TransferWise Georgian Lari Travel Card

Georgia is a fascinating destination with breathtaking mountains, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re exploring Tbilisi’s charming streets or hiking in Kazbegi, managing your money wisely is essential. The TransferWise Georgian Lari Travel Card (now called the Wise card) is an excellent choice for travelers who want to save money and simplify their finances.

In this article, we’ll cover everything about the Wise Georgian Lari Travel Card, including its features, benefits, fees, supported currencies, and how to use it effectively.

What is the TransferWise Georgian Lari Travel Card?

The TransferWise Georgian Lari Travel Card is a prepaid debit card linked to a Wise multi-currency account. It allows you to spend, withdraw, and manage money in multiple currencies, including the Georgian Lari (GEL), at low fees and real exchange rates.

Features of the Wise Georgian Lari Travel Card

Feature Details
Multi-Currency Support Hold and manage over 50 currencies, including GEL.
Fair Exchange Rate Access the real mid-market rate for currency conversions.
Low Fees Transparent and affordable fees for currency exchange and ATM withdrawals.
ATM Access Free ATM withdrawals up to $100–$200/month, with a small fee for amounts beyond the limit.
Global Usability Accepted worldwide wherever Mastercard is supported.
Contactless Payments Make secure, tap-to-pay transactions.
Transaction Notifications Instant alerts for every transaction to help track spending.
Freeze and Unfreeze Quickly lock your card in case of loss or theft through the Wise app.

Benefits of the Wise Georgian Lari Travel Card

1. Save Money with Low Fees

The Wise card charges minimal fees for currency conversion, making it more affordable than traditional travel cards or bank services.

2. Real Exchange Rates

Unlike banks or money exchangers, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversion. This eliminates hidden fees or markups.

3. Hold and Spend Multiple Currencies

With Wise, you can store money in over 50 currencies and switch between them easily. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling to multiple countries.

4. Convenience for Georgian Travel

Pay directly in Georgian Lari, avoiding extra charges or unfavorable exchange rates.

5. Advanced Security

The Wise app lets you freeze or unfreeze your card, set spending limits, and receive real-time notifications for every transaction.

Supported Currencies

The Wise Georgian Lari Travel Card supports over 50 currencies, including:

  • Georgian Lari (GEL)
  • USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, INR, TRY, and many more.

You can convert between these currencies instantly using the Wise app.

Fees and Charges

Fee Type Details
Card Issuance Fee One-time fee (approximately $10).
Currency Conversion Fee Ranges between 0.35% and 1% of the transaction amount.
ATM Withdrawal Fee Free withdrawals up to $100–$200/month; 2% fee on amounts exceeding the free limit.
Monthly Maintenance Fee None.
Replacement Card Fee Minimal fee for card replacement if lost or damaged.

How Currency Conversion Works

The Wise card offers transparency by using the mid-market exchange rate for conversions. There are no hidden fees, and the only cost is a small conversion fee.

Example:

If you convert $1,000 to Georgian Lari, you’ll receive the exact amount of GEL at the mid-market rate, minus the minimal conversion fee of 0.35%–1%.

Best Ways to Use the Wise Georgian Lari Travel Card

1. Convert Money Before Traveling

Convert your home currency to GEL through the Wise app before arriving in Georgia. This ensures you have local currency ready for immediate expenses like transportation or meals.

2. Pay in Local Currency

Always pay in Georgian Lari when using your card in stores or restaurants to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.

3. Track Your Spending

Use the Wise app to monitor your spending and stick to your travel budget.

4. Withdraw Cash When Necessary

While card payments are widely accepted in Georgia, some rural areas may require cash. Withdraw Georgian Lari from ATMs, keeping within the free withdrawal limit.

5. Avoid Unnecessary Charges

Stay mindful of ATM withdrawal limits and avoid using the card for unsupported currencies.

Steps to Get the Wise Georgian Lari Travel Card

  1. Sign Up for a Wise Account
    Create an account on the Wise website or mobile app.

  2. Complete Verification
    Submit a valid ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.) to verify your account.

  3. Order Your Card
    Request the Wise card through the app and pay the one-time issuance fee.

  4. Activate Your Card
    When your card arrives, activate it via the Wise app and set your PIN.

  5. Add Funds
    Load money into your Wise account using a bank transfer, debit card, or credit card.

Eligibility

You can apply for the Wise Georgian Lari Travel Card if you:

  • Are at least 18 years old.
  • Reside in a country where Wise operates.

Check the Wise website for the full list of eligible countries.

Do’s and Don’ts of Using the Wise Card

Do’s

  • Convert money to GEL in advance for a better travel experience.
  • Use the Wise app to monitor your spending and manage your budget.
  • Stick to the free ATM withdrawal limit to avoid extra charges.
  • Always choose to pay in Georgian Lari when given a choice.

Don’ts

  • Don’t share your card details or PIN with anyone.
  • Avoid using the card for unsupported currencies without prior conversion.
  • Don’t exceed the free ATM withdrawal limit unnecessarily.

Why Choose the Wise Georgian Lari Travel Card?

The Wise Georgian Lari Travel Card is the best travel companion for Georgia because it offers:

  1. Low Fees: Save money on currency conversion and transactions.
  2. Real Rates: Benefit from the mid-market exchange rate without markups.
  3. Convenience: Manage multiple currencies in one account.
  4. Security: Advanced security features keep your funds safe.
  5. Global Use: Ideal for both Georgian travel and international destinations.

Top up and spend your holiday money in over 40 currencies

Argentine Peso Egyptian Pound Moroccan Dirham South African Rand
Australian Dollar Euro Nepalese Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee
Bangladeshi Taka Georgian Lari New Zealand Dollar Swedish Krona
British Pound Hong Kong Dollar Nigerian Naira Swiss Franc
Bulgarian Lev Hungarian Forint Norwegian Krone Turkish Lira
Canadian Dollar Indian Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirham
Chilean Peso Indonesian Rupiah Philippine Peso Ukrainian Hryvnia
Chinese Yuan Israeli Shekel Polish Zloty US Dollar
Croatian Kuna Japanese Yen Romanian Leu Vietnamese Dong
Czech Koruna Kenyan Shilling South Korean Won Singapore Dollar
Danish Krone Mexican Peso Thai Baht Malaysian Ringgit

Which all countries can apply for Wise Travel Card

The Wise card is currently available for personal customers that live in these countries and regions:

  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • EEA + Switzerland*
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • UK + European microstates and overseas territories*
  • USA except for residents of Nevada (US cards temporarily unavailable)

Final Thoughts

The TransferWise Georgian Lari Travel Card is a smart choice for anyone traveling to Georgia. It’s reliable, affordable, and easy to use. Whether you’re paying for a hearty Georgian meal or exploring the Caucasus mountains, the Wise card ensures you manage your money efficiently.

Get your Wise card today and enjoy a stress-free journey in Georgia!