Top payment methods in Georgia: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Georgia? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Georgia, with a population of around 3.69 million people, has a GDP of approximately 35.35 billion making it the 106th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL)
The economy is driven by tourism, agriculture (wine), and transportation services, benefiting from its location as a transit hub. It has a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the European Union and maintains significant trade with Turkey and Russia.
| Country | Georgia |
|---|---|
| Population | 3.69 million |
| GDP (USD) | 35.35 billion |
| Global Ranking | 106th |
| Currency | Georgian Lari (GEL) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Georgia?
Credit and debit cards are a widely accepted and frequently used payment method in Georgia, especially in the capital, Tbilisi, and other major cities. Despite high card usage, physical cash in the form of the Lari remains very common for smaller purchases, public transport, and in rural areas. The country also has a vast network of self-service payment terminals, like PayBox and TBC Pay, which are widely used for paying bills and fines.
How to pay in Georgia
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Georgia.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | Card payments are very popular and widely accepted in cities and towns for all types of transactions, both online and in-person. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Georgian Lari) | Cash is still a very common and frequently used payment method for daily expenses, especially in rural areas and at open-air markets. | In-person |
| Digital Wallets (TBC Pay, eMoney) | Local digital wallets are popular and widely used. Terminals for services like TBC Pay and eMoney are common for paying bills and topping up accounts. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Direct bank transfers via mobile banking apps are a common way to make P2P payments and pay for goods and services. | Online |
Is PayPal available in Georgia?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Georgia.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.