Are you planning a trip to Georgia and uncertain about which currency to carry? While the Georgian Lari (GEL) is the official currency, purchasing it in India can be challenging and costly. Therefore, the US Dollar (USD) and Euro (EUR) are the best and most practical options for Indian travellers heading to Georgia.
Best Currencies to Carry to Georgia: US Dollar and Euro
The US Dollar and Euro are widely accessible in India at affordable rates. In contrast, the Georgian Lari is not readily available in India, making it difficult and expensive to buy before your trip. So it is best to purchase USD or EUR currencies from online forex service providers, banks or exchange vendors in India, before your travel.
Currency exchange centres in Georgia do not accept Indian Rupees, so carrying USD or EUR ensures a smoother exchange process upon arrival.
Pro Tip: Purchase the necessary US Dollars or Euros at least three days before your international travel to prevent any last-minute issues. Also, keep track of the interbank rate, which is the average selling and buying price. By knowing this you can know whether a Forex vendor is charging excessively or not.
Check Today's Interbank Rates
Where to Exchange Currency in Georgia
Exchanging USD and EUR at Indian or Georgian airports can be expensive due to high premiums. To save money, consider the following options:
Authorized Exchange Offices:
- Widely available, especially in urban areas, these stores often provide competitive rates.
- Be careful not to choose unlicensed exchange vendors who often sell on the street using temporary settings.
Banks:
- Banks offer reliable services with standard rates.
- It is a convenient option in urban and touristy areas of Georgia. However, it is rare to locate one in rural Georgia. So exchange sufficient cash for your needs.
Pro Tip: Always opt for higher denominations of US Dollars and Euros, as they are in higher demand among money changers and retail merchants in Georgia.
-George Zachariah, CEO ExTravelMoney
Can I Use My Indian Debit and Credit Cards in Georgia?
Yes, international debit and credit cards are accepted in Georgia, particularly in urban centres. However, Indian banks impose excessive foreign transaction fees and currency conversion charges for international transactions.
If you plan to use debit and credit cards, inform your bank, before the travel, to avoid bank calls and messages doubting suspicious activities.
Bank Charges for Using Indian Debit and Credit Cards in Georgia
| Card Type | Charge Type | Fee/Percentage of Transacted Amount |
| Debit Card | Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.5% – 3.5% |
| Currency Conversion Fee | 1% – 2% | |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee | 4% | |
| Credit Card | Foreign Transaction Fee | 3.5% |
| Overseas ATM Withdrawal Fee | Rs. 125 per transaction |
Pro Tip: To find your nearest ATM, you can use the online MasterCard ATM Locator or VISA ATM Locator.
How to Convert Georgian Lari Back to Indian Rupees
Since GEL has low demand in the Indian foreign exchange market, it shall not be accepted in Indian banks and exchange stores.
Before leaving Georgia, convert any leftover Lari back to US Dollars or Euros, as these currencies are easier to exchange in India. Upon returning, you can sell these currencies through platforms like ExTravelMoney.
For Indian travellers visiting Georgia, carrying USD or EUR is the most practical and cost-effective choice. By preparing ahead and understanding the exchange options, you can avoid high fees and make the most of your travel funds. Remember to use trusted forex services like ExTravelMoney for a worry-free experience!
Also Read: 8 Essentials Indians Must Carry For Their Europe Trip
FAQ
1. Is it better to use cash or a Forex card in Georgia?
Forex cards are not accepted in Georgia due to government regulations. Therefore, Indian travellers can only use cash in Georgia.
2. Can I use Indian Rupees in Georgia?
No, Indian Rupees are not accepted in Georgia. It’s best to carry USD or EUR for exchange.
3. Can I use USD and EUR directly in Georgia?
In some tourist areas, USD and EUR might be accepted, but it’s better to exchange them for GEL for wider acceptance. This saves you from unfair exchange rates and inconvenience.
4. How to withdraw Georgian Lari from a Forex card at an ATM?
1. Load USD in your Forex card.
2. On reaching Georgia, visit an ATM.
3. Insert the forex card.
4. Among the cash withdrawal options choose the Checking/Current account. (Click the ‘Credit’ option if not available)
5. Enter your PIN and the required amount in Lari (GEL).
6. The requested amount gets converted from USD in your account to GEL simultaneously in the system.
7. Withdraw the converted GEL.
5. Can I do UPI payments in Georgia using GPay, PayTM, and PhonePe?
No, UPI payments are not accepted in Georgia. Instead, you can use Forex cards for cashless payments.
Ann Mariya Job is the Associate Content Writer at ExTravelMoney.com. Holding a Bachelor’s in Journalism, she excels in creating deeply researched, engaging, and crisp content. Her work helps readers understand the complexities of foreign exchange, overseas money transfers, and international travel.