The Georgian lari, GEL, is Georgia’s sole legal tender, except for the legal free-industrial-zone cases described by the National Bank. The National Bank page shows lari banknotes and coins. Use GEL as the basis for your travel budget, and evaluate exchange and card costs separately.

Interpret the exchange rate

The National Bank’s GEL figure serves as an indicative reference. Legal rules require its use only in specified cases. Its live comparison page displays commercial-bank rates and notes rates and terms change. Compare the buy or sell rate and service fee for your transaction with the reference figure.

Check a cash exchange before handing over money

The National Bank says currency-exchange bureaus must display their rate and service fee, and registers these bureaus. Exchange only at a bureau registered with the National Bank. Check the amount you will receive before authorising a transaction and keep the receipt.

Understand how a card transaction converts

A card purchase involves the merchant’s amount, the card scheme’s conversion and your issuer’s terms. The National Bank’s card-operations calculator explains conversion stages and possible costs. Check your card issuer’s foreign-transaction fees and exchange rules for the final amount.

On the National Bank’s comparison page, filter by bank, service channel, customer type, payment date and amount. Match those fields and the same buy or sell direction before comparing offers.

On a card statement, review the original purchase amount, conversion and issuer fee. The cash-rate comparison and card calculator answer different questions, so use the tool that matches the transaction.

The National Bank says Georgian processing systems handle local and international card transactions. It describes foreign-currency settlement through international card schemes and their settlement banks. Ask the merchant which currency the terminal will charge, then review the confirmation screen before approval.

Build a payment mix around your itinerary

  • Ask accommodation, transport and activity providers which payment methods they accept before you rely on a card.
  • Keep a working cash option for transactions where a card terminal or connection is unavailable.
  • Compare the amount in GEL and the conversion shown by your bank before confirming a card purchase.
  • Use the National Bank’s current exchange and card tools on the day you compare rates, since commercial offers change.

The National Bank’s lari, rate-comparison, bureau, card-calculator and card-processing pages are linked in Sources. They explain currency and comparison tools. They provide no exchange-rate forecast or investment recommendation.

Plan the payment and documents for train travel

Keep money arrangements with your wider route plan

Sources & checks

  • Georgian lariNational Bank of Georgia, currency, banknotes and coins. Checked 24 October 2026.
  • Currency exchange ratesNational Bank of Georgia, commercial-bank exchange-rate comparison and its terms. Checked 24 October 2026.
  • Consumer guidance on currency exchangeNational Bank of Georgia, visible exchange-rate and fee disclosures for exchange bureaus. Checked 24 October 2026.
  • Payment card operations calculatorNational Bank of Georgia, card-transaction conversion stages and possible costs. Checked 24 October 2026.
  • Warning Notice of the National Bank of GeorgiaNational Bank of Georgia notice that the Bank registers currency-exchange bureaus and advises customers to exchange only at registered bureaus. Checked 24 October 2026.
  • Card Payment SystemsNational Bank of Georgia description of domestic card-processing systems, local and international transactions, and foreign-currency settlement through international schemes and their settlement banks. Checked 24 October 2026.

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