Banking & Money

What can I do if TBC charges a monthly card fee instead of annual servicing in Georgia?

In September 2026, a TBC customer reported that chat support advised having the card reissued to switch to annual servicing; after contacting support, the GEL 10 charge was refunded, with that amount credited back twice. Rules change — confirm the terms with an official source.

1 source · 12 days ago

How long does it take to open a TBC Bank account and get a bank card in Tbilisi?

At TBC Bank in Tbilisi, opening an account at a branch typically takes 15–20 minutes, and a virtual card may be available immediately. Reported physical-card collection times range from the next day to 2–4 days.

2 sources · 4 days ago

How can international travelers transfer money from a foreign bank card to a TBC Bank card in Tbilisi, and what transfer minimums apply?

Recent reports indicate that money can be sent to a TBC card as an international transfer using the card number. One traveler reported a RUB 6,000 minimum with T-Bank and RUB 3,000 with Sber, with funds credited to foreign-currency accounts.

2 sources · 14 days ago

How can international visitors open a TBC Bank account and get a bank card in Tbilisi without an appointment?

At a TBC branch, travelers can reportedly take a queue ticket on arrival rather than book ahead; a passport and local SIM card were required. At the Alexander Kazbegi Avenue branch, the account and card were arranged initially, while the physical card was due later.

2 sources · 16 days ago

Which bank in Tbilisi is best for opening a local card and receiving international transfers?

TBC Bank is mentioned, but direct international transfers may fail. Be prepared to use online transfer services, as the choice of Georgian bank may not be the deciding factor.

1 source · 20 days ago

Can travelers use Russian Visa, Mastercard, or Mir bank cards in Tbilisi, Georgia?

Russian-issued Visa, Mastercard, and Mir cards do not work at ATMs or card terminals in Tbilisi. Bring Georgian lari cash or a card issued outside Russia.

1 source · 18 days ago

How to access the TBC Bank app and receive verification codes without relying on Georgian SMS

To avoid repeated SMS prompts, mark your device as trusted in the TBC app or activate the TBC Pass code generator at a branch. Magti roaming was reported to receive bank SMS abroad, while delivery to Russian phone numbers may be unreliable.

2 sources · 24 days ago

How can I contact my bank from Tbilisi if my account is blocked or requires updated documents?

For TBC Bank document updates, start with the website chat or hotline and ask whether a copy of a new passport can be submitted by email. For a blocked Sber account, call the +7 support number, preferably from the phone linked to the account.

1 source · 19 days ago

How can international visitors get a working bank card in Tbilisi if their UnionPay card is not accepted?

Travelers report that Russian Agricultural Bank UnionPay cards have not worked in Georgia since July 2025. In Tbilisi, visitors can try opening a Visa card at TBC Bank with a passport and Georgian phone number, or consider Credo Bank.

1 source · 22 days ago

How do I pay a jaywalking fine in Tbilisi?

In September 2026, travelers paid a jaywalking fine in Tbilisi at a blue self-service payment terminal. One terminal that worked is on level -1 of Galleria Tbilisi, next to the TBC branch; a passport, the fine receipt and a local phone number were needed. Participants say the fine arrives by SMS and that paying quickly earns a discount.

1 source · 25 days ago

Taxes for remote workers in Georgia employed by a foreign company: tax residency, salary payments and bank transfers

After more than 183 days in Georgia, salary for work performed locally may be subject to Georgian tax; the discussion cites a 20% rate. For qualifying self-employed activity, a 1% small-business regime may apply up to GEL 500,000 turnover, but obtain professional advice for your specific employment setup.

1 source · 27 days ago

How to send money from a foreign bank account to a Georgian bank account using IBAN

First check whether your bank supports international transfers to an IBAN and use account details for the correct currency, including any intermediary bank information. If a direct transfer is unavailable, compare money-transfer services or use cryptocurrency before arranging a bank-account payout.

1 source · 27 days ago

Where can I safely exchange cryptocurrency for cash at a physical office in Tbilisi?

Use a Tbilisi exchange with a physical office, particularly for transactions ranging from 100–200 USDT to more than $1,000. Do not send crypto to strangers in direct messages or use third-party “coin verification” links.

1 source · 37 days ago

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 · 13 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 · 64 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 · 65 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 · 70 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 · 74 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 · 80 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 · 81 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 · 83 days ago

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

According to a TBC Bank customer in July 2026, you can switch the Georgian number to a foreign one (in that case a Russian number) in the app right after receiving the card and activating the app, and SMS codes then arrived on the new number. A Georgian number is still required to open the card: in September 2026 travelers wrote that TBC asks for a passport, a Georgian number and residential addresses. Some who tried to change the number later did not receive the SMS code; the suggestion then is to contact support through the app.

1 source · 24 days ago

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

In July 2026 a traveler opened a TBC card at the branch near Freedom Square in Tbilisi in under half an hour: staff asked for a passport and a local phone number and set up mobile banking on the spot. A local number is free from the operator Cellfie. According to the staff, the virtual card activates within 3 days and the physical card is ready in 2 days. In summer 2026 several people complained they could not log into the TBC app abroad because SMS codes did not arrive.

1 source · 23 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 · 91 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 · 63 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 · 4 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 · 93 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 · 31 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 · 16 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 · 16 days ago

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

If you already have US dollars at home, bring them; if not, bring the cash you have — that was the majority answer in summer 2026. Participants calculated that buying dollars at home only to swap them for lari in Tbilisi brings no gain from the double conversion. Tbilisi exchange offices take dollar notes of any series at the same rate (as long as they are not torn), there are plenty of them and rates beat the banks; roubles are exchanged without problems too.

2 sources · 28 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 · 9 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 · 4 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 · 14 days ago