The currency: the lari
Georgia’s official currency is the lari (symbol: ₾, code: GEL). It’s relatively stable, and prices in the country — whether a restaurant, a taxi or a site entry — are always shown in lari.
- 1 lari ≈ €0.35 / $0.37 (2026, variable)
- Notes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 ₾
- Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 tetri (cents)
ATMs
- In the cities — ATMs are everywhere in Tbilisi, Batumi and any large town. Most accept Visa and Mastercard.
- In villages and remote areas — there isn’t always an ATM. Carry cash in advance.
- Fees: depend on your bank. At a local ATM — usually 2–4 ₾ per withdrawal.
Tip: withdraw a larger amount each time to save on fees, but don’t carry thousands of lari around without needing to.
Credit cards
- Restaurants, hotels and shops in the city — almost always accept cards.
- Markets, stalls, street taxis and villages — cash only.
- Bolt — pay by card through the app, no cash needed.
Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if the service was good — not required, but appreciated.
- Taxi drivers: round up (for example, from 9.20 to 10 ₾).
- Sulfur baths: no tip required.
Changing money
- At the airport: worst exchange rate. Change just a little for the first ride into town, and the rest in Tbilisi.
- At city banks: better rate, but limited hours.
- From abroad: you can change to lari before the trip — not required, but handy for the first day.