Money and duty free for Georgia

Currency and Money

Currency information

Lari (GEL) = 100 tetri. Notes are in denominations of GEL100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tetri.

Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted in certain hotels, restaurants and shops in Tbilisi.

ATM

ATMs are common in Georgia.

Travellers cheques

Euros or US Dollars are recommended.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 1000-1800.

Currency restrictions

The import and export of local or foreign currency is unrestricted. However, amounts exceeding GEL30,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Currency exchange

Euros, Roubles or US Dollars can be exchanged at special exchange shops, found throughout Tbilisi, while other currencies must be exchanged in banks. Cash is the preferred method of payment, and visitors are advised to carry notes in small denominations. Visitors are also advised to carry US Dollars in cash. Euros and Russian Roubles are also in use. There is unlikely to be a substantial difference between rates offered by banks or bureaux de change.

Georgia duty free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Georgia without incurring customs duty:

• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 4L of alcoholic beverages.
• Goods up to the value of GEL500 per 30 calendar days or GEL3,000 if arriving by air, up to 30kg in weight.

Banned Imports

Prohibited or restricted imports include weapons or explosive materials, narcotics, antiques and art, plants and animals.

Banned Exports

Authorisation is required to export art and antiques.