Honestly, the first time you land at Shota Rustaveli Airport, you’re probably going to be tempted to just hit the first exchange booth you see. Don't. It's a classic mistake. If you're looking at 1 US dollar to Georgian lari, the number you see on Google isn't always what you'll get in your hand.
As of mid-January 2026, the rate is hovering around 2.68 GEL to 1 USD. It’s been surprisingly stable lately, despite everything going on in the region. But stability in the currency markets doesn't mean stability in the fees you're going to pay at a random kiosk in a tourist trap.
The Reality of the Lari in 2026
Georgia’s economy is a bit of a weird one right now. The UN and groups like Galt & Taggart are forecasting a solid 5.4% to 6.0% GDP growth for 2026. That sounds great on paper, but for you, the person holding a handful of greenbacks, it basically means the lari isn't just some flimsy "emerging market" currency anymore. It’s got some teeth.
The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) has been keeping the refinancing rate steady at around 8%. This "moderately tight" policy is basically their way of making sure the lari doesn't go into a tailspin while they wait for inflation to cool down to their 3% target. What this means for your wallet is that the 1 US dollar to Georgian lari exchange isn't fluctuating wildly day-to-day, but it’s definitely "expensive" compared to five or six years ago.
You’ve gotta remember that Georgia is heavily dependent on remittances—money sent home from workers abroad—and tourism. These inflows, projected to hit nearly $5 billion this year, are what keep the lari propped up. If you're coming here with USD, you're competing with a massive influx of foreign currency that the NBG is actively trying to mop up to build their reserves.
Where to Actually Swap Your Dollars
Listen, I've spent enough time in Tbilisi to know that "No Commission" is often a lie. Well, not a lie, but a half-truth. They might not charge a flat $5 fee, but they’ll bake a 10-tetri spread into the rate.
If the official rate is 2.68, a "no commission" booth at the airport might offer you 2.55. Over a few hundred bucks, you're basically buying a very expensive khachapuri for the exchange owner.
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Banks vs. The "Boxes"
Georgian banks—the big ones like TBC or Bank of Georgia (the one with the orange logo you see everywhere)—are safe. They're reliable. But they almost never have the best rate for 1 US dollar to Georgian lari. Their spreads are wider because they have massive overhead.
The best rates? They’re usually in those tiny, hole-in-the-wall exchange offices in areas like Saburtalo or near the Marjanishvili metro. In these places, the buy/sell spread is razor-thin. Sometimes it’s as low as 1 or 2 tetri.
- Pro Tip: Look for the digital signs where the "Buy" and "Sell" numbers are closest together. If "Buy" is 2.67 and "Sell" is 2.69, you’ve found a winner.
- The Passport Rule: By law, you need a passport for exchange. In practice? For 50 bucks, some small booths might not ask, but for anything substantial, have your ID ready.
Why the Rate Is Doing What It’s Doing
You might wonder why the dollar isn't crushing the lari right now. Usually, when there's global uncertainty, the USD wins. But Georgia has become a bit of a "middleman" economy.
Even though the UN notes that the "intermediary trade" benefits are fading, the country is still a transit hub. Plus, the NBG has been aggressive. They’ve been buying gold. They’ve been building up $5.8 billion in reserves. This creates a floor for the lari.
If you're watching the 1 US dollar to Georgian lari rate for an upcoming trip, keep an eye on the NBG’s Monetary Policy Committee meetings. The next one is February 11, 2026. If they decide to cut interest rates (which some analysts like Galt & Taggart expect later this year), the lari might soften, giving you more bang for your buck.
Avoiding the ATM Trap
ATMs are everywhere in Tbilisi and Batumi. Most of them will ask if you want the "ATM's conversion rate" or if you want to be charged in the local currency.
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Always choose local currency (GEL).
If you let the ATM do the conversion, you’re essentially letting a machine rob you in broad daylight. The machine’s rate is almost always 3-5% worse than your home bank's rate. Also, be aware that some ATMs (especially Liberty Bank) sometimes charge a local fee on top of what your home bank charges.
What a Dollar Actually Buys You in 2026
It’s easy to get lost in the decimals. Let’s talk real-world value. If you swap 1 US dollar to Georgian lari, you get roughly 2.68 GEL.
In the 90s, that was a fortune. In 2026? It’s a bit different.
- A ride on the Tbilisi Metro or a yellow bus is 1 GEL (about 37 cents). So $1 buys you two and a half trips.
- A basic loaf of bread (shoti) is around 1.50 to 2 GEL.
- A decent cup of specialty coffee in Vake? That'll be 8 to 10 GEL. You’re looking at nearly 4 dollars for that latte.
Georgia is no longer "dirt cheap." It’s "affordable," but the lari’s strength means you have to be smarter about your spending than travelers did a decade ago.
The "Street" Exchange Risk
You’ll still see guys standing around old markets or the Dinamo Stadium area offering to change money. Don't do it. Just don't.
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There is zero reason to use a street changer when there are legitimate, licensed booths every 50 meters in the city. The risk of getting "short-changed" (the classic folding-bill trick) or receiving old, out-of-circulation notes isn't worth the extra 2 tetri they might promise you.
How to Manage Your Cash
Georgia is surprisingly digital. You can pay with Apple Pay or a contactless card at almost any corner store (marjeti) in Tbilisi. However, the second you head to the mountains—Svaneti, Kazbegi, or the wine regions of Kakheti—cash is king.
If you’re planning to trek, exchange your USD in Tbilisi before you leave. The rates in small mountain villages are predatory because they know you have no other choice.
What to Look for in Your Bills
Georgians are incredibly picky about the physical condition of US dollars. If your $100 bill has a tiny tear, a "fat" ink stamp from a foreign bank, or is an older "small head" series, many exchange offices will simply refuse it.
I’ve seen people get stuck with $500 in perfectly legal US tender that no one in Tbilisi would touch because the bills looked "too old." Bring crisp, new "blue" $100 bills if you want zero drama.
Actionable Steps for Your Money
If you're landing in Georgia soon, here is the most efficient way to handle the 1 US dollar to Georgian lari situation:
- Change $10-$20 at the airport: Just enough for a Bolt or the bus into the city. Use the official exchange booths, not the guys hanging out by the exit.
- Download Bolt or Glovo: Link your home card to these apps. The conversion rate handled by your bank is usually better than any cash rate you'll find under pressure.
- Find a "Change" booth in the city: Look for the ones with a high volume of locals. They have the best rates.
- Carry small GEL denominations: Many small shops struggle to give change for a 100 GEL note. Keep 5s, 10s, and 20s handy.
- Watch the NBG: Check the National Bank of Georgia's website for the "Official Exchange Rate." This is the benchmark. If a booth is offering you anything more than 3 tetri below that, keep walking.
The lari is a proud currency, and the Georgian economy is currently one of the few bright spots in the region. By understanding the mechanics of the 1 US dollar to Georgian lari exchange, you're not just saving a few cents—you're making sure your travel budget actually goes toward the wine and food you came here for, rather than into the pocket of a savvy currency trader.