What exchange rate can travelers expect for Georgian lari in Batumi exchange offices, and is carrying cash better than making a transfer?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 6 days ago
TL;DR
Use the central bank rate as a baseline, then expect exchange offices in Batumi to be slightly above or below it. For larger amounts, an extra 2.1% transfer cost can make a bank transfer less attractive than bringing declared cash.
What the community said
The newest reply says the central bank rate is the main benchmark, and exchange offices usually offer lari at a small spread above or below that official rate.
6 days ago central bank rate
For a larger amount — well over 10,000 — one traveler mentioned an extra 2.1% fee on top of the exchange rate when sending money. Because of that, a transfer may cost more than bringing cash and declaring it.
6 days ago 2.1% fee
No specific exchange office was named in the earlier message, but the practical takeaway is to check the current official rate first and then compare Batumi exchange counters against that baseline.
6 days ago