Money & Payments in Tbilisi (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Basis Bank, Cartu Bank, and Liberty Bank offer fee-free ATM withdrawals for foreign cards. These are your best option in Tbilisi.
Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at ATMs and choose to be charged in Georgian Lari to avoid 3–5% exchange rate markups.
Card acceptance is excellent in central Tbilisi (restaurants, shops, supermarkets, hotels, pharmacies). Outside the city or at informal vendors, carry cash.
Tipping is genuinely optional and not part of traditional Georgian culture. Service workers won't be offended if you skip it, but it is appreciated.
Many restaurants automatically add 10–15% service charge. Check your receipt before tipping extra to avoid double-tipping.
Always tip in Georgian Lari cash rather than card, as card tips may not reliably reach staff.
Avoid exchanging money at Tbilisi airport—rates are 2–3% worse than city-center booths.
Public transport in Tbilisi uses the Metromoney card system (1 GEL per ride on metro/bus), which can be loaded using a foreign debit or credit card at metro stations.

Charging Banks

Bank of Georgia
Fee Local
GEL 3.00
Note
Charges 3 GEL per withdrawal; fees not always displayed upfront.
Typically no fees, but check receipt.
Bank Name
TBC Bank
Fee Local
GEL 0.00

Fee Free Banks

Basis Bank
Fee Local
GEL 0.00
Note
No fees for foreign card withdrawals. Reliable in central Tbilisi.
Fee-free for foreign cards.
Bank Name
Cartu Bank
Fee Local
GEL 0.00
Fee-free and widely distributed across the city.
Bank Name
Liberty Bank
Fee Local
GEL 0.00

Banking

Process Notes: Visit central branch in Tbilisi (Rustaveli Avenue area) or Batumi. Two-stage verification system introduced; banks review documents within 5-10 days. Remote account opening possible but more complex, requires apostille-certified Power of Attorney.
Special Notes US UK Passports: May require additional documentation (W8/W9 forms or FATCA compliance)

Recommended Banks

TBC Bank
Notes
Best digital experience, most popular among digital nomads, no minimum deposit
Bank of Georgia
Notes
Largest bank, widest ATM network, reliable mobile app
Liberty Bank
Notes
Over 360 branches nationwide

Account Setup For Foreigners

Account Opening Fee Corporate: GEL 500
Difficulty: Straightforward compared to Western countries
Requirements: Valid passport, proof of address (does not need to be in Georgia)
IBAN Received Same Day: Yes
Multi Currency Accounts: Standard accounts support GEL, USD, EUR simultaneously
Minimum Deposit Required: No
Can Open Without Residency: Yes
Account Opening Fee Personal: GEL 50
In Person Process Time Minutes: 20

Documents Typically Required

Valid passport (original + photocopy, valid for at least 6 months)
Proof of address (can be foreign address)
For corporate accounts: business registration, business plan, proof of funds

General Info

Most ATMs in Tbilisi do not charge withdrawal fees on the Georgian side. Your home bank may charge international transaction fees, which you can often avoid using fintech providers like Revolut or Wise.

Dynamic Currency Conversion Warning

Many ATMs offer Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), allowing charges in your home currency. Always decline and choose to be charged in Georgian Lari to avoid 3–5% markup on exchange rates.

Tipping Norms

Culture Overview: Tipping is optional in Georgia but appreciated. Unlike the US, it is not mandatory and service workers will not be offended if you don't tip. However, wages in hospitality are low, so tips are genuinely meaningful.
Important Notes: Do not tip at family supras (Georgian feasts). It is considered a cultural error. If invited, bring a gift or offer reciprocal hospitality instead.

Restaurants

Payment Method: Always tip in Georgian Lari cash when possible. Card tips don't always reliably reach staff. Carry small denominations (5, 10, 20 GEL notes).
With Service Charge: Many upscale and mid-range restaurants automatically add a 10–15% service charge to the bill. Check your receipt for 'service' or 'მომსახურება'. If included, no additional tip is necessary.
Without Service Charge: 10% is generous and welcome; 5% or rounding up is the normal local practice. At casual family-run restaurants and khinkali houses, rounding up or leaving coins is sufficient.

Other Services

Spa Services: 10–15% if satisfied with service.
Taxi Drivers: Not expected. Rounding up or tipping via Bolt app for excellent service is appreciated but optional.
Hotel Concierge: 10–20 GEL for significant help (hard-to-get reservations, resolving problems).
Barbers And Salons: 10–15% for haircuts, shaves, and beauty services.
Family Guesthouses: No tip expected; a small gift (chocolate, wine, flowers) is appreciated instead.
Hotel Housekeeping: 5–10 GEL per day or 20–50 GEL at end of stay, left on the pillow.

Guides And Tours

Group Tour Guides: 10–20 GEL total from each participant.
Free Walking Tours: 20–40 GEL per person for a good two-hour walk.
Private Tour Guides: 20–50 GEL per person per day.

Card Acceptance

Amex: Works at higher-end establishments but is not reliable for everyday use.
Overview: Card acceptance is widespread and growing in Tbilisi, particularly in restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, pharmacies and modern establishments.
Fintech Cards: Revolut, Wise, Monese, Curve, N26, and Starling all work for both ATM withdrawals and card payments.
Digital Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay work at most modern point-of-sale terminals in Tbilisi. Tap-to-pay is standard on terminals made in the last five years.
Visa Mastercard: Universally accepted. Both VISA and Mastercard are the primary accepted cards at merchants and ATMs.
Minimum Transaction Note: Some restaurants have minimum card payment amounts, usually 10–20 GEL. Cash may be required for very small purchases.

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 Tbilisi

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Tbilisi

Good to know

Good to Know

Charging Banks

Bank of Georgia

Typically no fees, but check receipt.