Planning a trip to Georgia? Understanding how to handle money here will save you from awkward moments at restaurants and help you get the best value for your lari. As locals, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate Georgia’s financial landscape with confidence.
The Georgian Lari (GEL) – Your Essential Currency
Georgia exclusively uses the Georgian Lari (GEL) for all transactions. The currency consists of:
- Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 GEL (200 and 500 GEL notes exist but are extremely rare)
- Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 Tetri plus 1 and 2 GEL coins (100 Tetri = 1 GEL)
Real-Life Example: Imagine you’re buying a traditional khachapuri in Tbilisi that costs 8 GEL. You could pay with:
- A 10 GEL note (and receive 2 GEL in change)
- A 5 GEL note + three 1 GEL coins
- A 5 GEL note + a 2 GEL coin + two 50 Tetri coins
Important: No foreign currencies are accepted for payments anywhere in Georgia. Even at high-end hotels in Tbilisi or tourist restaurants in Batumi, you’ll need GEL.
Where to Get Cash
ATMs are abundant throughout major Georgian cities, typically found on main streets and in shopping areas. Look for these trusted Georgian banks:
- Bank of Georgia (BOG) – Easily spotted with their blue branding
- TBC Bank – Recognizable orange color scheme
- Liberty Bank – Green-branded ATMs
Real-Life Example: When arriving at Tbilisi International Airport, you’ll find several ATMs in the arrivals hall. For better rates, skip these and wait until you reach the city center. On Rustaveli Avenue, you’ll find multiple ATMs from all three recommended banks within a short walking distance of each other.
Practical Tip: ATM withdrawal limits typically range from 500-1,500 GEL per transaction, with a small fee of 5-7 GEL per withdrawal. To minimize fees, make fewer, larger withdrawals rather than multiple small ones.
Best Currency Exchange Options
For travelers seeking the most favorable exchange rates:
- Rico Credit offers excellent rates for in-person exchanges. Their main branch at Chavchavadze Avenue #12 in Tbilisi typically offers 2-3% better rates than airport exchanges.
Real-Life Example: Exchanging 100 USD at Tbilisi Airport might get you 250 GEL, while the same amount at Rico Credit could yield 257-260 GEL – enough for an extra dinner or several taxi rides.
- Kursi.ge lets you compare current rates before heading out. The site updates hourly and shows exactly which exchange points offer the best deals for your currency.
Practical Use: Before exchanging money, check Kursi.ge on your phone. You might find that a smaller exchange office on Perovskaya Street offers better rates than the more visible ones on Rustaveli Avenue.
Cash-to-Card Options for Tourists
If you arrive with cash and need to deposit it onto a card, Western Union offers this service for tourists.
Real-World Scenario: Let’s say you brought 500 EUR in cash but prefer not to carry it around Tbilisi. Visit the Western Union at Sheraton Tbilisi (open 9:00-18:00 daily), where you can deposit this money onto your travel card for a fee of approximately 15-20 GEL.
Card Acceptance in Georgia
Credit card acceptance varies significantly by location:
- Major Cities: Cards are widely accepted in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi at hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Example: At fashionable restaurants like Ezo or Shavi Lomi in Tbilisi, you can easily pay by card and even split the bill between multiple cards.
- Rural Areas: Many guesthouses and family restaurants in places like Kazbegi or Sighnaghi accept only cash.
Real Scenario: When staying at a family guesthouse in Mestia, you might be offered homemade khinkali and wine for dinner at 25 GEL per person – but you’ll almost certainly need to pay in cash.
- Markets & Small Vendors: Traditional markets like Mshrali Khidi (Dry Bridge) in Tbilisi operate exclusively with cash.
Shopping Example: If you’re hunting for traditional Georgian souvenirs like vintage Soviet medals or handmade ceramic wine vessels at Dry Bridge Market, bring cash – none of the vendors have card terminals. Most items range from 20-100 GEL, so having 200-300 GEL is usually sufficient.
Local Tip
When venturing outside Tbilisi, always carry enough cash to cover your planned activities plus extra for unexpected opportunities. Even in wine regions like Kakheti, many smaller family wineries offer impromptu tastings that require cash payment – typically 30-50 GEL per person for a tasting of 5-6 wines with bread and cheese.
The currency exchange rate fluctuates, but as of early 2025, 1 USD typically equals about 2.6 GEL, 1 EUR about 2.7 GEL, and 1 GBP about 3.2 GEL. Checking current rates on Kursi.ge before your trip will help you budget accurately.
Remember, bargaining is not common in Georgia except at flea markets – prices are generally fixed, even if paying with cash. However, when purchasing multiple items at markets, politely asking “Any discount for buying several?” might save you a few lari.
