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Australia recognised the independence of Georgia in March 1992. In 2008, after Georgia's conflict with Russia, Australia provided $1 million in emergency humanitarian aid through organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In 2010, Australia contributed to a NATO Partnership for Peace Trust Fund project to clear unexploded ordnance in Georgia.
Both countries share a warm bilateral relationship. In recent times, there has been a focus of building people-to-people links and commercial ties, especially in the field of education. As per the 2011 Australian census, 489 people in living in Australia claimed Georgian ancestry.
An online money transfer service with cash pickup, bank account to bank account and airtime transfers available.
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The trade relationship between these two countries is modest. Two-way trade in 2014 totalled to $13.4 million, which included $7.5 million in exports from Australia.
This guide gives you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Tsotne Beridze moved to Australia because of work, while his wife and children continue living in Georgia. Since they depend on him financially, he’ll have to send them money on a regular basis. He feels around $1,000 per month is good to keep them going.
While Tsotne opened an account with a bank in Australia upon arriving to this country, it does not let him transfer funds to Georgia, given that the Georgian Lari (GEL) is an exotic currency. While he can turn to other banks, he decides to compare money transfer companies instead. He takes to the Internet and this is what he finds.
| Money transfer service 1 | Money transfer service 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | $1 = GEL1.7199 | $1 = GEL1.7733 |
| Transfer fee | $0 | $8.23 |
| Amount received for $1,000 | GEL1,719.90 | GEL 1,758.72 |
| Transfer time | 1-3 days | 1 day |
| Transfer options | Bank account | Bank account |
| Difference of | GEL38.82 |
Tsotne opts to go with the second money transfer company even though it charges him a fee. This is because his wife stands to receive more money through this service provider, and he can be sure the money will get to her bank account within a day. After his first transfer, he decides to compare his options every time thereon.
A range of factors require your attention when sending money to Georgia from Australia.
You get multiple options when sending money to Georgia from Australia.
When receiving money from Georgia in Australia, you get to choose from different methods.
If you end up losing your wallet in Georgia, the first thing you should do is report your debit and credit cards as lost or stolen. Consider filing a police complaint as well. Next, you can think about getting emergency money in these ways.
Western Union and MoneyGram have a number of cash pickup centres in Georgia. Collecting money from any of these centres requires that the recipient present a valid reference number along with a suitable form of ID such as a passport or a driver’s license. If the transfer involves a large sum, consider calling in advance to verify availability of funds. Here are some cash pickup locations in Georgia.
Incidences of serious crime have reduced in Georgia, especially in Tbilisi. However, there have been instances of violent crimes committed against foreigners, which include robberies, carjacking, assaults and home invasions, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. When travelling after dark, exercise due vigilance, especially in residential areas and around hotels.
Instances of public demonstrations are not uncommon. Avoid them because they can turn violent.
While merchants often quote prices in US dollars or Euros, Georgian law requires that you pay for all products and services in Georgian Lari. You can use credit cards in Tbilisi easily, but this is not the case with other regions. You can find ATMs in major towns. Acceptance of traveller’s cheques is limited.
Back to topThe method you choose has a bearing on the steps involved in sending money to Georgia.
