Monetary unit of Georgia. Currency of Georgia: history, present, future What is the name of the Georgian currency
GEL - currency unit Georgia. One lari is equivalent to 100 tetri.
Lari was put into circulation during the reign of E. Shevardnadze in 1995. At the moment, coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 tetri and banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lari are in circulation.
All lari banknotes depict Georgian historical figures who have contributed to the culture and history of the country.
The progenitor of the modern lari was the lari coupon, which existed until 1995. Initially, it was equated to the Soviet ruble and had only banknotes in denominations from one to one million coupons. Differed in that there were unusual for cash flow multiples of three (3, 3,000, 30,000 and 150,000 coupons). After the hyperinflation of 1995, it was replaced by a modern currency 1:100,000,000
Now the lari is quite a hard currency. For 1 lari they give about 15 Russian rubles.
On the front side:
portrait of the outstanding Georgian primitive artist Niko Pirosmani with the inscription "Pirosmani 1862-1918".
On the back side:
panorama of the capital of Georgia Tbilisi and a doe from a painting by Pirosmani.
On the front side:
a portrait of the Georgian composer Zakharia Paliashvili with the inscription "Zakharia Paliashvili 1871-1933", and on the left side notes of the overture from his opera "Abessalom and Eteri".
On the back side:
the building of the Tbilisi State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after Zakharia Paliashvili with the signature "Tbilisi National Opera and Ballet Theater 1887"
On the front side:
portrait of Georgian academician Ivane Javakhishvili with the inscription "Ivane Javakhishvili 1876-1940".
On the back side:
Tbilisi State University building Ivane Javakhishvili, below - an open book and floral decor, on the left side - a golden sculpture of a lion from the 3rd millennium BC and a situational map of Georgia.
10 lari
On the front side:
portrait of the Georgian poet and public figure Akaki Tsereteli with the caption "Akaki Tsereteli 1840-1915", a swallow and a branch in bloom.
On the back side:
portrait of the mother of the Georgian artist David Kakabadze from the painting "Imereti - my mother", as well as on the sides of the vine branch with grapes.
20 lari
On the front side:
a portrait of the Georgian poet and public figure Ilya Chavchavadze with the signature "Ilya Chavchavadze 1837-1907", on the left side - the journal "Bulletin of Georgia (Sakartvelos moambe)" founded by him and the newspaper "Iveria", as well as personal belongings.
On the back side:
Monument to the founder of Tbilisi, King Vakhtang Gorgasali. In the background is an 18th-century map of Tbilisi compiled by Vakhushti Bagrationi and a panorama of old Tbilisi depicting Narikala.
50 lari
On the front side:
a portrait of Queen Tamara with the inscription "Queen Tamara of the 12th century", on the left side - an image of a griffin from a fragment of the decoration of the Samtavisi temple.
On the back side:
the sign of the zodiac is "Sagittarius", from a Georgian miniature of the 12th century.
100 lari
On the front side:
a graphic portrait of the Georgian poet of the 12th century Shota Rustaveli with the caption “Shota Rustaveli of the 12th century”, on the left side is the composition “Ascension of the Cross by Angels”.
On the back side:
a composition with a biblical story - "Daniel in the lion's den", and a relief image from the monastery in Martvili with the signature "Martvili VII century".
200 lari
On the front side:
portrait of the national hero Kaikhosro (Kakutsa) Cholokashvili. Relief fragments of monuments of Georgian culture follow in the background.
On the back side:
view of Sukhumi and a fragment of the found with. Tsebelda (Gulrypsh district) relief image. Inscription in Abkhazian: 200 GEL.
Before the trip, you need to stock up on information about the country you are going to visit. Wherever you go, one of the most important things is money. Sadly, without money, rest will not work.
In this section, we will talk about money, or rather, about the Georgian currency and everything connected with it.
Banks and currency of Georgia
The national currency of Georgia is lari, with denominations: 1, 2 (coins), 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 (banknotes). Lari consists of 100 tetri - these are coins with denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 tetri.
In 2016, new banknotes of 20, 50 and 100 lari were put into circulation. In the future, it is planned to reissue 5 and 10 lara banknotes. New banknotes have more a high degree protection and even take into account the needs of visually impaired people. The design belongs to the hand of the Georgian master Bacho Malazonia.
Since 1995, all settlements in Georgia have been made only in the national currency.
Lari is translated from ancient Georgian as “heritage” or “property”, and tetri means “white”.
In banks and exchange offices, you can exchange currency for lari. The most popular currency that is available at any exchange office is the euro (EUR) and American dollars (USD). Less popular monetary units are rubles, hryvnias, drams and manats. Banks are the most reliable way currency exchange in Georgia.
Lari to ruble exchange rate for today
The exchange rate of the lari to the ruble for today in Georgia is approximately:
- 1 lari = 23.26 rubles;
Lari to hryvnia exchange rate:
- 1 lari = 10.87 hryvnia;
GEL to US dollar exchange rate
- 2.41 lari = 1 USD.
Where can I exchange money
In Georgia, as in any other country, there is a pattern: the larger the settlement, the more exchange offices or banks are located in it. Therefore, if your goal is to enjoy wildlife in places remote from major cities, then it is best to change money immediately upon arrival.
In some places, currency exchange can be done without presenting documents, however, Banks may require a passport.
In, as in any city in Georgia, there will be no problems with exchanging money. Exchange offices are concentrated mainly at railway stations, airports, large shopping and entertainment centers and other crowded places. The exchange rate may differ in different places, but it does not make a big difference, so you should not chase profit in this case. The difference for $100 will be 1-2 lari.
Another advantage of Georgia is the absence of commission for the exchange. Here you don't have to wander the streets looking for 0% or no commission signs. Everything is working.
The most reliable place for currency exchange is a bank. The most common Georgian banks are Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank. The working day in the bank lasts from 9 am to 6 pm. Some exchange offices operate around the clock. Almost any currency can be exchanged at the Bank of Georgia branch on Freedom Square.
Money can also be changed at exchange offices. Often they look unsightly, but they should not be afraid.
If you decide to withdraw money from an ATM, then this is also not a problem. ATMs, as a rule, "speak" in all commonly used languages. Among them is Russian. The menu will have an option - GEL. If you need local cash, go there. Commissions depend on the conditions of banks. The average market level of the commission of Georgian banks is about 2% of the transaction.
You can pay with cards. The number of points accepting cards is large, but not everywhere. Even in Tbilisi, you can easily run out of water if you don't have 50 tetri in cash.
Restaurants, cafes, most shops, hotels, hostels - they all accept cards. Stalls, bazaar, small shops - a surprise can lie in wait for you in the most unusual places. Therefore, do not walk around the city without a minimum amount of cash.
What currency to bring with you to Georgia?
Based on popularity, it is best to take American dollars or euros with you, because they will definitely be accepted at any exchange office. If we talk about the benefits, then here you need to consider immediately before the trip, because the exchange rates do not stand still.
To make a calculation, it is necessary to compare the exchange rate of the ruble to the lari and the dollar to the lari. For example, we need to change 10,000 rubles. If you exchange them for lari at the rate of 22.00 rubles per lari, then 454 lari will come out. If 10,000 rubles are first exchanged for dollars at the rate of 62 rubles per dollar ($162), and then exchanged for lari, then 433 lari will come out. Exchange rates are constantly changing, so be careful.
It is allowed to import any amount of money in foreign currency into the territory of Georgia. However, it is advisable to fill out a declaration if the amount exceeds the equivalent of $2,000. For import national currency restrictions in the amount of 25,000 lari are imposed. It is allowed to export the national currency in the amount of no more than 3,000 GEL.
How much money to take on vacation?
National Georgian money is called lari. International bank code - GEL. One lari is equal to 100 tetri. The currency is presented in banknotes and coins.
Story
coin design
Georgian money in the form of coins is minted from stainless steel. With a face value of 50 tetri are made of brass or copper-nickel alloy. Coins with a denomination of one unit are also minted from it. And money in denominations of two and ten is made of bimetal.
The coins depict the sun, the date of manufacture and the inscription "Republic of Georgia". It is engraved in two languages - national and English. The first coins had six denominations - from 1 to 50 tetri. The initial series was minted in 1993 at the Paris Mint.
Tetris, which were released in 1999 and 2006, are currently in use. The coins have six denominations - from 1 to 50 and denominations of 1 and 2 lari. Collectible metal money of two types was issued in a separate series, differing in appearance, in denominations of ten lari. On the obverse, the symbols of the country are minted - a bunch of grapes, a golden lion, a peacock and St. Mamai. On the reverse side of the coins is depicted
banknote design
Paper Georgian money has different colors. Banknotes issued in denominations:
- 1 lari - blue-green;
- 2 - pink-gray;
- 5 - brown-blue;
- 10 - blue-violet;
- 20 - orange-brown;
- 50 - green-blue;
- 100 - gray-green;
- 200 - yellow-blue.
One lari banknotes feature a portrait of the Georgian artist N. Pirosmanishvili. Behind it is a natural landscape. On the reverse side - a panorama of Tbilisi with a deer in the center. The five lari banknote features a portrait of academician I. Javakhishvili, St. George and the tree of life. On the reverse side of the bill - Tbilisi University, a golden lion and a map of Georgia.
On the 10 lari banknote, the Georgian poet A. Tsereteli is depicted on the front side. On the reverse side of the bill - a fragment of the picture, framed by a vine.
On the front side of the one hundred lari banknote there is an image of national pride - poet A on the back - a fragment of a biblical composition in bas-relief.
Georgian money in denominations of 200 lari have on the front side the image of Sukhumi (now this city is located on the territory of Abkhazia) and inscriptions in three languages: Georgian, English and Abkhaz. This design is a symbol of the integrity of the country.
From the very beginning, it was planned to introduce a 500 lari banknote. And a small print run of them was put into circulation. But by the method of exchange, the banknotes were withdrawn from circulation and acquired the status of unissued.
Banknotes are updated without major external changes. And there are still both new and old series of banknotes in circulation. They are exchanged when worn out.
The exchange rate of the lari against the ruble and other currencies
Exchange rates in Georgia are determined by National Bank, taking into account quotes and economic indicators countries. You can exchange Georgian currency for rubles or buy it, etc. at any point. After the appearance of the national lari exchange rate to the ruble was 1:1. An interesting fact: at that time it had denominations of 150 and 250 thousand lari. But over time, they disappeared from everyday life. According to last year's data, the exchange rate of the lari against the dollar was 1:0.41, and against the Russian ruble - 1:26.84.
Currency exchange
In Georgia, currency exchange takes place without much hassle. There are many exchange offices throughout the country. Sometimes Georgian lari money can be exchanged for another currency without even having a passport. But it will definitely be required at the bank. In Georgia, exchange offices are located at railway stations, in large entertainment and shopping centers, in all places where there is a mass congestion of people.
The course is almost the same everywhere. If there is a difference, then it is small - one or two lari per hundred american dollars. The commission for the exchange is not taken in almost all points. But this point still needs to be clarified before concluding a deal in order to know for sure.
Before traveling to Georgia, you should learn as much as possible about this state. This will allow you to plan your vacation correctly and avoid many unpleasant situations that a foreigner may have in a foreign country. One of the most important parts of a successful trip is money. With their help, you can pay for transport, accommodation in a hotel or private apartment, a restaurant, cafe, excursions and much more. Without money, a comfortable and high-grade rest is almost impossible.
Georgia has its own national currency, which is used everywhere. An exception may be payment for living in private rooms or apartments, where the payment is made directly with the owner. With the mutual consent of the guest and the host, payment for accommodation can be made in another currency, for example, in US dollars.
National currency
As official currency Georgian lari (GEL) is used. 1 lari consists of 100 tetri (coins). From ancient Georgian, the name lari is translated as "property", and tetri - "white".
In 2016, the National Bank of the country began issuing new banknotes with a reliable degree of protection against counterfeiting. Interestingly, they are produced taking into account the needs of people with low vision. The talented designer and artist Bacho Malazonia worked on the appearance of the new banknotes.
It should be noted that Georgia has adopted a law prohibiting the use of any other currency in the country except for the national one. Its violation entails a considerable fine. So don't risk your in cash and nerves. Better to exchange foreign currency in lari and enjoy an unforgettable vacation in the country.
In many cities of Georgia, tourists can pay by bank by Visa card or mastercard. When calculating in this way, there is an automatic currency conversion. Many restaurants, hotels, hostels and supermarkets accept bank cards for payment for goods and services. You can even pay with them at some points in the markets and even in small shops. However, just in case, it is better to always have a few banknotes and coins with you.
Exchange Rates
The data in the table is approximate, as the situation with the exchange rate can change quickly. In the past few years, the country has been in crisis, which has a negative impact on its economy and national currency.
Available currency exchange options
You can exchange rubles for lari in almost any major locality countries. There are currency exchangers at airports, railway stations, banks, popular shopping malls and specialized exchange points that can work around the clock.
The largest number of exchange offices is available in large cities and popular resorts of the country. In small towns, this can be difficult. Therefore, when planning a vacation in the mountains, small Georgian villages or in the wilderness, it is best to stock up on local currency in advance by exchanging it at the airport, train station or at the nearest bank.
One of the most pleasant moments of currency exchange in Georgia is the absence of a commission. Therefore, a foreigner can change money in any place convenient for him, without fear of going broke on a commission fee. As for the exchange rate, it may differ slightly in different exchange points of the country, but not more than 1 lari. This difference is rather insignificant.
Money in the national Georgian currency can be withdrawn from almost any city ATM. Most of them have an interface in various languages, including Russian. To remove from bank card money in lari, select the “GEL” item. Please note that a fee is charged for currency conversion, the amount of which depends directly on the bank. On average, the commission is 2% of the converted amount.
The easiest and fastest way to exchange dollars and euros for lari. They are changed in all banks and exchange points of the country. In many financial institutions in Georgia, you can also easily exchange rubles and hryvnias. However, the exchange rate is quite unfavorable.
Helpful information
- It is fashionable to freely import currency in the amount of up to 30 thousand lari into the territory of the Georgian state.
- To calculate the budget of your trip to Georgia, you should first draw up a detailed trip plan. First of all, you need to calculate the travel and accommodation costs. In 2018, the minimum cost of a bed in a hostel is 15 GEL, rooms in an inexpensive hotel cost from 50 GEL. The second important point of the budget is food. Depending on their gastronomic preferences, a tourist can spend from 40 to 100 GEL on food per day. The next expense item is the most creative and interesting. These are entertainment, shopping, excursions, buying souvenirs, etc. Here the amount is not limited. It can start from 200 lari and end with several tens of thousands of dollars. The approximate budget for a trip for 7 days per person is $250-500. Many tourists recommend taking a little more money with you on a trip than planned. They may be needed by the traveler in case of any unforeseen situation.
- In Georgia, you can and even need to bargain in the markets, in private small shops, etc. The price offered by the seller can be immediately divided by 2.
- When exchanging currency at specialized exchange points, you need to pay attention to the current rate. Sometimes it can look too profitable and tempting compared to the rates of other exchange points in the city. Most likely, this rate shows the cost of selling the national currency, and not buying it. Tourists often fall for this trick, eventually changing their money at a rather unfavorable rate.
- As in other states of the post-Soviet space in Georgia, you can find many brisk money changers exchanging currency in crowded places. Better not to mess with them. The fact is that in the case of exchanging money, it is almost impossible to verify the authenticity of the received banknotes.
Questions about what currency to take to Georgia (rubles, dollars or euros) pop up constantly, so the post contains answers to the FAQ of blog readers.
What money is in Georgia?
The currency of Georgia is called lari, 1 lari = 100 tetri
Officially, all settlements on the territory of Georgia are made in lari. Sometimes you can pay in dollars or euros for excursions or taxi services.
What currency to take to Georgia?
Conclusion: Today, it doesn't matter what currency to take. You can travel with rubles + ruble card. Or with dollars + dollar card, euro - as you prefer. Everything can change tomorrow. It is necessary to consider before the trip, the course jumps.
Dollars? Rubles? Maybe euro? I do not recommend taking other currency with you, because. freely exchanged for lari in any exchanger you can only rubles, $ and €
Let's go back to simple math.
How to count?
We look at what rate today you can buy lari in the exchange offices of Georgian cities. This is the real rate, I periodically compare it with the exchange rate in Tbilisi and Batumi - the data are the same.
There is no information on the site in which particular exchangers offer such a rate. There are hundreds of currency exchange points in the cities of Georgia, the rate in them changes several times a day.
Need a good course search in place. We go around the city and compare.
For example we have 10 000 rubles
In Russia Today you can buy dollars and euros at the following rates:
$1 = 66.68 ₽
€1 = 75.56 ₽
We get:
10 000/66.68 = 149.97$
10 000/75.56 = 132.34€
In Georgian exchange offices, the lari purchase rates today are ( first column):
Change rubles to lari in Georgia: 10,000 rubles*0.0396 = 396 lari
We change dollars bought for 10,000 rubles in Georgia: $ 149.97 * 2.65 = 397 lari
We change euros bought for 10,000 rubles in Georgia: 132.34 € * 3.007 = 397.95 GEL
Conclusion: You can travel with rubles, dollars or euros. No difference. For the sake of winning 1-2 lari, it makes no sense to bother with buying dollars or euros in Russia in order to exchange them for lari later.
BUT! Please consider yourself before the trip, what kind of money is better to take to Georgia - the rate jumps daily.
Where to change money?
In branches banks The exchange rate is unfavorable for Georgia, so it is better to change in exchangers. An exchanger is a window or door in the wall where a person sits and changes money. There is no commission.
Check several exchangers at once, because on the same street, especially in the center, the difference between the rates is up to 20 tetri (this is a lot).
Currency exchange at airports
Tbilisi
Exchangers work around the clock. Often the exchange rate at Tbilisi Airport is the same as in the city center, and sometimes even more profitable.
If you have a lot of free time, after arriving in Tbilisi, catch wifi, go to rico.ge, look at the exchange rate in the city, compare it with the rate at the airport. If the airport is better, change money there.
Or buy some lari for travel at the airport, exchange the rest in the center.
Reader Interactions
Comments ↓
Mila Demenkova
Anna
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Tatiana
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Daria
Mila Demenkova
Dmitriy
Mila Demenkova
Dmitriy
Mila Demenkova
Dmitriy
Mila Demenkova
Oleg
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Irina
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Baktygul
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Raya
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Olga
Mila Demenkova
Dima
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Alexander
Mila Demenkova
Alexander
Mila Demenkova
Alexander
Mila Demenkova
Mila Demenkova
Vika
Tatiana
Tatiana
Yuri
Daria
Dmitriy
Oleg
Irina
Makar.
Anastasia
Elena
Tanya
Zoya
Igor
Arthur
Valeria
Irina
Baktygul
Maria
Galina
Raya
Lily
Olga
Dima
Olga
Islam
Alice
Anastasia
Tatiana
Alexander
Alexander
Nastya
Marina