Georgia
Money in Georgia: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use Georgian lari (₾) for cash‑only purchases and tips; cards work in Tbilisi, Batumi and larger towns, so withdraw from ATMs for everyday use. Tip roughly 5‑10% of the bill, more for exceptional service.
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GuideGeorgia
Key facts
- Currency
- Georgian lari (₾, GEL)
- Cash necessity
- 3 (keep cash for marshrutkas, markets, tips, villages)
- ATMs
- Common in cities, fees vary by bank
- Card acceptance
- Widely accepted in Tbilisi, Batumi, major hotels and restaurants
- Typical tip
- 5‑10% of restaurant bill; round up for taxis or guides
Currency and payment basics
Georgia uses the lari (₾, GEL). Exchange offices and banks in city centres offer the best rates; airport exchanges are usually less favorable. For most travellers, a mix of cash and a debit/credit card works well.
| Payment type | Where it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | Markets, marshrutkas, small towns, tips | Carry small bills for exact change |
| Card (Visa/Mastercard) | Tbilisi, Batumi, hotels, restaurants, larger shops | Some rural vendors accept only cash |
| Mobile payments | Limited, mostly in Tbilisi cafés | Check locally |
ATMs and card use
ATMs are plentiful in Tbilisi, Batumi and other major towns; most dispense lari directly. Bank‑issued cards usually work, but some foreign cards may be declined, so have a backup card. Fees depend on the issuing bank; consider a no‑foreign‑transaction‑fee card.
- Withdraw 100‑200 GEL at a time to avoid frequent fees.
- Check the ATM screen for the lari symbol before confirming.
- Keep a small emergency cash stash in case of network outages.
Tipping guidelines
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants, leave 5‑10% of the total; round up in cafés or for a quick snack. For taxis, round up to the nearest 5 GEL. Guides and drivers appreciate 10‑20 GEL per day, depending on service quality.
- Restaurants: 5‑10% of the bill.
- Cafés/fast food: round up to the next 1‑2 GEL.
- Taxis: round up to the nearest 5 GEL.
- Guides/drivers: 10‑20 GEL per day for good service.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Georgia?
Georgia uses the Georgian lari (₾, GEL). Exchange offices and banks in cities provide the best rates.
Should I use cash or a card in Georgia?
Use cards in cities and larger establishments; keep cash for marshrutkas, markets, tips and rural areas.
How much should I tip in Georgia?
Tip about 5‑10% in restaurants, round up in cafés and taxis, and give guides/drivers 10‑20 GEL per day for good service.
Are ATMs widely available?
Yes, ATMs are common in Tbilisi, Batumi and larger towns. Bank fees vary, so consider a no‑foreign‑transaction‑fee card.
Can I pay with mobile payments?
Mobile payments are limited, mostly in Tbilisi cafés. Check locally before relying on them.
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Deep dive
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