Georgia, a country of breathtaking mountains, ancient wine culture, and warm hospitality, is an emerging travel gem. Whether you’re strolling through Tbilisi’s charming old town, hiking in Kazbegi, or tasting world-class Georgian wine in Kakheti, knowing how to access cash is crucial. While many businesses accept cards, cash is still common in smaller towns and markets. This guide provides key details on cash and ATMs in Georgia, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth journey through this beautiful country.
Where to find ATMs in Georgia?
Urban Areas: Cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi have a good distribution of ATMs, particularly in city centers, shopping areas, and near bank branches. Major banks such as TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia, and Liberty Bank operate extensive ATM networks.
Tourist Spots: Popular areas like the Old Town in Tbilisi, Batumi Boulevard, and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta typically have ATMs nearby, especially in tourist information centers, hotels, and restaurants.
Rural Areas: In remote villages and mountainous regions, ATMs are scarce. It’s recommended to withdraw cash in larger towns before traveling to these areas.
Best ATMs to use in Georgia for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Georgia are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Basisbank, and
- Cartu Bank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards, albeit with a fee. These are:
- Terabank,
- Bank of Georgia,
- Terabank, and
- Procredit Bank
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Georgia.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Georgia, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in GEL).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate. If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
- Now if you ‘Accept’, you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in GEL.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Georgia?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Georgia.
Types of cards accepted at ATMs
ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept Union Pay cards. Others like JCB, Amex, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
ATM opening hours
General Availability: Many ATMs in Georgia, especially those located outside of bank branches, operate 24/7. For example, Bank of Georgia ATMs are available 24 hours a day.
Bank Branch ATMs: ATMs situated within bank premises are typically accessible during the bank’s operating hours, which generally range from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, and from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays.
What are ATMs called?
Word ‘ATM’ is used or ATMs have only the name of bank.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs typically offer Georgian and English as the primary languages. If you’re not familiar with these languages, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be helpful.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Georgia?
ATMs dispense cash primarily in the local currency, Georgian Lari (GEL). Some ATMs also offer the option to withdraw in US Dollars or Euros.
ATM withdrawal limits in Georgia
ATMs in Georgia have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of ₾ 200 to ₾ 3,000, most common being ₾ 500 or ₾ 2,000 (Georgian Lari ₾). ATMs typically do not have daily withdrawal limits so you can use the ATM multiple times if you need to withdraw more cash.
ATM Fees in Georgia
There are some fee-free ATMs in Georgia. Majority of the bank ATMs in Georgia charge ₾ 2 to ₾ 20 per transaction as ATM Access Fees to foreign card holders (Georgian Lari ₾). One bank charges as high as € 8 per transaction. There are 2 banks that do not charge any ATM fees for foreign card holders, so be sure to use these. Please note – bank ATMs in Georgia allow you to withdraw US Dollars also. If you withdraw US Dollars from the ATM here, majority of the ATMs charge from US$ 1 to as high as US$ 15 per transaction as ATM fees to foreign card holders.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Georgia. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s fees to use the card abroad, if applicable.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Georgia
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for Decline Conversion or Without Conversion during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs
The ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android helps users locate fee-free and low-fee ATMs here. The app provides information on ATM PINs and details of major bank ATMs, including ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Georgia. Additionally, the app includes a fee calculator to determine exact withdrawal charges and offers cash handling tips for over 100 countries, including Georgia.
Safety at ATMs
Georgia has a relatively low crime rate, and ATMs are commonly found in cities and towns. While serious crimes are uncommon, petty theft can occur. It’s recommended to use ATMs located inside bank branches, shopping centers, or other secure locations. Be vigilant for any unusual devices attached to ATMs, which could indicate skimming attempts. As with any destination, regularly monitor your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Georgia swallows your card, reach out to the bank linked to that ATM (especially if it’s inside a bank branch). They might return your card if you show identification. You can also call the bank’s helpline, but usually, they only retrieve and resend cards for their own account holders. In such scenarios, you’ll need to ask your own bank to issue a new card and send it to your home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Georgia?
Yes, there are some fee-free ATMs in Georgia. There are 2 banks that do not charge any ATM fees for foreign card holders, so be sure to use these.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Georgia.
Bitcoin ATMs
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, has a notable presence of Bitcoin ATMs.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Georgia
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here
