The Georgian Currency

About the Georgian currency

Since 1995, the currency in Georgia or the Georgian currency – Lari with the international designation ‘GEL – Georgian Lari’ has been the only means of payment in the country. The word Lari is derived from the old Georgian word lari, which means treasure. The coins are called tetri. The word also had two meanings in ancient Georgian: Silver and money/coin, although in the Swan language it still means money today. The old currency ‘Colchian tetri’ is known from Colchian culture.

Exchange rate and currency exchange in Georgia

Changing money in Georgia is very simple and straightforward. There are several banks or other options for exchanging money at the airport. However, you should be aware that the exchange rate at the airports can be somewhat lower and if you do not urgently need the Georgian currency – Georgian lari, you should not change at the airport.

In addition to the banks, there are numerous exchange offices in the larger cities where you can change money without much effort. Please note that some exchange offices require a passport or identity card to exchange money.

For the current exchange rate, please click on ‘Georgian National Bank’

ATMs in Georgia

There is no shortage of ATMs in Georgia, they can be found everywhere in larger and smaller towns. You can withdraw money from ATMs with Visa and Mastercard. The largest banks in Georgia offer this service:

• Bank of Georgia,
• TBC – Bank
• Liberty Bank

How to pay in Georgia

In Georgia you can pay both in cash and by card. However, we recommend that our guests carry cash with them during their stay in Georgia. Large notes should not be used, as it is difficult to get change in small shops or markets. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants. Paying with foreign currency is not permitted in Georgia.