Published: 10.06.2026
According to the source, Georgian banks often open accounts for Russian citizens only in lari, primarily for use within Georgia. SWIFT transfers from Russia to Georgian banks do not go through.
For a Russian citizen moving to Georgia, this means that account funding and day-to-day banking arrangements need to be considered in advance. According to the source, a lari account may support domestic payments, while direct SWIFT transfers from Russia are unavailable, affecting relocation financing and ongoing support in Georgia. The issue is most relevant to Russian citizens who need a Georgian bank account or regular transfers from Russia. It is worth considering for anyone planning to rely on Russian savings or international bank transfers after moving.