Ever walked into a Georgetown cambio with a stack of Benjamins and felt like you were winning the lottery? It's a trip. You hand over a thin envelope of greenbacks and walk out with a literal brick of Guyanese cash. But here's the thing: converting US currency to Guyana dollars isn't just about the math. It's about timing, knowing where the "hidden" fees live, and understanding why a country that was dirt poor ten years ago is now the fastest-growing economy on the planet.
Right now, as of January 18, 2026, the mid-market rate is hovering around 209.44 GYD for 1 USD.
But don't get too excited. You aren't getting that rate.
Most travelers and business folks make the mistake of looking at Google and thinking that’s what they’ll get at the counter. Honestly, you've gotta account for the spread. Local banks like Republic Bank or GBTI usually buy your US dollars at a slightly lower rate and sell them back at a premium.
Why the rate is stuck in a weird spot
Guyana is a bit of an anomaly. Usually, when a country finds massive amounts of oil—and we are talking about 11 billion barrels of the stuff—their currency rockets. But the Bank of Guyana keeps a tight leash on things. It’s what the pros call a "de facto stabilized arrangement."
Basically, they keep the Guyana dollar (GYD) pegged loosely to the US dollar to prevent "Dutch Disease." That’s the economic nightmare where your currency gets so strong that nobody can afford your rice, sugar, or gold anymore.
So, while the economy is ballooning by double digits every year, the exchange rate barely budges. It stays in that 208 to 215 range. It's weirdly stable given the chaos of global energy markets.
Where to actually swap your US currency to Guyana dollars
If you're landing at Cheddi Jagan International (CJIA), you’ll see the booths. They’re convenient. They also usually have the worst rates.
If you want the best bang for your buck, you head to the private cambios in Georgetown. Places like L. Mahabeer & Son or various spots along America Street (affectionately known as "Wall Street" by locals). These guys live and breathe the daily fluctuations.
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Here is how the rates usually shake out across the board:
- Private Cambios: Generally the most competitive. They want your USD because the local market is always hungry for foreign exchange.
- Commercial Banks: Safer, sure. But you’ll deal with more paperwork and slightly wider spreads. Expect a rate closer to 207-208 if you're selling USD.
- Hotel Desks: Only use these if it’s 2 AM and you’re desperate. They’ll clip you for a significant percentage just for the convenience.
The "Small Bill" Trap
This is a weird one that catches people off guard. In Guyana, size matters. Or rather, denomination.
If you show up with a bunch of wrinkled $1, $5, or $10 bills, many cambios will either refuse them or give you a lower rate. They want those crisp, clean $100 bills. It sounds petty, but it's a real thing. If your US currency is torn or has ink marks, good luck. You might as well be holding Monopoly money in some shops.
The Oil Factor and 2026 Projections
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: ExxonMobil.
With production hitting over 1.1 million barrels a day this year, the sheer volume of US dollars flowing into the Natural Resource Fund is staggering. You’d think this would make the GYD stronger. However, the IMF and World Bank have both noted that the government is intentionally keeping the rate stable to fund massive infrastructure projects without overheating the local market.
Interestingly, global oil prices have softened recently, dipping toward $60 or even $50 a barrel depending on who you ask in Washington. Does that crash the Guyana dollar?
Probably not.
Guyana’s "break-even" price is insanely low—around $28 per barrel. Even if the world is swimming in cheap oil, Guyana is still printing money. For you, this means the US currency to Guyana dollars rate is likely to stay boringly stable through the rest of 2026.
Digital vs. Cash
Can you just use your Visa card? Sorta.
In the big supermarkets like Massy or the posh hotels like the Marriott, sure. Swipe away. But Guyana is still a cash-heavy society. If you're buying a pepperpot in the market or taking a yellow cab, they want GYD.
And watch out for the foreign transaction fees. Your bank back home might charge you 3% to convert the transaction, and then the local merchant might add their own "processing fee." It adds up fast. Honestly, carrying a bit of cash is usually cheaper if you're moving around a lot.
Actionable Steps for Your Money
If you're planning a trip or doing business, don't just wing it.
- Check the Bank of Guyana daily table. They post the weighted average rates every morning. It gives you a baseline so you know if a cambio is trying to lowball you.
- Bring big, clean notes. $50s and $100s only. Keep them flat in a folder.
- Use a local ATM if necessary. Scotiabank and Republic Bank ATMs generally accept international cards, but the daily withdrawal limits are often low (around 60,000 to 100,000 GYD).
- Don't exchange everything at once. Because the rate is so stable, there’s no point in carrying a million Guyana dollars in your pocket and risking the theft. Swap as you go.
The reality of the US currency to Guyana dollars market is that it's a tool of the state. It’s kept steady to help the country grow. As a visitor or investor, that stability is actually your best friend. You don't have to worry about the currency collapsing overnight like it might in some neighboring countries. Just watch the spreads, keep your bills crisp, and always count your change twice.