Is it better to pay taxis in Georgia with cash, or do drivers accept cards or payment apps?
I was surprised at how cash-heavy Georgia still is for taxis. In the capital, yes, you can book through Bolt and pay electronically, but the vast majority of drivers you wave down on the street just want lari. I found it easy enough to withdraw money, but it did take adjusting since I expected more card acceptance. To make life simpler, use an app in Tbilisi and Batumi, but for local rides elsewhere, cash is king.
Most taxis in Georgia will ask for cash, especially if you’re grabbing one outside of tourist hotspots. In Tbilisi, I did manage to use Bolt, which charged my card directly, but on a trip to Kutaisi, every driver I saw only accepted lari. It’s just how things are there. I’d recommend keeping a decent stash of cash for taxis because drivers prefer it, even when you ask about other methods. Apps work, but cash keeps it simple.
When I visited Georgia, I found the mix of old-school and modern transport quite striking. Traditional taxis usually wanted cash, while services like Bolt and Yandex Go let you pay through the app with a card. For me, it was easiest to keep some lari for short rides around town and use apps when I wanted the convenience of paying electronically. If you’re outside the big cities, don’t expect cards or apps-it’s lari or nothing.
In Georgia, taxis are still mostly cash-based, even in Tbilisi. A lot of drivers just prefer to be paid in lari. Some newer companies and apps allow you to link your card, but if you’re flagging one on the street, assume cash only. I tried to pay by card once, and the driver just shook his head and pointed to the fare. It’s not a big hassle, but make sure you carry cash if you don’t want problems at the end of a ride.