The Haitian Gourdes is the official currency of Haiti, symbolized as “G.”

This currency has a significant role in the country’s economy. The currency code for the Gourde is HTG. 

Knowing this currency’s value and how it operates is essential for anyone interacting with Haiti’s economy, through trade, travel, or investments.

What is Haitian Gourdes

The Haitian Gourdes (HTG) is the official currency of Haiti, a Caribbean nation. It is abbreviated as HTG and symbolized by “G.” 

The Gourde is subdivided into 100 smaller units called centimes. However, centimes are rarely used in everyday transactions due to inflation.

The Haitian Gourde has been in use since 1813, and over time, it has experienced various changes in value due to economic conditions. 

Haiti’s economy, which depends heavily on imports, foreign aid, and remittances, faces inflation and currency devaluation challenges.

History of the Haitian Gourde

The Gourde has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Initially, it replaced the Spanish dollar, which was the dominant currency in Haiti at that time. 

The name “gourde” comes from the indigenous Taíno word for a type of gourd used as a unit of measure. 

Over the years, the Haitian Gourde underwent several changes in its value and form, adapting to the country’s evolving economic world.

In 1983, the government introduced a new series of banknotes and coins, redesigning them to include more secure features and improving their usability. 

These measures aimed to combat counterfeiting and enhance public trust in the currency.

Current Exchange Rate

The exchange rate of the Haitian Gourdes against the US dollar stands around 131.306 HTG for 1 USD. The exchange rate tends to fluctuate daily based on market conditions. 

In the past week, the rate saw minor changes, with a high of 131.434 HTG and a low of 131.001 HTG​

This stability is crucial for individuals and businesses relying on conversions for travel or trade.

The Gourde also trades against various other currencies, making it essential for anyone doing business in or with Haiti to keep an eye on these rates. 

Many online tools and platforms provide live currency rates, making it easier to track changes.

Denominations of the Gourde

Haitian Gourdes come in both coins and banknotes. The coins include denominations such as 5, 10, 20, and 50 centimes, as well as 1 and 5 Gourdes. 

The banknotes have denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 Gourdes​

This range allows for various transactions, from small everyday purchases to larger expenses.

Conclusion

Knowing the Haitian Gourdes is vital for anyone interested in Haiti. Its history reflects the country’s journey, while its current value impacts daily transactions for Haitians. 

While it faces challenges like inflation and devaluation, the Gourde remains central to everyday transactions and economic activities.

Staying informed about exchange rates and the structure of the currency can significantly benefit travelers, businesses, and anyone engaged in economic activities involving Haiti.