Currency exchange in Georgia at the current exchange rate. Money transfers and bank cards.

How much does lari cost today?

The exchange rate of lari to the dollar, euro or Russian ruble can be easily found on official websites banks in Georgia, for example, a well-known TBC bank puts up an up-to-date table with the exchange rate on a daily basis. So, today, $ 1 in Georgian banks can be bought for 3,005 lari, and sold for 3,085 lari. In addition, you will be able to see other currencies: 1 euro = 3,4298 lari, 1 pound sterling = 4,113 lari.

The situation with the Russian ruble is slightly different. You will be able to exchange not one ruble, but 100 rubles for 3.9068 lari. Some tourists claim that it is difficult to exchange the Russian ruble for lari, but this is not the case. Every tourist can buy lari in Georgian banks, money changers on the street, microfinance organizations and ATMs during cash withdrawal from a bank card.

We can say that 100 Russian rubles are approximately 4 lari, in fact, this value is slightly different - from 3.77 to 4.05 lari. If you take the ratio of 100 rubles = 4 lari, then you can easily and quickly calculate other values. So, 1000 rubles are equal to 40 lari, and 5000 rubles = 200 lari, 10000 rubles = 400 lari. If you live in Belarus or Ukraine, then expect that $ 100 is equal to approximately 300 lari. Thus, while vacationing in Georgia, you can easily calculate exactly how much money you need to take with you, for example, if you were brought a bill in a restaurant for 80 lari, then this is a check for 2000 rubles. If you were offered a sightseeing tour worth 40 lari, then feel free to prepare 1000 rubles.

The exchange rate of the lari to the Russian ruble in Georgia is quite stable and is not subject to high jumps and changes. A year ago, for $ 100, you could get 315-320 GEL. This change was due to the epidemic and quarantine. After such a small jump, the exchange rate rolled back and gradually leveled off to 300 lari for $ 100.

Profitable exchange of lari: where to find a high rate?

Where can I buy lari at a favorable rate? I recommend buying lari from money changers on the street, especially if these are small amounts, for example, $ 100. Why is that? When you imagine exchangers in Russia, Belarus or Ukraine, you immediately think of armored walls, alarm systems, armed guards and other protection measures, but in Georgia it's not like that at all.

Most often in Georgia you can find a small room where an older man is sitting and drinking tea, after which he will take out a large wad of money and count out your lari. Moreover, there are practically no cases of robbery or fraud in such exchange offices. It's also nice that the exchange rate on the street is a little higher.

The only nuance worth paying attention to is the rate of companies providing microloans and loans. Such organizations can offer a rate much higher than that of banks and money changers on the street. However, you should be prepared for the fact that you will be asked for documents, most often a passport. After you hand over the documents, they will be scanned, and you must also provide a phone number. Thus, you will be entered into the database as a client of this organization, after which they will call and compulsively offer their services.

Which money should I give preference to?

A very frequent question - what currency to take to Georgia? First of all, you don't have to worry, because all currency is in circulation here: dollars, euros, rubles and it won't be difficult to exchange. Based on the accumulated experience, I can advise you to take a bank card with you. Firstly, it is more secure, after all, there are fewer cases of fraud and theft from bank cards. Secondly, in the conditions of the coronavirus epidemic, it is prudent, since you do not have to constantly touch cash. Thirdly, it is more convenient because you do not need to carry coins with you or look for change, for example, while paying for a taxi ride.

Indeed, bank cards are quite common, they can even be used to pay for vegetables on the market. However, if you are going on an excursion to other cities or to historical attractions, it is better to take some cash with you for expenses. Also, you cannot pay with a bank card when buying homemade wine from Georgians, in some small shops or in private guest houses. Thus, it is best to take $ 200- $ 500 in cash for expenses and exchange them, and pay for everything else with a bank card.

How easy is it to exchange currency in Georgia?

Is it easy to exchange rubles for lari? Very easy! In total , there are several options for exchanging rubles for lari in Georgia. The first option is at the cash desk of a bank branch, for this you need an identity document. The second option is at street money changers, in small rooms at a fairly attractive rate, a passport is not required in this case. The third option is to withdraw cash in the form of lari from a bank card, but here you will have trouble in the form of a large commission. It's easier and faster to use the second option!

If there may be difficulties in banks, then money changers on the street can change almost any currency, including Russian rubles. Moreover, many exchange offices on the street work, if not around the clock, then until late in the evening. In extreme cases, you can exchange rubles for lari at ATMs located in special sectors of the bank branch.

It can definitely be said that there are no problems in Georgia with the exchange of Russian rubles for lari at a favorable rate.

Are rate hikes in Georgia rare or commonplace?

How often does the exchange rate of the Georgian lari change? Many tourists worry about currency surges, as it happens with the Russian ruble, but such a moment has not been noticed in Georgia over the past couple of years. The last jump in the lari currency was associated with the coronavirus epidemic, while $ 100 could be exchanged for 315 lari. However, even such a jump did not significantly damage the Georgian economy and the national payment system.

At the moment, the exchange rate is completely stable and you should not worry about your savings. Everythingpayments in Georgia They are held in lari, however, when renting a house or apartment, some landlords ask for a living fee in dollars or euros.

How profitable is it to exchange currency with money changers?

Differences in the course of lari in banks and on my street. By exchanging $ 100 in the bank for GEL, you can count on 300 GEL, while in my street you will get 304-305 GEL. The difference is not very big, but it's still nice to get a little more. However, keep in mind that money changers on the street will never sell lari at a price higher than the purchase price of dollars in the bank. So,TBC Bank he can buy $ 1 from you for 3.007 lari, and sell it for 3.083 lari, then money changers on the street can buy for 3.03 lari, but definitely not higher than 3.083. Therefore, it is more profitable to exchange currency from street money changers, especially there are a lot of them in Georgia, especially in large cities.

A more profitable course can sometimes be found in microfinance organizations, which are often found on Georgian streets in large cities. However, there are several unpleasant moments behind the attractive course, such as phone calls and SMS, a long wait and the requirement to provide a foreign passport.

Moscow lari course: cheaper or more expensive?

Georgian Lari course in Moscow. It is not very profitable to buy or sell Georgian lari in Moscow or other Russian cities, so it is best to finally exchange money in exchangers in Georgia. To date, exchanging money in a bank in the capital of Russia, for 1 Georgian lari you will receive 23.98 rubles.

Perhaps the money left after the rest should be exchanged for Russian rubles on the last day of your stay in Georgia. I advise you to exchange them at the money changers on the street. If you do not have the opportunity to exchange money for the Russian ruble before going home, it is better to buy nice gifts for your friends and family. They will definitely be happy with delicious Georgian wine and cheese, spices and other souvenirs reflecting the national spirit and unique atmosphere of Georgia.

What banking systems are used in Georgia?

It will not be possible to withdraw lari from Sberbank's bank card. In almost all cities of Georgia Sberbank, VTB, Tinkoff bank cards are not accepted and other payment cards issued by Russian banks.

There is often a double commission at ATMs in Georgia, so in the end it may turn out to be a completely unsuccessful course. I recommend checking with the bank whose card you have issued, whether it is Sberbank or VTB, what commission they charge. The first type of commission is described above. The second one is connected with the owner of the ATM where you will withdraw funds. ATMs of the Bank of Georgia company not so long ago began to charge a commission for their services in the amount of GEL 3. Some tourists claim that TBC and Liberty Bank ATMs do not charge fees for the time of withdrawing money from the card.

An interesting and useful nuance is that it is better not to withdraw money from ATMs immediately in lari. There are two types of ATMs of TBC Bank in Georgia: those that offer money in lari and euros, and those that give out lari and dollars. Therefore, before issuing, the mechanism will definitely offer you in which currency to withdraw money. Moreover, many ATMs on the street have menus in Russian or English. In this case, it is best to choose dollars or euros in the form of currency, and then exchange them for lari at the money changers on the street. It will be much more profitable this way!

What difficulties can you face when exchanging currency?

Nuances of currency exchange in Georgia. There are practically no pitfalls and troubles when exchanging currencies in Georgia, none of the locals seek to deceive you. You may not be happy to receive old and battered cash during the exchange, but this will not prevent you from paying them calmly. I also recommend that you carefully check and recalculate the money after buying lari from money changers on the street. Although cases of deception have not been noticed by me personally, caution never hurts.

Be prepared for the fact that all Georgians are not very efficient and do not rush anywhere during their work. They do everything clearly, but slowly enough. A measured atmosphere and a peaceful atmosphere hovers in every exchange office and bank of Georgia.

Also keep in mind that you may need a passport or other identity document at the bank, without which no financial service will be provided to you. A passport will be required not only for currency exchange, but also for withdrawing lari from a bank card, transferring funds to another country. In addition, young employees often do not know Russian at a good level and it will be quite difficult for you to communicate.

The need for a passport when going to the bank

Do I need a passport to exchange currency in Georgia? Documents during currency exchange are required at the bank, money changers on the street do not require you to have a passport or other documents. Moreover, a passport or other identity document is also required to transfer money or receive other financial services from a bank.

In addition, if you want to deposit money to a personal account at an ATM in Georgia, you need a phone, an SMS with the code necessary to activate the account will be sent to it. Moreover, if you get into trouble or need the help of an operational cashier at a bank, the employee will definitely require your passport. If you do not have the documents with you, then the bank employee will be forced to refuse you the service.

The company issuing loans and microloans also requires a passport and phone number when exchanging currency. This is necessary in order for you to be listed in the organization's database. Subsequently, employees of the company where you exchanged money will call, annoyingly offering you financial services.

Is it difficult to find an ATM in Georgia?

Is there everywhere ATMs and terminals?There are a huge number of ATMs in Georgia, especially in large cities, some of them have menus in Russian and English. Moreover, almost all ATMs work around the clock, since they are located in the bank building in a secure section where a security system and an alarm system are installed. ATMs of Bank of Georgia, TBC and Liberty Bank, which serve more than 80% of local residents, are particularly popular among tourists.

There are terminals in every institution in Georgia, be it a barber shop, a fruit and vegetable market or a small cafe. Such a successful development of entrepreneurship is facilitated by a favorable tax system, since sole proprietors in Georgia pay only 1% of turnover. In addition, contactless payments are also widespread. Many tourists and locals do not take a bank card with them at all, a phone with NFC connected, for example Samsung Pay or Apple Pay, is enough.

There were no major interruptions and incidents during payment by bank card in Georgia. Therefore, you can pay for all your taxi rides, entertainment and shopping with non-cash money from your phone or bank card.

Should I keep Georgian coins with me?

Why do tourists need Georgian coins?In total, lari has two denominations of coins in Georgia, these are 1 lari and 2 lari.

There are also those three - (kopecks) - 50, 20, 10 and 5.

They say there used to be 1 tetris, but I haven't seen it.

A few years ago, many locals and tourists always carried Georgian coins with them. However, this is inconvenient because the coins are heavy and it is easier to pay with a bank card. It is clear that 1 GEL is 100 tetri.

The only place where those three were needed before was to pay for buns or other small goodies. In general, I recommend keeping a couple of coins with you in case of emergency. An important caveat is that the elevator ride to Tbilisi is paid only in Georgian coins. It is noteworthy that all fees are subsequently directed to the repair and improvement of the elevator.

Fast conversion of lari

Currency converter in Georgia. Currency quotes are updated every minute, so it is important to know reliable figures before the exchange. The currency converter will help you to correctly navigate the prices and make some calculations, for example, while in a cafe or at a local market. The easiest way is to find out the current data on currency exchange and make a rate transfer on the official websites of banks in Georgia, for example, on the website of Bank Of Georgia or TBC Bank. There are also several third-party sources and online services, but it is still better to use the official data of banks.

In addition, on the Madloba Guide website you can also find a convenient and simple converter that allows you to quickly and accurately find out the desired course. Thus, each tourist will be able to easily find out how many lari he will receive for 1000 rubles or $ 100.

Money transfers to other countries

Money transfer to Georgia from Russia and other countries. In January 2022, the National Bank of Georgia published the official statistics of money transfers, which states that in 2021 the historical maximum of transfers was reached, namely, more than $ 1.7 billion was transferred to the country. Moreover, the first place in the list of countries is occupied by Russia with a value of $ 301 million, followed by Italy, the USA, Greece and Israel.

There are dozens of money transfer systems operating in Georgia, but Ria Money Transfer, Golden Crown and Western Union occupy confident places in the list of leaders. In total, more than $643 million was transferred through these systems in 2021. You can choose an international system that is convenient for you and make a money transfer from anywhere in the world.

The money transfer system in Georgia works smoothly and efficiently, so you can not worry about your money. Most of them use the services of the most popular banks in Georgia: Bank Of Georgia or TBC Bank. There you will be able to transfer money and receive it, for this you will need identity documents and a special code. This procedure will not take you much time. Most often, the money is received immediately or on the next working day as a last resort.

In the bank's branches, every employee will be able to help you with a guarantee, since a high level of service implies proficiency in English. The maximum amount of a bank transfer to another country depends on a certain payment system. Moreover, the commission for financial services is not very large, it depends on a certain bank. You can transfer money both in dollars and in rubles or lari.

Which currency is better to use in Georgia?

What kind of money should a tourist take to Georgia? It's best to take a bank card and a couple hundred dollars with you. Dollars are not accepted on the territory of Georgia, they can be exchanged at the Tbilisi airport, Batumi or in any other city. In kiosks and airport offices, the courses are practically no different from those that you can see in the banks of Bank Of Georgia. For example, if you exchange 10,000 rubles for 400 lari or $ 100 for 300 lari, you can be calm, because this amount will be enough for you to travel to the hotel, lunch at a cafe and some entertainment.

There are no problems with currency exchange in Georgia, be it euros, dollars or Russian rubles, so there is no particular difference what money you take with you. Since Georgia is a very hospitable country that lives by tourism, every local resident will help you find a point or bank where you can exchange lari for Russian rubles. Again, it is quite normal to pay for your expenses with bank cards, Apple Pay or other payment systems.

In conclusion, I would like to say that in Georgia, you can easily and quickly exchange Russian rubles for lari both at exchange offices on the street and in banks. It is best to use a bank card during your vacation, but you should also not forget cash to pay for some expenses. In addition, it is more profitable and faster to exchange money from money changers on the street, and not in a bank through a cash register or ATM.