Cards with Georgian lari (GEL), replenishment and withdrawal in online mode
Any foreigner can open an account in a Georgian bank; such an opportunity is paid, but it exists. Although it depends on the bank, but as a rule, the account is multicurrency, and on its basis, of course, you can issue a VISA or Mastercard GEL card. Let's consider the peculiarities of the currency and Georgian banks.
About GEL currency
The Georgian lari (GEL) has circulation exclusively within its own country.
It has been the official currency of Georgia since 1995 when it was introduced during the presidency of Eduard Shevardnadze. The lari is subdivided into 100 denominations, tetri.
Many people remember the hyperinflation at the beginning of the independent development of the state, but by the end of 1994 finally came a relatively stable time. In 1995, the National Bank issued the current currency, exchanging it for the old one at a rate of 1 to 1.
The best banks in Georgia
Where to apply for Visa/MasterCard GEL issue? Of course, the most reasonable is to go to the country's most reliable and popular banks.
As of 2022, the following financial institutions deserve the title of the best banks:
Bank of Georgia
This is the largest bank in the country, it started operating back in 1994, and today, the number of customer accounts in it is no less than 2.3 million.
Provides a full range of services and functions for different types of clients; 36 world currencies can be exchanged, foreigners and citizens can open accounts in four different currencies while using one multicurrency plastic card.
TBC Bank
Founded in 1992, it was originally known as Tbilisi Business Centre. By 1995, it had only one branch and 29 employees; today, it is a world-class bank with a market value of over 640 million dollars.
Notably, the online banking service offered by TBC has been repeatedly recognised as the best, most convenient and functional in Eastern and Central Europe.
Liberty Bank
It is pretty popular for opening accounts among non-residents. It has been functioning since 1994. It received its current name after more than 91% of its shares were transferred to the joint ownership of Liberty Investments Holding BV.
The institution has the largest network of branches in the country — their number reaches 360, and there are also 550 ATMs. This makes the bank one of the most customer-oriented banks in Georgia.
ProCredit, Silk Road, Cartu, Isbank and several other banks also deserve attention.
Where to exchange money with Visa/MasterCard GEL
It is most convenient to use exchangers.
They allow you to use the widest range of ways to send or receive money, including both fiat currencies and cryptocurrency.
Our BestChange monitor is explicitly designed so that you can:
- Choose an exchange from among the most reliable and efficient ones.
- Determine where the most favourable exchange rate is now.
- Consider different directions of exchange and easily find services that support them.
Don't forget to leave reviews about exchangers; they will help other customers!
