Money in Georgia: Lari, Cards, Taxi Payments and Tax Free

Georgia uses the lari. Cards are convenient in Tbilisi and larger businesses, but cash remains useful for villages, markets and local transport. Pay particular attention to final restaurant prices and transport validation.

Tbilisi, Georgia · packing4two

Lari and tetri

One lari, GEL or ₾, contains 100 tetri. Banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lari. Common coins are 5, 10, 20 and 50 tetri plus 1 and 2 lari.

Keep smaller notes for short rides and purchases. If a hotel or tour quotes dollars, establish the actual lari settlement amount and conversion rate before agreeing.

Can you avoid cash?

Cards are accepted in many Tbilisi and Batumi businesses, hotels and shops. A particular foreign card can still fail, and village or market traders may lack terminals, so do not rely only on a phone.

Keep a reserve for a day or two of smaller expenses outside the city, adjusted for prepaid bookings. Carry a separate backup card and enable any required overseas-use settings.

Exchange offices and ATMs

Compare the actual lari proceeds after fees at an exchange office. At an ATM, check operator charges and withdrawal limits as well as your own bank’s terms.

Compare home-currency conversion with a lari charge rather than choosing the familiar currency automatically. The calculator here indicates approximate value, not a guaranteed withdrawal rate.

The Bolt app

In Tbilisi, enter your destination in the Bolt app, choose the service and check the payment method before booking. Match the vehicle plate and driver details before boarding.

If the trip is set to in-app card payment, do not pay cash again without establishing the transaction’s status. For a taxi booked outside the app, agree the fare and payment beforehand. Arrange a way back from remote places, not just an outbound ride.

Metromoney in Tbilisi

TTC is Tbilisi’s municipal transport operator. Its buses and metro have a basic GEL 1 fare for a 90-minute window using the Metromoney stored-value transport card or a supported bank card. Validate at every boarding or metro entry. Buy and top up Metromoney at metro ticket offices or suitable Bank of Georgia locations.

Not every foreign card or payment method necessarily receives identical conditions. Ask at the ticket office and use a transport card if uncertain. Ropeways may have separate fares rather than being included automatically.

Tips and service charges

Tips are discretionary. Around 5–10% for good service is a reasonable starting choice after checking whether a service charge is already included. Taxi rounding is optional.

A service charge is not necessarily a direct tip to the waiter. Ask if you want an extra amount to reach the staff, rather than adding it twice automatically.

Menus should show final prices

Restaurant consumer prices should include VAT and mandatory charges, including service fees. The standard VAT rate is 18%; do not assume every menu price is quoted before it.

If a menu footnote or a higher final bill suggests an extra charge, request an explanation before paying. Establishing the complete price upfront avoids an argument after the meal.

Hotels, tours and rentals

Compare the full party’s cost, including tax, meals, transfers, parking and extra beds. For apartments, establish cleaning or electricity charges if listed separately.

For rentals, confirm the deposit and accepted card. An all-inclusive price does not mean every insurance risk is covered; read those conditions separately.

Tax Free: over GEL 200 before VAT

Foreign citizens may qualify for refunds on goods bought from an authorised Tax Free retailer. One receipt must exceed GEL 200 before VAT, equivalent to more than GEL 236 including tax at 18%.

Goods must leave Georgia; accommodation, transfers and meals are not covered. Request the special receipt at purchase and preserve any required sealed packaging.

Before departure

Export the goods within three months of purchase and present the items and paperwork under the customs procedure. Keep seals intact and establish inspection arrangements before checking luggage.

Confirm the suitable departure point and refund-payment process with the shop. Fees can reduce the amount, so 18% is not a guaranteed discount on the price you paid.

We stayed at ibis Styles Tbilisi Center, in a very central location, and recommend it. Check room arrangements and the full price for your party. Check the hotel on Trip.com