Bank of Georgia and TBC are the two main expat-friendly banks
Trust L4Updated May 7, 2026
Tbilisi
Banking, transfer, and payment setup basics for newcomers.
Most newcomers expect cash to dominate, but Tbilisi is rapidly going cash-less-major supermarkets (Carrefour, Goodwill), restaurants, petrol stations and malls all accept cards, and QR-code payments via TBCPay or BOGPay are common. Open a local account with Bank of Georgia or TBC on Rustaveli Avenue (you only need your passport) to get a free Visa debit card and the option of both GEL and USD accounts; TBC's mobile app is especially user-friendly. ATMs from TBC and BOG line every main street, but foreign cards incur a 2-3GEL fee per withdrawal, so relying on free foreign-card ATMs can bite you unexpectedly. For the best exchange rates, use licensed sarafi kiosks on Rustaveli near Freedom Square or inside Galleria Mall-no commission and honest weighing. When you need to move money abroad, link your TBC/BOG account to Wise; transfers arrive the same day domestically and in 1-3business days via SWIFT internationally. **Next step:** Walk to the Bank of Georgia (Rustaveli) or a TBC branch today, bring your passport, and start the account-opening process.
Ranked by contributor trust level and quality score.
Rustaveli · Experience date Feb 14, 2026
Opened Bank of Georgia account on Rustaveli with just my passport. USD and GEL accounts, free Visa debit card. TBC is also good and has a better mobile app. Both have English-speaking staff at main branches.
Saburtalo · Experience date Jan 2, 2026
Georgia has exceptionally low taxes for small businesses. Small Business Status (Małe Business): if your annual turnover is under 500,000 GEL (~$185,000): you can register as a 'small entrepreneur' and pay a flat 1% tax on turnover. No VAT for small businesses under 100,000 GEL/year. Individual Entrepreneur registration: can be done at the Revenue Service office with your passport in 30 minutes, costs 20 GEL. This is one of the most business-friendly tax regimes in the world — a major reason entrepreneurs and freelancers relocate to Tbilisi. Consult a local Georgian accountant for specifics.
Freedom Square · Experience date Apr 29, 2026
Georgia is one of the world's most crypto-friendly countries. No capital gains tax on cryptocurrency profits for individuals. TBC and BOG both accept crypto exchange platforms as legitimate businesses. Several Tbilisi-based crypto exchanges and OTC desks operate openly. Bitcoin ATMs: present in central Tbilisi (Fabrika, Rustaveli area). Converting crypto to GEL: peer-to-peer via Telegram groups (search 'P2P Georgia') or licensed exchanges. Georgia ranks highly in global crypto adoption indexes. For expats holding crypto assets: Georgia's legal clarity and low taxation make it an attractive base.
Rustaveli · Experience date Jan 5, 2026
Unlike most countries, Georgia allows tourists to open bank accounts with passport only. No proof of address, no income verification, no residency permit required. Walk in to TBC or BOG with your passport and you'll have an account in 30–60 minutes. This is one of Georgia's most expat-friendly policies and a major reason digital nomads love Tbilisi. The account comes with a Georgian IBAN and an international Visa/Mastercard — works for online payments globally. Receiving international transfers (Wise, PayPal, salary): fully functional Georgian bank accounts.
Isani · Experience date Feb 19, 2026
TBC Bank and BOG ATMs are on every major street in central Tbilisi. TBC ATM: free withdrawals for TBC account holders, 2–3 GEL fee for foreign cards. BOG ATM: same. Liberty Bank ATMs: also widespread. Foreign card (Revolut, Wise, foreign Visa/Mastercard): expect a 1–3% fee plus whatever your home bank charges. Best approach: open a Georgian TBC account, transfer money in via Wise, and withdraw from TBC ATMs for zero fees. Max withdrawal per transaction: typically 2,000–3,000 GEL per transaction. ATMs are well-maintained and reliable 24/7 in central Tbilisi.
Freedom Square · Experience date Jan 14, 2026
Georgia's currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). Exchange rate: approximately 2.65–2.75 GEL per USD in 2024. The Lari has been remarkably stable since 2022 despite regional instability. Best exchange rates: use your TBC or BOG bank app for currency conversion — they offer mid-market rates with minimal spread. Second best: licensed exchange kiosks (sarafi) on Rustaveli Avenue and in the Old Town — competitive rates, no commission. Worst rates: hotel exchanges and airport kiosks (5–10% below mid-market). Never exchange money at unofficial street exchangers — scams are common.
Freedom Square · Experience date Nov 9, 2025
TBC Bank is Georgia's largest private bank and consistently the most expat-friendly. Open a personal account with just your passport — no residency required, no minimum deposit. Process: visit any TBC branch with passport, account opened same day. You receive: Georgian IBAN, Visa debit card, access to TBC mobile app (full English interface). The TBC app allows: transfers, currency exchange at competitive rates, QR payments, Tbilisi public transport payments, and international transfers. TBC also offers USD and EUR accounts alongside GEL — useful for paying USD rent directly from your bank.
Rustaveli · Experience date Feb 23, 2026
Tbilisi is becoming increasingly cashless. Major supermarkets (Carrefour, Goodwill), restaurants, petrol stations, shopping malls, and most established businesses: card accepted. TBC and BOG contactless payments: widely accepted at modern terminals. QR payment via banking apps: growing rapidly, especially at cafés and small shops. Still cash-preferred: traditional markets (Dezerter Bazaar, Sunday bazaars), small neighbourhood food shops, marshrutka minibuses, and some very traditional restaurants. Always carry 30–50 GEL cash as backup. ATMs are numerous enough that running out of cash is easily fixed.