What is the name of Georgian money? What currency to take on vacation to Georgia? Where to change money in Georgia? Is it possible to pay by card in Georgia?
What is the name of Georgian money?
The national currency of Georgia is called lari, international symbol is GEL.
- 1 lari consists of 100 tetri
- Banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 lari are in use.
- There are gold coins of 500 and 1000 lari
- Local coins in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 tetri
The exchange rate is constantly changing and is:
- 1 GEL = 0.27 EUR
- 1 GEL = 0.32 USD
Georgian money is very beautiful and resembles pictures from books. For example, the 1 lari banknote depicts a deer from a painting by artist Niko Pirosmani, and the 100 lari banknote depicts the biblical story “Daniel in the Lion’s Den.”
Where to change money in Georgia?
Banks
The safest way to change money is at banks. There are branches of Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank in every city. To exchange, you must present your passport. Banks are open from 8:00 to 20:00 without a lunch break.
Exchangers
There are exchange offices at every step; you can easily recognize them by the sign with the exchange rate. Don’t rush to change the first one, walk around and check the course. Often in exchange offices the difference per 1 lari is up to 30 tetri. If you have just arrived, change a small amount at the airport; the exchange rate in the city is more favorable. Without exception, all exchangers operate without commission, opening hours are from 8:00 to 20:00, there are 24-hour exchange offices.
When exchanging, read the exchange rate carefully. Some exchangers write the currency selling rate in large numbers, luring customers. Always check how much lari you will receive upon exchange.
Street money changers
Like us, in Georgia there are still street money changers – currency traders . They are located in markets and shopping centers. They have the best exchange rates, but you have to be extremely careful. You can exchange small amounts with them, but it is safer to exchange large amounts at a bank.
Is it possible to pay by card in Georgia?
Cards of payment systems VISA, Eurocard/Mastercard and Cirrus/Maestro are accepted in large stores, hotels, gas stations and restaurants. All resorts, including ski resorts, have ATMs if you need to withdraw cash. ATMs have Russian or English language. If you want to withdraw GEL, press the GEL button on the screen. When withdrawing, a commission is charged, 1-3%, depending on the bank. Be sure to disable double or reverse conversion in your card menu before your trip.
Do you need cash in Georgia?
In markets, family cafes, shops, transport and small shops, your card will not be accepted. Even in big cities you need to have cash with you – fast food stalls, water kiosks and souvenir shops only accept lari.