Exchange USD at airport or withdraw from ATM in Georgia?

Best option in Georgia is a split approach: convert a token amount at the airport, then hit a Bank of Georgia or TBC Bank ATM in town. Budget GEL 70-100 daily if you’re eating out and visiting attractions. Always choose to be charged in GEL, not in your home currency, as dynamic conversion is a bad deal. Airport desks are convenient but overpriced. For reliable rates, stick with ATMs inside banks or malls in the city.

The exchange counter at Tbilisi Airport was disappointing. I changed €100, and later realized I’d lost nearly GEL 50 compared to what the ATM rate was. That’s enough to cover dinner and a bottle of Georgian wine. Georgia is affordable, but losing money upfront was annoying since I had budgeted GEL 80 per day for tours and meals. Don’t make the same mistake - airport counters feel like a tourist trap. ATMs are the way to go.

I landed in Tbilisi and swapped €20 at the airport, just enough for a taxi. The rate was terrible. Later, I withdrew GEL from a TBC Bank ATM downtown, and the difference was huge. Meals were around GEL 20, metro rides just GEL 1, and wine tastings added up, so withdrawing in bulk kept me comfortable. I budgeted GEL 100-120 per day and found ATMs far more reliable. Airport counters are only good for emergencies.

In Georgia, ATMs almost always give a better rate than airport exchange counters. Tbilisi Airport desks typically take a big margin, while machines linked to Bank of Georgia or TBC Bank offer rates close to market. If you’re budgeting GEL 70-100 daily for khachapuri, wine bars, metro rides, and attractions, an ATM withdrawal is the more cost-effective option. Exchange only a small amount at the airport to cover your initial taxi or bus, then use ATMs in the city for larger amounts.