If you’re checking the exchange rate for 1 USD in Haitian gourde today, you’re likely seeing a number somewhere around 130.88 HTG. On paper, that looks like a clean, mathematical fact. But honestly, if you’re actually on the ground in Port-au-Prince or trying to send money to family in Cap-Haïtien, that number is just the beginning of a much more complicated story.
The gourde is a survivor. It’s a currency that has been through the absolute ringer, and yet, in early 2026, we’re seeing a weird kind of "forced stability" that most people didn't expect.
The Banque de la République d'Haïti (BRH) has been working overtime. They’ve managed to keep the official rate hovering between 130 and 131 for a while now. But you’ve gotta understand—exchange rates in Haiti don't just move because of "market trends." They move because of fuel shortages, gang-controlled ports, and whether or not the airport is actually open.
Why the Official Rate for 1 USD in Haitian Gourde Isn’t Always What You Pay
Most folks check Google or a converter app and think, "Okay, my $100 should get me 13,000 gourdes."
Not exactly.
The "official" reference rate is what the central bank says it is. But then there’s the taux de rue—the street rate. In 2026, the gap between these two has been a point of massive frustration. Banks might give you the 130 rate, but if you’re trying to buy dollars with gourdes at a local cambio or from a private trader, you might find yourself paying significantly more.
Why the disconnect?
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Liquidity. There just aren't enough physical U.S. dollars circulating in the formal system. When the supply of greenbacks dries up, the price of those dollars in gourdes shoots up, regardless of what the BRH website says.
The Hidden Impact of Remittances
It’s no secret that Haiti’s economy is basically kept on life support by the diaspora. We’re talking billions of dollars a year. When you send money via Western Union or Remitly, you have a choice: the recipient gets USD or HTG.
Lately, more people are demanding USD. Why? Because the gourde’s purchasing power is like a melting ice cube. Even if the exchange rate for 1 USD in Haitian gourde stays stable at 130, inflation is still sitting around 26% to 28%.
Basically, 130 gourdes today buys way less bread than it did six months ago.
The 2026 Economic Landscape: Security is the New "Production Factor"
In the 2025-2026 national budget, the Haitian government did something interesting. They officially labeled "security" as a "factor of production."
That’s a fancy way of saying: "We can’t grow crops or run factories if the roads are blocked by gangs."
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It’s a brutal reality. When the road between the South (the breadbasket of the country) and Port-au-Prince is cut off, food prices in the capital skyrocket. This creates a cycle where the demand for dollars increases as importers struggle to pay for foreign goods to replace the local food that can't reach the market.
- GDP Contraction: We’re looking at another year of negative growth, likely around -1.2% or worse.
- Inflation: Food inflation is the real killer, often hitting closer to 30%.
- The Informal Pivot: About 70% of the population is now working in the informal sector. If you’re selling water on the street, the "official" exchange rate is less important than what the guy next to you is charging.
What Most People Get Wrong About "The Haitian Dollar"
This is the big one. If you’re new to Haiti or just visiting, you will hear people talk about "Haitian Dollars" (dola ayisyen).
Warning: The Haitian Dollar does not exist as physical money. It is a mental accounting unit. Historically, 5 gourdes equaled 1 Haitian dollar. So, if a merchant tells you something costs "20 dollars," they might mean 100 gourdes.
But wait—it gets messier. Because the actual U.S. dollar is also used everywhere, you have to clarify: "Dollars US or Dollars Haitian?"
If you get this wrong, you’re either going to overpay by a massive margin or offend a shopkeeper. Always, always clarify the currency before you hand over cash. In 2026, with the exchange rate for 1 USD in Haitian gourde being so high, the "5-to-1" ratio for the mental Haitian dollar is more of a tradition than a reflection of actual value, but people still use it to keep prices sounding smaller.
Practical Advice for Managing Your Money in Haiti
If you’re dealing with gourdes right now, here is the honest, unvarnished truth on how to handle it:
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Don’t exchange everything at once. The rate is volatile. If the security situation improves slightly, the gourde might strengthen. If a major port closes, it will tank. Change what you need for a few days at a time.
Use the Banks for Large Transactions.
While the street might offer a "better" rate if you're selling USD, it’s risky. Security in Port-au-Prince is no joke. Carrying large amounts of cash to a street corner is asking for trouble. Stick to Unibank or Sogebank for anything substantial.
Watch the BRH Daily Rate.
The central bank posts their reference rate every morning. Use this as your baseline. If a merchant is trying to charge you a rate of 150 when the official rate is 130, they’re taking advantage of the "uncertainty tax."
Digital is usually better.
Apps like MonCash have become a lifeline. They allow you to hold balances and pay for things without carrying stacks of gourdes (which, let's be honest, are getting bulkier as the value drops).
The Bottom Line on 1 USD in Haitian Gourde
The exchange rate for 1 USD in Haitian gourde is a pulse check for a nation in transition. As of early 2026, that pulse is steady but weak. The "stability" we see at the 130 mark is largely due to the BRH injecting dollars into the market and a temporary reduction in government spending.
However, until the political transition (the Transitional Presidential Council is supposed to wrap up by February 2026) leads to actual elections and a more secure environment, the gourde will remain on shaky ground.
If you're an investor or sending money, don't just look at the 130.88 number. Look at the price of a gallon of gas and the availability of bread. That’s where the real "rate" lives.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify Today’s Rate: Before any transaction, check the official BRH website for the Taux de Référence.
- Consult a Local: If you’re quoted a price in "dollars," always ask “Se dola vè oswa dola ayisyen?” (Is it green dollars or Haitian dollars?).
- Prioritize Safety: Use digital transfers or bank-based exchanges rather than carrying cash in high-traffic urban areas.