National Currency of Georgia

Georgia Currency

Lari is the currency of Georgia. One lari is divided into 100 tetri. Currently, banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 lari are in circulation.

As for the use of foreign currency in Georgia, US dollars, Euro and rubles are widely used throughout the republic. Currency exchange can be made in specialized exchange offices and banks. Banks are usually open on weekdays from 9:00-9:30 until 17:30-19:00. Exchange offices work extended hours and they are open daily.

In the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, you can use credit cards VISA, Eurocard/Mastercard and Cirrus/Maestro in the large hotels and supermarkets. Big banks accept traveler’s checks. In private shops, hotels and provincial regions such kind of payment is less common. Georgian national currency is designed with an emphasis to the cultural heritage of the country. For example, the obverse side of banknote of 1 lari features the portrait of Niko Pirosmanishvili, famous Georgian artist, against the background of beautiful landscapes. Portrait of Ivane Javakhishvili, a Georgian academician is depicted on the banknote of 5 lari. A banknote of 10 lari features the portrait of Akaki Tsereteli, an outstanding Georgian poet and famous representative of new Georgian literature.

A banknote of 200 lari is also interesting. It features an image of Abkhazia region and inscriptions on Georgian, English and Abkhazian languages.