Money in Haiti is confusing. If you’ve ever stood in a small market in Pétion-Ville or tried to pay a tap-tap driver in Port-au-Prince, you know exactly what I mean. You see a price tag that says 50 dollars, but it’s not 50 US dollars, and it’s not 50 gourdes either. It’s this phantom unit called the "Haitian dollar" that doesn't actually exist in paper form. Honestly, trying to figure out the haitian currency to us dollar exchange without a calculator and a bit of local back-story is a recipe for a headache.
Right now, as we move through January 2026, the official rate is hovering around 130.66 gourdes to 1 US dollar. But that number is just the tip of the iceberg.
The gourde (HTG) has been through the ringer lately. We are looking at a country that has faced six or seven consecutive years of economic contraction. Imagine your local economy shrinking every single year since 2019. That is the reality for Haiti. When the economy shrinks and inflation sits north of 26%, the value of the money in your pocket starts to feel like it's melting.
The Weird Math of the Haitian Dollar
You have to understand the "Haitian Dollar" to survive a trip there or even to do business. It is a mental calculation, not a physical bill. Basically, 1 Haitian Dollar is always equal to 5 gourdes.
Why? It’s a holdover from the days when the gourde was pegged 5-to-1 to the US dollar. That peg is long gone—shattered decades ago—but the habit stuck. If a merchant tells you something costs "100 dollars," they usually mean 500 gourdes. If you hand them a 100 USD bill, they’ll be thrilled, but you’ll be out a lot of money. Always clarify. Ask: "Gourdes or Dollars?" and then ask "Haitian or American?"
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It sounds like a comedy routine. It’s not. It’s how people lose 80% of their purchasing power in a single transaction.
Current Market Reality in 2026
The Banque de la République d'Haïti (BRH), which is the central bank, has been fighting an uphill battle. Governor Ronald Gabriel has been vocal about trying to maintain "zero monetary financing." That’s central-bank-speak for "the government isn't just printing money to pay its bills."
It’s working, sort of.
The exchange rate has been surprisingly stable for the last year, sticking in that 130 to 132 range. Compared to the chaos of 2023, where we saw rates spike toward 155, this is a relief. But stability is relative. When you’re dealing with a massive "informal" economy—we're talking 70% of the workforce—the official BRH rate doesn't always match what's happening on the street.
Why the Gourde is So Volatile
If you’re watching the haitian currency to us dollar trends, you’re basically watching a barometer of Haitian security.
When the gangs block the ports, prices go up. When the ports stay closed, the supply of US dollars dries up because exports stop and travel dies.
- Remittances are the Lifeblood: Haiti lives on money sent home from the diaspora in places like Miami, Montreal, and Paris. These are US dollars entering the system. If those flows slow down, the gourde tanks.
- Import Dependency: Haiti imports almost everything. Fuel, rice, electronics. All of that must be bought with USD. This creates a constant, relentless demand for dollars that the local economy struggles to meet.
- The "Fear of Floating": This is a term economists use for countries that are terrified of letting their currency value be set purely by the market. The BRH often intervenes to keep the gourde from crashing, but they only have so many reserves to play with.
The IMF has been keeping a close eye on this through their Staff-Monitored Programs. They want Haiti to tighten its belt, but you can only tighten a belt so far when half the population is facing acute food insecurity.
Where to Actually Change Money
Don't use the airport. Just don't.
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The rates at Toussaint Louverture International Airport are historically terrible. You'll lose a huge chunk of change just for the convenience.
Instead, look at the commercial banks like Sogebank or Unibank. They are generally the safest bet. You’ll need your passport. Expect lines. Sometimes long ones.
Digital is becoming an option, too. Apps like Revolut or Wise are starting to offer better ways to handle multi-currency balances, though the "boots on the ground" reality in Haiti still heavily favors cash. If you are sending money to someone, Remitly and Western Union are the standards, but watch the "hidden" exchange rate fees. They might say "low fee" but then give you a rate of 125 when the market is 130. That's where they get you.
What This Means for You
If you are a traveler or a business person, the haitian currency to us dollar situation means you need to be agile.
Carry some US dollars in small, crisp bills. No tears. No markings. Haitian banks and merchants are notoriously picky about the physical condition of US currency. A tiny rip in a $20 bill can make it literally worthless in Port-au-Prince. It’s bizarre but true.
Keep your gourdes for small daily purchases—water, food, taxis. Use USD for the "big" things like hotel bills or car rentals, but always check if they are using the "taux du jour" (the rate of the day).
Honestly, the economy in 2026 is at a crossroads. With elections being a constant topic of conversation and the Multinational Security Support mission trying to stabilize the streets, the currency is just waiting for a reason to move. If security improves, the gourde might actually gain some ground. If things slide back into port blockades and political vacuum, expect that 130 rate to be a fond memory.
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Next Steps for Handling Your Money:
- Check the BRH website daily: They post the "Taux de Référence" every morning. That is your baseline.
- Verify the "Dollar" type: Always ask if a price is in Gourdes, Haitian Dollars, or US Dollars before agreeing to a price.
- Inspect your USD: Before you leave for Haiti, ensure every US bill you carry is in perfect, "library-book" condition to avoid rejection at the counter.
Stay sharp. The math is weird, but once you get the 5-to-1 mental trick down and keep an eye on the official daily rate, you’ll navigate it just fine.