Money, banks and currency exchange
What currency Georgia uses, where to get a good exchange rate, which cards work, how to send money from abroad and how a foreigner can open a bank account.
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How can you send money from Russia to Georgia in 2026?
Since 24 July 2026 Zolotaya Korona no longer sends transfers to Georgia, so money now goes by bank transfer to an IBAN from Russian banks that still serve this route, or through separate payment services.
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What currency does Georgia use, and what money should you bring?
Georgia's currency is the lari (GEL), divided into 100 tetri, and all payments inside the country are made in lari.
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What banks are there in Georgia, and which should a foreigner choose?
Georgia's largest banks are TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia, with the most branches and ATMs, good English-language apps and often Russian-speaking support.
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Who is pictured on Georgian lari banknotes?
Lari banknotes feature notable Georgians: scholar Ivane Javakhishvili on 5 lari, poet Akaki Tsereteli on 10, writer Ilia Chavchavadze on 20, Queen Tamar on 50, poet Shota Rustaveli on 100 and Kakutsa Cholokashvili, a hero of the 1920s independence struggle, on 200.
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How can a Russian citizen open a bank card in Georgia?
A Russian citizen can open an account and card at a Georgian bank, but only in person at a branch: you need your international passport, a Georgian phone number and a questionnaire on the account's purpose and your income sources.
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How can you send money from Georgia to Russia?
Money usually goes from Georgia to Russia by bank transfer from a Georgian account to an account at a Russian bank that is not under sanctions, or through money transfer services.
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How can you withdraw cash in Georgia with a Russian card?
Withdrawing cash in Georgia with a Russian card is practically impossible: Georgian ATMs do not serve Visa and Mastercard cards from Russian banks or Mir cards.
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How much is the lari in rubles today, and where can you check the rate?
The National Bank of Georgia publishes the official lari rate against the ruble and other currencies on its website every day.
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Where and how can you exchange rubles for lari in Georgia?
You can exchange rubles for lari at exchange offices and banks in Tbilisi, Batumi and other large cities, with rates displayed by the entrance.
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How can Russian tourists pay in Georgia, and which cards work?
Russian-issued Visa, Mastercard and Mir cards do not work in Georgia, so the simplest option for Russian tourists is to bring cash in dollars, euros or rubles and exchange it for lari.