Exchanging US Dollars: how it works in Georgia — first-hand
Short answer
Avoid exchanging Russian Rubles in Georgia due to poor exchange rates. Instead, use money transfer services like Golden Crown to convert RUB to GEL, or carry USD cash, as older dollar banknotes are widely accepted at the same rates as new ones.
From real experience
Exchanging Russian Rubles (RUB) directly to Georgian Lari (GEL) in Georgia is generally unfavorable due to poor exchange rates at banks and street exchange points.
Recommended strategies include:
1. Bringing USD or EUR cash for exchange to GEL.
2. Using money transfer services like 'Golden Crown' (Zolotaya Korona): Transfer funds from a Russian bank card to yourself via Golden Crown and withdraw GEL cash at a Georgian bank. This often provides the most favorable RUB-GEL exchange rate.
Old series USD banknotes are accepted for exchange at the same rate as new ones, provided they are in good condition (not torn or damaged).
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In Georgia, US Dollars are generally preferred for currency exchange.
While some exchange offices accept Russian Rubles, the rates are often significantly worse, and not all locations handle them. Carrying USD is recommended to avoid unfavorable conversion rates and limited exchange options for RUB.
✓ 1 report from chats
Bringing USD to Georgia is more cost-effective than bringing RUB due to unfavorable exchange rates and double conversion issues.
Older USD banknotes (e.g., 1996 series) are widely accepted.
✓ 1 report from chats
In Tbilisi, currency exchange offices accept all denominations and series of US dollar bills, including older ones, without any difference in exchange rates.