Banking & Money

Where to exchange currency for the best rate in Tbilisi and at the airport?

Airport rates aren't the worst if you find the right counter — Intel Express has good rates, other airport exchangers are worse. In the city, Rico exchange offices offer the best rates 24/7.

2 sources · 8 days ago

Why do international bank transfers to Georgia sometimes fail or get stuck?

Transfers can get blocked as a "suspicious operation" by the receiving system, and some banks listed as available in the transfer service are actually no longer working. Transfers can also get stuck in bank clearing, especially if you send money over a weekend.

1 source · 10 days ago

How much does it cost for a foreigner to open a bank card at Credobank in Tbilisi, and how to transfer money into Georgia?

A standard debit card at Credobank is officially listed as 0 GEL, but there's a separate service fee for expats detailed in the app's info tooltip. For sending money into Georgia, Multitransfer currently works as a card-to-card USD transfer, which you then convert to GEL yourself.

1 source · 10 days ago

Which banks in Tbilisi accept Zolotaya Korona (Russian money transfer system) cash pickups?

As of late July 2026 it's unreliable due to sanctions: Liberty Bank and Raiffeisen Bank have processed Zolotaya Korona transfers, while TBC Bank and Credo Bank have refused cash pickups in some cases.

2 sources · 15 days ago

Where to exchange USD for Georgian lari in Tbilisi (best rates)?

Rates vary a lot across the city: airport exchange and Bank of Georgia branches give around 2.6 GEL per USD, while private exchange points in the Old Town or near the riverside mall can offer 2.61-2.62. Bank-run exchange booths (e.g. inside Tbilisi Mall) gave noticeably worse rates than nearby private exchangers.

1 source · 20 days ago

Do you need a criminal record certificate to collect a Golden Crown money transfer at Bank of Georgia in Tbilisi?

There has been at least one report of Bank of Georgia requesting a criminal record certificate before paying out a first-time Golden Crown transfer. Confirm with the specific branch in advance: obtaining the certificate may take about a week and a notarized translation may be needed.

1 source · 25 days ago

Where to get the best currency exchange rate in Tbilisi (RUB/USD to GEL)?

Exchange rates vary a lot between banks/exchange points, with Korona often better than TBC; rate is roughly 31 RUB per GEL. Compare rates at myfin.ge before exchanging.

2 sources · 26 days ago

What documents do you need to open a TBC Bank account/card in Tbilisi as a foreigner (simplified procedure)?

The exact document list for opening a TBC Bank card under the simplified procedure is still being figured out by travelers — besides your passport, an insurance policy may be required; specific branch and processing time can vary case by case.

1 source · 29 days ago

How to change your phone number in the TBC Bank app from a Georgian number to a foreign (e.g. Russian) number?

In the TBC Bank app you can switch your registered Georgian number to a foreign one (e.g. Russian) after opening the account — SMS codes do arrive for some users, but you must register the card with a Georgian number first. For some users, changing the number later doesn't work — the confirmation SMS never arrives.

1 source · 8 days ago

How to open a TBC Bank account/card in Tbilisi and access the mobile app as a foreigner?

You can open a TBC Bank card at any branch (e.g. near Freedom Square) with just your passport and a local Georgian phone number - it takes under 30 minutes, physical card ready in 2 days. A local SIM is required for app login since SMS codes don't reach foreign numbers.

1 source · 5 days ago

Where can international travelers pick up a Zlataya Korona money transfer in Tbilisi?

Travelers in Tbilisi can usually collect a Zlataya Korona transfer in cash at Rico Credit branches or participating banks. A commonly mentioned option is the Rico Credit office near Freedom Square, with payout available in GEL or USD.

1 source · 37 days ago

How can someone in Tbilisi receive an international money transfer without using a banking app?

In Tbilisi, you can receive money without using a banking app via Zolotaya Korona: the sender pays by bank card, enters the recipient’s surname in Latin letters, gets a pickup code, and the recipient collects the cash at a bank with ID. For regular transfers, expats report that Georgian bank cards are often available with just a passport.

1 source · 8 days ago

How can international travelers receive a money transfer in Tbilisi, and what name format and documents are needed?

To receive a money transfer in Tbilisi, the recipient’s name is typically entered in Latin letters exactly as in the passport. The person collecting it usually needs the transfer reference number, a Georgian phone number, and a passport.

2 sources · 10 days ago

Do Belarus-issued Alfa Bank cards work for card payments in Tbilisi, including TBC payment terminals?

Traveler reports suggest Belarus-issued Alfa Bank cards had been working in Georgia, including on TBC payment terminals, with confirmed successful use as recently as April 2026. By July 2026, people were checking again, so it’s smart to carry some backup cash in lari.

1 source · 39 days ago

Where is the best place to exchange money in Tbilisi: at the airport or near Ortachala bus station?

Travelers did not confirm any especially good exchange rates at Tbilisi Airport; if airport exchange booths are closed or the rate looks poor, heading to central Tbilisi is the safer option because at least one 24/7 exchange office is available there. The airport is close enough to the center that going into town is usually practical.

2 sources · 11 days ago

Where is the best place to exchange US dollars to Georgian lari in Tbilisi, and are older US bills accepted?

For cash USD, travelers most often look for the best exchange rates at the exchange offices on Pushkin Street in central Tbilisi. Older bills, including 2003 US dollars, may not be accepted everywhere, so worn or older notes are safer to take to a large exchange office or a bank.

2 sources · 5 days ago

How to open a bank account or debit card in TBC Bank Tbilisi as a foreigner?

TBC Bank in Tbilisi opens accounts and debit cards for foreigners, including by foreign passport. Requirements change frequently, so verify directly with the bank.

1 source · 12 days ago

Should I bring cash in local currency or USD to Tbilisi, Georgia?

Bring USD if you already have it. If not, don't buy dollars just for the trip — double conversion (your currency → USD → GEL) usually loses more than converting directly to GEL.

2 sources · 13 days ago

How does currency conversion work when paying with TBC Bank card abroad?

TBC Bank card purchases in foreign currency may convert through GEL even if you hold a EUR account. The exchange rate applied matches the in-app rate at the time of the transaction.

2 sources · 11 days ago

Which bank in Tbilisi is easiest for foreigners to open a Georgian bank card?

TBC Bank and Credo Bank are the easiest options for foreigners. Bank of Georgia is the largest but harder to open an account at.

1 source · 2 days ago

Does Credo Bank Georgia card work for Airbnb and international online payments?

Credo Bank cards may not work on Airbnb or other international platforms. Consider alternative Georgian bank cards or payment methods. Virtual cards are issued instantly, physical cards take 3–5 days.

1 source · 20 days ago