How can Russian tourists pay in Georgia, and which cards work?
Cash, foreign cards and what changed with money transfers in 2026.
Short answer
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. Another option is a card from a bank in another country or a Georgian card, if you have opened one. Russian UnionPay cards sometimes work, but you cannot rely on them.
Why
- Because of sanctions, international payment systems do not serve Russian bank cards abroad.
- The Mir payment system is not accepted at any terminal or ATM in Georgia.
- Visa and Mastercard cards from foreign banks, including Georgian ones, work in shops, cafes and taxis.
Details
You will need cash lari at markets, on minibuses and in small cafes. Some hotels, tours and car rentals can be paid in advance on websites that accept Russian cards. Since July 24, 2026, Zolotaya Korona has stopped sending transfers to Georgia, so you can no longer receive money on the spot this way.
Tip
Work out your budget in advance and bring the full amount in cash with a margin: you will not be able to withdraw money from a Russian card.
What may differ
The situation with transfers from Russia keeps changing. Check what works before you travel.
Common misconception
You can pay with a Mir card in Georgia.
What actually happens
No, Mir cards are not accepted by any terminal or ATM in Georgia.
People also ask
- Do Russian bank cards work in Georgia?
- Does the Mir card work in Georgia?
- How can Russian tourists pay in Georgia?
- Which cards are accepted in Georgia?
Sources
The situation with cards and transfers was checked on October 2, 2026 and may change.
Money and currency in GeorgiaRelated questions
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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.