- Currency Local
- GEL
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: backpackmoments.com, atmfeesaver.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Kutaisi is one of Georgia's major cities where card and cash payment systems coexist comfortably; you can manage with primarily cards but carry cash for markets and small vendors.
- TBC Bank and Liberty Bank ATMs are fee-free and the most reliable; avoid Bank of Georgia ATMs (3 GEL fee) unless necessary.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion at ATMs will cost you 3–5% extra; always decline and let your home bank handle conversion.
- Always tip in Georgian Lari, not foreign currency; service workers have limited ability to exchange USD or EUR.
- Service charges (10%) are often added to restaurant bills automatically in Kutaisi; check your receipt before leaving additional cash tips to avoid double-tipping.
- Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted; American Express is unreliable for everyday use.
- Cash is still essential for traditional markets, family-run shops, and small street food vendors.
- Bring a mix of payment methods: a travel card (Wise/Revolut if possible) for ATM withdrawals, a Visa/Mastercard for restaurants/hotels, and some cash for markets and tips.
ATM Access
- Overview
- ATMs are abundant in Kutaisi city center and main areas. TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia are the most travel-friendly networks.
- Key Warning
- Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) when offered at ATM. DCC typically costs 3–5% more than the mid-market rate. Choose to pay in GEL, not your home currency.
- Availability
- ATMs are widely available in Kutaisi. Main banks operating ATM networks include TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia, Liberty Bank, Credo Bank, and VTB.
- Withdrawal Limits Per Transaction
- GEL 2,000
typical maximum; some ATMs limit to 600 GEL
Recommended Banks
TBC Bank
- Visa fee
- No fee
- Features
- English interface, dependable uptime, reasonable limits
Bank of Georgia
- Visa fee
- 3 GEL per withdrawal
- Features
- Widely available, English interface
Liberty Bank
- Visa fee
- No fee
- Features
- Most ATMs across the country, also in smaller towns
BasisBank
- Visa fee
- No fee
- Features
- Best for travelers, limit of 2000 GEL
Credo Bank
- Visa fee
- Around 6 GEL per withdrawal
- Features
- Available but higher fees
Banking
- Currency Accounts
- GEL (Georgian Lari), USD, EUR available at major banks
- Account Opening Overview
- Foreigners can open bank accounts with relative ease compared to European standards. Georgian banks typically require passport only; in-person account opening takes approximately 30 minutes. No proof of address required.
- Requirements And Process
- Passport required (no copies, original valid document only). Bank statements from home country (6-12 months) strengthen application. Georgian mobile number required for SMS verification (can purchase local SIM for ~2-5 GEL). Anti-money laundering documentation may be requested. Account opening typically completed same day.
- Important Notes
- Standards tightened in 2026: solely crypto-based income is flagged; proper documentation of income sources is now expected. Non-US persons can open accounts; US persons face restrictions. Deposit insurance: GEL 30,000 (USD ~11,000) maximum per bank per depositor. Account fees among lowest in region.
Primary Banks With Kutaisi Branches
TBC Bank
- Services
- Multi-currency accounts (GEL, USD, EUR), online banking, mobile app, IBAN available, suitable for digital nomads
- Account Opening Ease
- Straightforward for non-residents; online pre-registration available before in-person visit
- Kutaisi Branch Count
- 5
Account Tiers Monthly Cost
Gamarjobah (Basic)
- Gamarjobah (Basic)
- GEL 2.00
Universal
- Universal
- GEL 5.00
Status (Premium)
- Status (Premium)
- GEL 16
Bank of Georgia (BoG)
- Services
- Multi-currency accounts (4 currencies), 24/7 remote support, IBAN, largest bank network in Georgia
- Special Services
- Solo premium service available for higher deposits
- Account Opening Ease
- Foreigner-friendly; largest ATM network in country
- Kutaisi Branch Count
- Multiple branches in Kutaisi
Terabank (Turkish-operated)
- Services
- Multi-currency accounts, internet banking, Turkish Lira deposits available
- Accessibility
- Convenient for Turkey-related transfers; English-speaking staff at central branch
- Kutaisi Branch Count
- 1
Currency Local
GEL
Exchange Rates
Exchange Options
- ATMs
- Best option for real exchange rates with minimal fees, especially with Wise/Revolut cards.
- Banks
- Competitive rates with low spreads (around 0.5%); bring passport for large transactions.
- Airport
- Noticeably less favorable rates; avoid if possible.
- Exchange Offices
- Available throughout Kutaisi; rates vary; compare LED boards before committing.
Card Acceptance
- Overview
- Card acceptance is strong in Kutaisi for hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and larger establishments. Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted; American Express is less reliable.
- Contactless Mobile Pay
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay work at most modern terminals in Kutaisi. Contactless is standard on recent hardware.
Not Accepted
- JCB
- Discover
- Diners
- Rupay
Limited Acceptance
- American Express
Major Cards Accepted
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Maestro
- Cirrus
Tipping Culture
- Overview
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Georgia. It is a relatively recent phenomenon influenced by tourism growth.
- Spa And Beauty
- Tipping is genuinely expected at bath houses and spas. 10–15% is standard.
- General Principle
- Tipping is genuinely optional, with no cultural obligation. Service workers earn a salary, not tips.
- Tip Currency And Method
- Always tip in Georgian Lari when possible. Service workers cannot easily exchange or use USD/EUR. Cash tips directly to staff are more reliable than card-added tips.
- Cultural Note
- Never offer money after a home-cooked meal or private supra (Georgian feast). It is a cultural offense. Bring a gift instead (wine, chocolates, flowers).
Restaurants
- Without Service Charge
- 5–10% is acceptable; 10% is generous. Rounding up is universal.
- Casual Local Restaurants
- Tipping not expected, though small change is a nice gesture.
- With Service Charge Included
- No additional tip necessary. Check receipt for 'service' or 'მომსახურება'.
Service Charge Percentage
- Amount Percentage
- 10
- Note
- typical, sometimes up to 20% at higher-end establishments
Guides And Tours
- Private Guides
- GEL 20
to 50 GEL per person per day
- Group Tour Guides
- GEL 10
to 20 GEL total per participant
Taxi And Rideshare
- Bolt Yandex App
- No tip expected. Rounding up 1–2 GEL on the fare is optional and appreciated for good service.
- Taxis Negotiated Fares
- No tip expected; fare is the agreed price.
Hotels And Accommodation
- Concierge
- GEL 10
to 20 GEL for significant help
- Guesthouses
- No tip expected for family-run establishments. A gift (wine, chocolate, something personal) is worth more than money.
- Housekeeping
- GEL 5.00
to 10 GEL per day, or 20–50 GEL at end of stay on pillow
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.
- 1.backpackmoments.com
- 2.atmfeesaver.com
- 3.getmancar.com
- 4.tripadvisor.com
- 5.agoda.com
- 6.wise.com
- 7.georgia-spirit.com
- 8.georgia.to
- 9.tbilisi-expat.com
- 10.blog.tatonka.com
- 11.wander-lush.org
- 12.thegeorgianguide.com
- 13.georgia.travel
- 14.tradingeconomics.com
- 15.wise.com
- 16.fx-rate.net
- 17.madloba.info
- 18.irao.ge
- 19.ghg.com.ge
- 20.georgia.travel
- 21.madloba.info
- 22.pbservices.ge
- 23.tbilisi-expat.com
- 24.expathub.ge
- 25.nomadcapitalist.com
- 26.nomosgeorgia.com
- 27.easyglobalbanking.com
- 28.madloba.info
- 29.triproadwayplanner.com.ge
- 30.wolt.com
- 31.aversi.ge
- 32.neopharmi.ge
- 33.city24.ge
- 34.currency.wiki
- 35.bia.ge
More About Kutaisi
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.