Central Asia & Caucasus

Money, cards and tipping in Georgia

Capital: TbilisiGeorgian, Russian, Armenian, AzerbaijaniUpdated October 2026

GELLari

Money in Georgia

Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere in cities. Carry lari for villages, markets and guesthouses; prices quoted in dollars must be paid in lari. US$1 ≈ ₾2.60 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10–15% service charge, so check the bill; otherwise about 10%. Round up taxi fares.
ATMs: Bank of Georgia and TBC ATMs are everywhere in towns; fees vary by bank. Decline dynamic currency conversion.
Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless foreign cards work widely, including on Tbilisi metro and buses.
Price level: about 33% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
Tbilisi	Cards almost everywhere	Cards and contactless work almost everywhere in the center. Carry lari for markets, small shops, marshrutkas and some guesthouses.
Batumi	Cards almost everywhere	Cards and contactless work in restaurants, shops and buses. Carry lari for markets, beach stalls and small guesthouses.
Kazbegi	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work at larger guesthouses and restaurants; ATMs are limited, so bring cash for smaller guesthouses, shops and taxis.
Kutaisi	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in restaurants and chains; carry lari for markets, marshrutkas, small guesthouses and caves.
Mestia	Mostly cash	Cards work at larger guesthouses; ATMs are few and sometimes empty, so bring enough lari for villages and tours.
Sighnaghi	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work at larger restaurants and wineries; carry lari for guesthouses, small cellars, markets and taxis.
Gudauri	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in hotels, rental shops and larger restaurants; bring cash for small cafés, taxis and day trips.
Borjomi	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards work in hotels and some restaurants. Carry lari for market stalls, marshrutkas, guesthouses and park fees.

Quick answers

Do you tip in Georgia?

Restaurants often add a 10–15% service charge, so check the bill; otherwise about 10%. Round up taxi fares.

Is Georgia cashless?

Cards almost everywhere. Cards and contactless work almost everywhere in cities. Carry lari for villages, markets and guesthouses; prices quoted in dollars must be paid in lari.

What currency does Georgia use?

The Lari (GEL). US$1 ≈ ₾2.60 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.