What Currency Should You Bring to Georgia: USD, EUR, or RUB?
It’s best to bring US dollars or euros — they are easily accepted at banks and exchange offices, even in mountain regions.
Russian rubles are also exchanged at decent rates, especially in cities.
Exotic currencies like Kazakh tenge or Polish zloty can be difficult to exchange and often involve costly double conversions.
What Is the Currency in Georgia?
The official currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL).
All transactions inside the country are made in lari.
- Coins: 1 and 2 lari
- Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 lari
- Smaller coins: Tetri (1 lari = 100 tetri)
1 lari is approximately $0.35 or 30 Russian rubles, depending on the exchange rate.
Where to Exchange Money: Bank, Exchange Office, or Street Traders?
💳 At the Bank — Safe but Not Always the Best Rate
Banks like Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank offer reliable but sometimes slightly less favorable exchange rates.
A passport is required for transactions.
Working hours: usually from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on weekends (some city branches work Saturdays).
💸 At Exchange Offices — Often Better Rates
Surprisingly, exchange offices ("exchangers") in Georgia often offer better rates than banks.
They are found in:
- Major and mid-sized cities
- Airports, train stations, shopping malls
Working hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, some operate 24/7.
Pro Tip: Visit 5–7 exchange points before swapping — the rate difference can be significant (up to 40 tetri).
🧓 From Street Money Changers
Traditional money changers can offer tempting rates at markets.
However, be extremely cautious and check the counting carefully.
It’s more of a cultural experience than a recommended method for exchanging large amounts.
Can You Pay by Card in Georgia?
If you have Russian bank cards, be warned:
- Mir cards are not accepted at all.
- Visa and MasterCard issued by Russian banksdo not work.
- UnionPay acceptance is unreliable.
✅ Cards from non-Russian foreign banks (Visa, MasterCard) work fine at:
- Shopping malls
- Hotels and hostels (guesthouses — not always)
- Gas stations
- Restaurants
Tip: Always check for hidden conversion fees when using foreign cards.
💳 ATMs are available with Russian-language menus, but expect a withdrawal fee depending on your home bank.
🚫 Where Cards Don’t Work:
- Markets
- Small shops
- Rural areas
- Public transport
- Street food stands
- Souvenir stalls
Even in Tbilisi, always carry some cash for small purchases like water or street snacks.
How Much Cash to Bring to Georgia?
- You can bring in and out up to 25,000 GEL (about $10,000) without declaring.
- Typical expenses vary by travel style, but for moderate spending, $400–$700 per week per person is a safe estimate.
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