Payments in Georgia: Cards, Cash, Local Services

Georgia has become a popular destination in recent years for tourists and for residents of the CIS who have chosen the country for living or working. The payment infrastructure here is modern and convenient for foreigners.

What is Accepted

Visa and Mastercard. Standard in all establishments except the smallest ones. Virtual cards work almost everywhere.

Apple Pay and Google Pay. Widely accepted, especially in Tbilisi and major cities.

UnionPay and MIR. MIR works (via local infrastructure), but not at all POS terminals. UnionPay is accepted in large chains.

Cash. Lari (GEL) is the local currency. Accepted everywhere. Sometimes small shops and cafes only take cash.

Local Payment Services

TBC Pay, Bank of Georgia mobile. Georgian mobile banking apps. Not needed for tourists.

Wallet.ge. Georgian e-money, used for online payments within the country. Not needed for tourists.

Exchange and Withdrawal

There are many exchange offices in Tbilisi and Batumi. The rate difference between them and the market rate is small (0.5-1%). At banks, the rate is noticeably worse.

ATMs accepting international cards are plentiful. Local banks (TBC, Bank of Georgia, Liberty Bank, Credo Bank) are standard. The withdrawal fee is usually 1-2% plus your issuer's fee.

At Tbilisi airport, exchange office rates are worse than in the city. Exchange a minimum amount, the rest in the city.

Opening an Account

Georgia has historically been open to non-residents. After 2022, the situation has tightened slightly, but it is still easier than in most EU countries:

• TBC Bank. Account opening remotely via TBC Status is available to citizens of certain countries; requirements change. In person at a branch is easier, but requires registration at a Georgian address.
• Bank of Georgia. Similar. Sometimes require a paid services package for non-residents.
• Credo Bank. Less formality, easier for remote opening.

A Georgian account allows you to receive SWIFT, receive SEPA through correspondent relationships, and use a local bank card. Useful for those living in Georgia long-term.

Tips for Tourists

Tipping is not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often already included in the bill. Leaving extra is not customary, but not prohibited.

Bolt and Yandex Taxi. Work in all major cities. Linking a virtual card is standard.

Wine tours, restaurants in the regions. Often only accept cash. Keep lari in your wallet.