ATM Availability in Georgia

28
55
Score / 100
#66
of 231 countries

ATM Availability in Georgia

The ATM Availability indicator measures the density of the cash machine network as the number of ATMs per 100,000 inhabitants. With a score of 28/100 — corresponding to 55 ATMs per 100,000 people and world rank 66 out of 231 — Georgia sits in the lower-middle range. This figure describes a clear geographic reality: those living in Tbilisi find sufficient cash infrastructure; those leaving the capital need to plan more actively.

Geographic Distribution: Tbilisi vs. the Rest of the Country

The Georgian ATM network is heavily concentrated in the capital region and Batumi. In Tbilisi — in the Vake, Saburtalo, Rustaveli, and Old Town districts — ATM density is practically on par with Eastern European capitals. The picture changes abruptly outside the cities:

  • Kazbegi / Greater Caucasus: Usually only 1 ATM per settlement; occasionally empty during peak season
  • Svaneti (Mestia): 1–2 machines; TBC ATM reliable, but network outages possible
  • Kakheti (Wine Region): Telavi and Sighnaghi have 2–4 ATMs; villages frequently have none
  • Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe, Vardzia region: ATMs available in district towns, but low redundancy

The most important recommendation: outside Tbilisi and Batumi, always withdraw sufficient GEL cash before travelling into rural areas.

Technical Standards and Fees

Georgian ATMs are mostly technically modern — Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay are accepted nationwide. Maximum withdrawal: typically 1,000–1,500 GEL per transaction (approx. 360–540 USD). Fees for international cards: TBC usually without foreign fee; BoG often 1–3 GEL per withdrawal. Wise and Revolut cards work reliably.

Cash Relevance in Georgia

Despite increasing digitalisation, Georgia remains partly a cash-based economy:

  • Smaller restaurants and cafes outside tourist zones
  • Markets, including Tbilisi's Dezerter Bazar
  • Marshrutkas (minibus routes to rural regions)
  • Many private landlords and smaller guesthouses

In Tbilisi and Batumi, card payment is common; most supermarkets, mid-range restaurants, and petrol stations accept cards without issue.

Comparison

  • South Korea (100), United Kingdom (74), Canada (74): ATM in every village
  • Japan (67): Good coverage, but often no international cards
  • Thailand (29): Similar level to Georgia
  • Armenia (21), Ukraine (20), Vietnam (13): Worse coverage than Georgia

What Expats Should Note

Those living permanently in Tbilisi will rarely experience ATM availability as a problem. Those who regularly travel — hiking in the Greater Caucasus, weekends in Svaneti, wine tours in Kakheti — should make a habit of withdrawing cash before departure. Rule of thumb: at least 150–200 GEL for 2 days inland, more for remote mountain regions.

Conclusion: Georgia's ATM score of 28/100 reflects an infrastructural divide: a well-served capital region and a structurally underserved province. For expats in Tbilisi, the situation is comfortable; for frequent travellers into the Georgian interior, cash management remains an active consideration.

Created: 2026-04-13

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