Georgian currency: the lari, cash, cards and money tips

Georgia uses its own currency, the Georgian lari. Here is what you need to know to pay for things easily during your trip.

The Georgian lari (GEL)

• Code and symbol: GEL, written ₾.
• Subunit: 1 lari = 100 tetri.
• Notes in use: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 lari.
• Coins in use: 5, 10, 20 and 50 tetri, and 1 and 2 lari.
• Issued by the National Bank of Georgia.

By law, businesses in Georgia set their prices in lari, so price tags, menus and taxi apps show lari. Exchange rates change every day, so check a live rate before you exchange.

Cash or card?

Cards are widely accepted in the cities, including Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. Small shops, markets, guesthouses and villages often want cash, so keep some lari with you, especially in the mountains. ATMs are easy to find in the cities but fewer in small towns.

Exchanging money

Exchange offices are common in city centres and at the airport. US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to exchange. Compare the buy and sell rates shown on the board before you hand over cash, and count your money at the counter.

If you carry more than 30,000 lari (or the equivalent in other currencies) into or out of Georgia, you must declare it at the border.

Paying for your driver with GeoVan

You do not prepay online. You pay your driver on arrival in cash in GEL, USD or EUR, by bank transfer to our Georgian or European account, or through a secure payment link. Our prices are per vehicle, not per person, and we confirm the full price before you book. See what a private driver in Georgia costs.

Travelling from the Gulf? Read our guide for Gulf travellers, including the travel insurance you now need to enter Georgia.

Quick answers

What currency is used in Georgia?

The Georgian lari (GEL, ₾). One lari is divided into 100 tetri.

Can I use US dollars or euros in Georgia?

Prices in Georgia are set in lari, so shops and restaurants expect lari. Dollars and euros are easy to exchange at exchange offices. With GeoVan, you can pay your driver in GEL, USD or EUR.

Are cards accepted in Georgia?

Yes, cards are widely accepted in cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. Keep some cash for small shops, markets and the mountains.

Is there a limit on how much cash I can bring to Georgia?

There is no upper limit, but you must declare cash above 30,000 lari (or the equivalent) when you enter or leave Georgia.

Do I have to pay GeoVan in advance?

No. You pay your driver on arrival in cash (GEL, USD or EUR), by bank transfer or through a secure payment link.

Photo credits: Old Tbilisi -- Armenian Quarter — Ian.Climacus (CC BY 2.0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their free licenses.