Travel tool
Lari converter
Convert Georgian lari to and from 21 currencies at the official rate set by the National Bank of Georgia. Useful for reading menus, taxi fares and hotel quotes given in dollars or euros.
Official National Bank of Georgia rate for 23 Oct 2026. Banks, card networks and exchange offices apply their own rates, so the amount you actually get will differ a little. Exchange offices in Tbilisi usually offer better rates than the desks at the airport.
Pocket table
What common lari amounts are worth: US dollar (USD).
| Lari | US dollar |
|---|---|
| 10 GEL | 3.85 USD |
| 20 GEL | 7.70 USD |
| 50 GEL | 19.25 USD |
| 100 GEL | 38.50 USD |
| 200 GEL | 77.00 USD |
What everyday things cost
Typical 2026 prices from our travel cost guide, converted at today's rate.
| Item (2026) | Lari | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Metro or city bus ride in Tbilisi | 1 | 0.4 |
| One khinkali dumpling | 1-2.5 | 0.4-1 |
| Khachapuri from a bakery | 3-6 | 1.2-2.3 |
| Cappuccino in a Tbilisi cafe | 6-12 | 2.3-4.6 |
| Glass of house wine | 5-12 | 1.9-4.6 |
| Good bottle of wine from a shop | 15-40 | 5.8-15 |
| Bolt ride across Tbilisi | 5-15 | 1.9-5.8 |
| Marshrutka, Tbilisi to Stepantsminda | 15-20 | 5.8-7.7 |
| Dinner for two with wine, mid-range | 100-180 | 39-69 |
- One lari splits into 100 tetri. Banknotes range from 5 up to 200 lari.
- If a cash machine or card reader suggests billing you in your own currency, decline and choose lari: that conversion costs you more.
- Bring clean, undamaged dollar or euro notes. Street exchange offices across Tbilisi change them at fair rates; at the airport, change just enough to get into town.
- Keep cash for marshrutkas, markets, village guesthouses, family wine cellars and mountain 4x4 drivers.
- There is not a single cash machine in Tusheti: bring enough lari for every night you spend there.
Money in Georgia: FAQ
What currency does Georgia use?
The Georgian lari, written GEL. It divides into 100 tetri, and banknotes range from 5 to 200 lari.
Can I pay in dollars or euros in Georgia?
Day to day, plan on lari: shops and restaurants have to show their prices in the national currency. Many hotels and tour operators give prices in dollars or euros, and both currencies are easy to change in any town.
Where is the best place to change money in Tbilisi?
The exchange offices along the streets of the centre, which pay decent rates for crisp, unmarked dollars and euros. Airport desks pay less, so change only what you need for the ride into town or use a cash machine.
Why does my bank give a different rate?
This page uses the official rate the National Bank of Georgia sets for each day. Banks, card networks and exchange offices add their own margin or fee, so what you receive is usually a little less.
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