the BRH injections: If you hear the central bank is injecting $50 million into the market, that is usually a sign that the Gourde will temporarily strengthen. That's the best time to buy Gourdes if you need them for local expenses.
Understanding the math is one thing, but understanding the local "ghost currency" is how you actually survive the Haitian economy. Stick to the official reference rates whenever possible, but keep some flexibility for the reality of the street.