Are old US dollar bills accepted in Georgia?
Banks, exchange offices and which bills to bring.
Short answer
Old US dollars remain legal tender, so banks in Georgia usually accept them, but exchange offices may refuse them or offer a worse rate. Problems arise most often with old-design bills issued before 1996 and with worn, torn or written-on notes. To avoid losing out, bring new-design dollars in good condition.
Why
- Banks may accept old bills with a fee or send them for checking.
- Withdrawing lari from ATMs is easy if your card works in Georgia.
- Euros are exchanged as easily as dollars in Georgia.
Details
Check your bills before travelling: no writing, stamps or tears. If an exchange office refuses, try a bank branch.
Tip
Before travelling, swap old or worn bills at your own bank so you don't lose out on the rate in Georgia.
What may differ
Banks and exchange offices treat old bills differently, and airport exchanges are usually stricter.
Common misconception
Old-style dollars aren't accepted in Georgia at all.
What actually happens
Banks usually accept old dollars, sometimes for a fee; it's exchange offices that may refuse or cut the rate.
People also ask
- Are old dollars accepted in Georgia?
Sources
- National Bank of GeorgiaChecked at:
Information checked on October 4, 2026.
Which currency to bring to GeorgiaRelated questions
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How do you receive a transfer from abroad to a Georgian account?
You can receive money from abroad by bank transfer to your IBAN, through a system such as Western Union, or via Visa+ by phone number to a TBC card.
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What is a Georgian IBAN and where do you find it?
A Georgian IBAN has 22 characters: the country code GE, two check digits, two letters of the bank code and 16 digits of the account identifier assigned by the bank.
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How can you top up a card or pay a bill at a terminal in Georgia?
Utilities, mobile, internet, television and state services in Georgia are paid at payment terminals: the TBC Pay network has more than 4,000 terminals and over 1,000 services.
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Where can you exchange damaged or old lari banknotes?
Worn and damaged lari banknotes and coins are replaced free at face value at the National Bank of Georgia and commercial banks if they still meet the fitness criteria.