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Money & duty free for Georgia

Currency information: 

Lari (GEL) = 100 tetri. Notes are in denominations of GEL100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tetri.

Credit cards: 

Credit cards are accepted in certain hotels, restaurants and shops in Tbilisi.

ATM: 

ATMs are common in Georgia.

Travellers cheques: 

Euros or US Dollars are recommended.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 1000-1800.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local or foreign currency is unrestricted. However, amounts exceeding GEL30,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Currency exchange: 

Euros, Roubles or US Dollars can be exchanged at special exchange shops, found throughout Tbilisi, while other currencies must be exchanged in banks. Cash is the preferred method of payment, and visitors are advised to carry notes in small denominations. Visitors are also advised to carry US Dollars in cash. Euros and Russian Roubles are also in use. There is unlikely to be a substantial difference between rates offered by banks or bureaux de change.

Georgia duty free

The following goods may be imported into Georgia without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes.
• 3L of wine or 10L of beer.
• Personal goods up to the weight of 100kg.

Note: If importing more than 20kg of a good, the good will be taxed at GEL1 per kilo. On entering the country, tourists are advised to complete a customs declaration form, which they should retain until departure. This allows for the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables (such as jewellery, cameras and computers) which must be registered on the declaration form. Customs inspections are detailed.

Banned imports: 

Military weapons and ammunition, narcotics and drug paraphernalia, pornography, loose pearls and anything owned by a third party that is to be carried in for that third party.

Banned exports: 

Works of art and antiques (unless permission has been granted by the Ministry of Culture). In this case, the passenger should also hold a photo of the work of art or antique.

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