Who is pictured on Georgian lari banknotes?
Writers, poets, a queen and heroes on Georgia's money.
Short answer
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. The 1 and 2 lari denominations now circulate as coins.
Why
- Banknotes are issued by the National Bank of Georgia, and newer series have extra security features.
- The lari was introduced in 1995 and is divided into 100 tetri.
- Ivane Javakhishvili founded Tbilisi State University.
Details
Small shops aren't always keen to change a 200 lari note, so use it in larger stores. Any bank can check whether a note is genuine.
Tip
The 1 and 2 lari coins look similar in size to large tetri coins, so check the value before paying.
What may differ
Common misconception
What actually happens
People also ask
- Who is on the 100 lari note?
Sources
- National Bank of GeorgiaChecked at:
Information checked on October 3, 2026.
Georgian Lari: History and Meaning of the National CurrencyRelated questions
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Are old US dollar bills accepted in Georgia?
Old US dollars remain legal tender, so banks in Georgia usually accept them, but exchange offices may refuse them or offer a worse rate.
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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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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.