Money & Payments in Gudauri (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Always decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at ATMs—choose to be charged in Georgian Lari instead to get better exchange rates
Most restaurants in Gudauri already include a 10% service charge; check your receipt before leaving an additional tip to avoid double-tipping
For best ATM rates, use TBC or Basis Bank when available; avoid Bank of Georgia if you want to minimize fees
Carry some cash for small expenses (bathroom fees, tips, informal taxis) even though cards are widely accepted at restaurants and shops
Tip in local Lari currency—service workers cannot easily exchange small amounts of USD or EUR
If staying at smaller guesthouses, confirm card acceptance in advance; some family-run accommodations accept cash only
Currency exchange offices in Gudauri offer less favorable rates than banks; avoid exchanging at hotels

ATM Fees

Note: Most ATMs in Georgia do not charge withdrawal fees; when fees apply, they're typically 1-3 GEL. Bank of Georgia is among higher-fee operators in the country.

Tbc Bank

Currency Local: GEL
Fee Amount USD: 0.57
Fee Amount Local: 1.5

Bank Of Georgia

Currency Local: GEL
Fee Amount USD: 1.14
Fee Amount Local: 3

Currency Info

Code: GEL
Local Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)

Tipping Norms

Taxis: Not expected; rounding up appreciated for exceptional service
Ski Guides And Drivers: 5-10% standard if you've booked a private guide or driver
General Context: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Georgia. The culture does not have aggressive tipping expectations like the United States. Service workers earn salaries and do not rely on tips, though wages are modest.

Hotels

Bellhop Per Bag: GEL 1.00
Housekeeping Per Day: GEL 5.00
Note: Tipping expectations vary by hotel luxury level; not mandatory at lower-end hotels

Restaurants

If No Service Charge: 10% is generous; 5% is acceptable for standard service
Currency Recommendation: Always tip in Georgian Lari (cash preferred)
Service Charge Included: Many restaurants in tourist areas (including Gudauri) add 10-15% service charge automatically; check your bill before tipping

Tour Guides

Group Tours Per Participant: GEL 10
Private Guides Per Person Per Day: GEL 20

Card Acceptance

Visa Mastercard: Universally accepted at restaurants, ski hire shops, hotels, and supermarkets in Gudauri
American Express: Less reliable; higher-end establishments only
Contactless Payments: Increasingly available at merchants in Gudauri

Typical Venues Accepting Cards

All restaurants and bars
Ski hire shops
Hotels and accommodation
Supermarkets (Smart, Spar, Gudmarket)
Higher-end shops

ATM Infrastructure

Availability: Multiple ATMs in Gudauri town center and both Old and New Gudauri
Withdrawal Limits: GEL 2,000
Card Networks Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus widely accepted

Specific Locations

TBC Bank ATM in Old Gudauri
Bank of Georgia ATM inside Spar supermarket (New Gudauri)
ATM opposite Travel Bar (New Gudauri)
Gudmarket store ATM
Smart hypermarket (Central Gudauri)
Outside Gagieti cafe (Central Gudauri)
Marco Polo hotel (Central Gudauri)

Banking

Summary: Easy account setup for foreigners; major Georgian banks have reach to region
Digital Banking: Modern online banking platforms available; mobile-friendly
English Support: English-speaking staff at major banks; varies locally
ATM Availability: ATMs available in Gudauri

Account Opening

Documentation: Valid passport; proof of income/financial means helpful
Ease Of Process: Straightforward for foreigners
Minimum Deposit: No minimum deposit required

Major Banks Accessible

Bank of Georgia
TBC Bank

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Gudauri

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Gudauri