Experience with bank accounts in Georgia
I went to to BOG in Tbilisi and it seems to be very easy to open an account. I was told there are options for accounts in Georgian Lari, USD, Euros, and Pounds. Lari accounts can pay up to 10% for fixed term deposits. I realize there is some risk with the currency but it has been relatively stable. The options in Georgia seem fairly good since its not possible to open an account as a US citizen in most countries without residency. National deposit insurance in Georgia only covers 50,000 Lari ($18,695).
My reason for wanting to open an account is to move part of my savings away from the dollar but still get interest. I could hold some savings in Lari but would probably want to put most in a Euro account though interest for Euro accounts would be very low.
Does anyone have experience with banking in Georgia and in particular BOG's SOLO service? Has opening an account in Georgia worked well for other Americans considering the particular complications of our tax law? A 10% interest rate on a Lari account seems good. Are there costs or fees that I'm not aware of and should be considering?