Since the introduction of a dual currency system, there's been much speculation that the quetzal will eventually disappear. Jeroen Bollen is one of those who think this will take place. He says that with the dollarisation Guatemala hopes top attract foreign investors. The United States, Canada and Mexico have signed a free trade association and are seeing Central America as a marketplace for their products. For them, it would be easier and safer if Central America uses the dollar instead of national currencies.
Merchants have yet to see what they'll get for their coins, if the quetzal disappears altogether.
But Guatemalans with dollar bank accounts can rest assured that their money won't lose its value. Visit the Hot Spots Forum .