Compare all the best ways to send money to Georgia

The exchange rate plays a key role in determining how much GEL your recipient in GE will get.

For example, in the past month average rate for USD to GEL was 2.735 GEL.

Since USD-GEL exchange rates fluctuate with market conditions, waiting a couple of days could result in a better rate, giving your recipient more GEL.

If you need to make an urgent transfer, we recommend using Wise, which has consistently offered the best rates for Lari over the past six months.

The most cost-effective way to fund your transfer to Georgia is through a Bank transfer with Revolut, which is 1.1% cheaper than the second-best service.

The way you fund your transfer to Georgia impacts the cost, speed, and how much GEL the recipient will receive.

Based on our data from the last six months for a $2,000 transfer from the US to Georgia, the following are your best options:

• Revolut with bank transfer deposit costs $0 and has a 0.18% markup.

• Xe with a debit card deposit costs $493 with 11.62% markup.

• Wise with a credit card deposit costs $46.41 with -0.29% added to the GEL exchange rate.

We advise against using Debit card, as they tend to be the most expensive option for GEL transfers.

Credit card transfers may incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates on GEL.

CC deposits also tend to be more expensive. For example, Wise charges $46.41 for credit card deposits, while a bank transfer via Revolut costs $0.

Whenever possible, avoid transfers via the SWIFT network to GE. SWIFT transfers to Georgia are slower and come with higher fees.

Instead, look for a cheaper option such as ACH or account balance.

Money transfer companies often have min and max limits on how much GEL you can send.

The amount you transfer can also affect the fees and the GEL exchange rate you receive. For instance, Wise is the best choice for sending large amounts to Georgia.

Additionally, there may be government-imposed restrictions, commercial limitations, and other factors that influence the amount of GEL you can send.

This is why it’s really important to compare your options when transferring money to Georgia.

The speed of sending Lari to Georgia depends on factors like the amount, timing, deposit, and withdrawal method chosen. Typically, faster transfers come with higher fees.

For example, based on a $2,000 transfer to Georgia:

Use Xe for fastest transfers

Of the 8 companies offering GEL transfers, Xe consistently offers the fastest delivery times across all deposit methods, appearing 10 times in our searches over the past 6 months.

For bank account & card deposits use Wise

Wise offers fast and affordable Lari transfers, with fees of around $31.57 for bank deposits and $Xe for debit card deposits, plus a small -0.39% markup on top of the GEL rate.

For credit card transfers use Wise

Based on our six-month search data, Wise takes up to one day to send GEL via credit card, with a fee of $46.41 and -0.29% markup.

For urgent transfers use cash transfer

If you need money urgently, we recommend cash pickup services through providers like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Avoid the SWIFT network

Avoid using SWIFT transfers for GEL transfers. Due to intermediary banks on the way to Georgia, SWIFT is slower and comes with higher fees.

There are a few different ways to move money to Georgia:

Money transfer services

You can transfer money online using an FX broker (managed service) such as OFX or an online-only company (self-managed) such as Wise.

Based on our six-month analysis, Wise stood out as the top money transfer company servicing Georgia, appearing in 100% of GEL transfers in our search system.

Mobile apps and e-wallets

Most money transfer services that accept Georgia offer mobile transfer apps, which often have better deals on GEL exchange rates.

You can check our guide on the best money transfer apps to find one that suits your needs.

Cash transfers

Cash transfers to Georgia are sent in person through services like Ria Money Transfers, MoneyGram, or Western Union.

Transferring Lari as cash is almost always instant but requires the recipient to visit a nearby agent in Georgia to collect the GEL.

Bank wire transfers

You can transfer Lari via your bank.

We strongly recommend not using your bank to wire GEL directly to Georgia due to high fees and slow transfer times.

Instead, use the bank transfer deposit option with Wise and send GEL from there.

There are multiple ways to receive money in Georgia. Picking the right one can save you on fees and speed up the GEL transfer process. Here are your options:

Deposit to the bank account

To deposit money directly into a recipient’s bank account in Georgia, we recommend Revolut. They appeared in 87.5% of GEL searches as the cheapest option for bank transfers to Georgia.

The card transfer will also land in the recipient’s bank account in Georgia. Use Xe to deposit with a debit card at just $493 per transfer.

Cash pickup and delivery

If the recipient in Georgia needs GEL urgently or doesn’t have access to a bank account in Georgia, cash pickup or home delivery are good options.

Mobile and digital wallets

You can receive GEL directly into digital wallets like PayPal, though this often comes with more limitations and costs more compared to services like Revolut.

When sending money to a bank account or e-wallet in Georgia, Lari will arrive without any involvement from the recipient.

However, if you're sending GEL as cash or transferring large amounts to Georgia, the recipient may need the following:

• Government-issued ID: A national ID of Georgia, a valid passport, or driver's license.

• Sender’s details: The sender's personal details such as full name and address.

• Transfer Details: The amount of GEL being received.

• Confirmation No.: This is usually given at the time of transfer.

• SWIFT Code / IBAN: Occasionally required for bank transfers.

The exact documents required may vary depending on the money transfer company and the transfer method used.

When sending bigger amounts to Georgia, companies may request proof of funds such as bank statements and address verification with the utility bill in line with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.

We recommend using Wise to send large amounts of Lari.

There may be tax obligations and government-imposed limits or restrictions on GEL transfers/payments to GE.

Some GEL transfers could be subject to taxes such as gift tax or commercial tax.

Even if no limits or taxes apply, certain GEL transfers (especially large sums of Lari) may need to be reported to the tax authorities in Georgia or in your country.

When unsure, it’s best to consult with a tax professional in Georgia or your home country to ensure compliance with the regulations.