🚗Where to Park in Georgia? A Complete Guide to Paid and Free Parking

Why you need to know about parking in Georgia?

If you are traveling around Georgia by car or planning to move to this country, it is important to understand the parking issue in advance. In large cities such as Tbilisi and Batumi, finding a free parking space is a real challenge, especially during rush hours. In resort areas, the situation changes depending on the season: in summer, parking lots by the sea can be overcrowded, while in winter there are plenty of free spaces.

In addition, parking rules in Georgia may differ from those that tourists from Europe or the CIS are accustomed to. There are features that are better to know in advance: where you can park for free, where payment is required, how to pay, and what to do if your car is towed.

The importance of the topic for tourists, expats and locals

🚗 Tourists face the issue of parking when renting a car to travel around the country. To avoid fines and towing, you need to know where to look for parking, how to pay for it without a local SIM card, and what parking zones exist in the cities.

🏡 Expats who move to Georgia should take into account the local parking culture, especially in the capital. In residential areas, yard parking is often full, and in the city center, many streets have paid zones that newcomers may not know about.

🏠 Locals are already accustomed to the peculiarities of parking in their area, but even they often face difficulties, especially if they often move around different parts of the city.

General picture of parking infrastructure in the country

• Tbilisi has a paid parking system with convenient payment via apps or SMS. However, despite this, there is a shortage of parking spaces in the center.
• In Batumi, the situation varies depending on the season: in summer, parking spaces by the sea are full, and in winter it is easier to find a space.
• In Kutaisi, parking in the city center is often free, but there are not always enough spaces for cars.
• In the regions and small towns, there are almost no parking problems, except for popular tourist locations.

Georgia is gradually developing its parking system, but for now, motorists have to deal with a number of inconveniences: lack of spaces, difficulties with payment, towing for improper parking. Therefore, it is better to understand the rules in advance in order to avoid unpleasant situations.

Brief overview of the article

In this article, we will examine in detail:

✅ Types of parking in Georgia: paid, free, specialized.

✅ Payment methods and convenient applications for finding parking.

✅ Parking rules, fines and what to do in case of evacuation.

✅ Features of parking in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and the regions.

✅ Life hacks for tourists, expats and owners of rented cars.

Georgia is a country where a car gives more freedom of movement, but requires knowledge of local nuances. This article will help you avoid problems and enjoy traveling without unnecessary hassle! 🚗✨

There are several types in Georgia Parking paid, free and specialized. Depending on the city, district and occupancy of places, the parking infrastructure can differ significantly.

Paid parking

The paid parking system in Georgia is organized in major cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi. The main paid parking zones include:

• Street parking with markings - most often in the city center, near business districts, tourist places and transport hubs.
• Underground and indoor parking - located in shopping centers, business centers and near large hotels.
• Parking near shopping centers (SEC) - most often the first 1-2 hours are free, then a fee is charged.

Examples of paid parking in large cities

• Tbilisi: Paid zones in the city center, near Freedom Square, Rustaveli, Avlabari and Vake streets.
• Batumi: Parking near the embankment, in the city center and near large hotels.
• Kutaisi: Parking zones near the airport, central streets and tourist attractions.

Cost and payment

Parking prices vary by zone and city. Average price:

• In Tbilisi: 1-2 GEL per hour.
• In Batumi: about 1 GEL per hour, but seasonal changes are possible.
• In Kutaisi: parking fees are charged only in central zones.

Payment methods:

1. Via mobile applications (e.g. ParkMan, Tbilisi Parking).
2. Via SMS – sending the car number and parking zone code.
3. Payment terminals – often installed in shopping centers and on busy streets.
4. Subscriptions – you can purchase monthly or annual passes to certain parking zones.

🅿️ Are you the owner of a paid parking lot, but drivers can't find you?

Motorists look for convenient and safe parking via online maps, and if your parking lot is not there, they go to competitors!

🔥 Let's make your parking visible!

Free parking

Although free parking is becoming less and less common in large cities, there are still places where you can leave your car without paying.

Where to look for free parking?

• Residential areas – most courtyard areas remain free, but finding a place in the evening can be difficult.
• Markets and shopping areas – often equipped with free parking, but with time restrictions.
• Attractions – There are free parking lots near some tourist sites, but they can be crowded in summer.

Limitations and risks

• Danger of a fine: Some drivers leave their cars in areas where parking is technically free but prohibited. In such cases, you can get a fine or even have your car towed.
• Lack of guaranteed security: Free parking lots are not guarded, which increases the risk of theft or damage to your car.
• Overcrowding: especially in the evening hours and in the city center.

Specialized parking

For some categories of transport, special parking zones with special conditions are provided.

Parking for people with disabilities

• Such parking spaces are designated with special markings and signs.
• They are located near the entrances to shopping centers, government agencies, hospitals and other public facilities.
• Using such spaces without permission is punishable by a fine.
• In some areas, parking for disabled people is free, but registration is required.
• The number of parking spaces for disabled people is limited, and in the center there may not be enough of them.

Parking for trucks and buses

• In large cities there are separate zones for parking commercial vehicles, but there are not many of them.
• In Tbilisi and Batumi there are paid parking lots for truckers and tourist buses.
• Some unloading zones for trucks have parking time restrictions.
• Near industrial zones and large warehouses there are special places for long-term parking of trucks.

Parking infrastructure in Georgia is gradually developing, especially in large cities. The authorities are introducing modern technologies, organizing parking complexes, and creating convenient conditions for owners of electric cars. However, despite this, finding a free parking space in the center of Tbilisi or Batumi can still be a challenge.

Road markings and signs

Georgia uses different types of markings and road signs regulating parking. Not knowing their meanings can lead to a fine or towing of the car.

🔵 White markings – permitted parking.

🟡 Yellow markings – temporary restrictions or prohibited area.

🔴 Red markings – parking is strictly prohibited.

Temporary parking restrictions

• In the center of large cities, parking time restrictions are often in effect (for example, no more than 2-3 hours).
• Some zones operate on a schedule, for example, parking may be free in the evening or at night.
• In seasonal tourist areas (for example, in Batumi), summer restrictions may be introduced, when some streets become pedestrian, and parking is prohibited.

Tip: Always pay attention to road signs near the parking space, even if the markings are not obvious.

Modern technologies in parking

Parking infrastructure in Georgia is gradually being modernized. In some areas, drivers can use smart parking lots equipped with sensors, QR codes, and integration with mobile applications.

🔹 QR codes for payment - placed on parking posts, they can be scanned to proceed to payment via mobile services.

🔹 Parking applications - in large cities, ParkMan, Tbilisi Parking and other services are actively used, allowing you to find parking, pay for it, and even extend the parking time remotely.

🔹 Occupancy sensors - some parking lots have sensors that transmit information about free spaces to applications and online maps.

❗ However, such technologies are not yet widespread, and in most cases, parking has to be searched for manually.

Parking complexes

For the convenience of drivers, there are indoor and underground parking lots in Georgia, especially in business districts and tourist areas.

Where are the parking complexes located?

• In Tbilisi: Parking near Freedom Square, underground parking on Rustaveli Street, near train stations and shopping malls (Tbilisi Mall, East Point).
• In Batumi: Covered parking near the embankment, near large hotels and shopping malls (Metro City Mall).
• In Kutaisi: Central underground parking, parking near the airport and near the main attractions.

How to use parking complexes?

1. Entry is via an automatic barrier, the driver receives a ticket.
2. Payment is made at the exit - through the cash desk, terminal or application.
3. Some complexes offer daily and monthly subscriptions.

The average cost of parking in closed parking lots is from 3 to 5 lari per hour, depending on the city and location.

Parking for electric vehicles

With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, specialized parking zones with charging stations have appeared in Georgia.

Where are the charging stations located?

🔋 Shopping malls and supermarkets – Many shopping malls offer free charging stations for customers (Tbilisi Mall, East Point, Metro City Mall in Batumi).
🔋 Public spaces – On the central streets of Tbilisi and Batumi you can find parking lots with charging stations.
🔋 Private charging stations –work on a prepayment system via an application or card.

How to find parking for electric cars?

⚡ Special icons on Google Maps, Yandex maps and in the PlugShare, Chargemap apps, you can find the nearest station.

⚡ Some parking complexes have dedicated charging spots, but their number is limited.

Charging cost and payment features

💰 In some places, charging may be free (for example, when buying goods in a shopping center).

💰 Private stations charge per kilowatt or for the time of use (usually from 0.3 to 0.5 GEL per kWh).

💰 Payment is possible in cash, by bank card or via a mobile application.

Parking infrastructure in Georgia is developing, but does not yet meet modern standards everywhere. In large cities, you can find smart parking, underground complexes and charging stations for electric vehicles, but in small towns there may be no convenient parking.

In major cities of Georgia, such as Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi, there is a paid parking system. It can be paid for in different ways: via mobile applications, SMS, terminals or with subscriptions. However, tourists and expats sometimes have difficulties with payment, especially if they do not have a Georgian SIM card or a local bank card.

Available payment methods

Georgia is actively introducing modern technologies, so you can use mobile services to pay for parking, and in some places – terminals or SMS.

📱 Mobile applications

The most convenient way to pay for parking is through mobile applications. They allow you not only to pay for parking, but also to extend its time remotely.

🔹 Tbilisi Parking is the official application for paying for parking in Tbilisi.

🔹 ParkMan is a popular service operating in several cities in Georgia.

🔹 PayBox is an application through which you can pay for parking without having a Georgian SIM card.

✅ How to use:

1. Download the app and register.
2. Enter the car details (number and region).
3. Select the parking zone and pay for the required time.
4. Extend parking through the app if necessary.

💡 Tip: Some apps may not support foreign bank cards, so it's best to check their functionality before traveling.

📩 SMS payment

This method is convenient for local residents, but is not available to tourists without a Georgian SIM card.

✅ How to pay for parking via SMS:

1. Send a message with the car number and the parking zone code to a special number.
2. Receive confirmation of payment.
3. If an extension is needed, repeat the SMS sending.

💰 The cost is debited from the balance of the mobile operator.

❗ Cons:

• Does not work for tourists with foreign numbers.
• In some cases, there may be failures when sending messages.

🖥️ Payment terminals

In some places (for example, near shopping malls, parking complexes and central streets) you can pay for parking through PayBox terminals.

✅ How to pay:

1. Select the "Parking" section in the terminal menu.
2. Enter the car number and select the zone.
3. Add money and get a receipt.

📍 Where to look for terminals?

• In shopping centers (Tbilisi Mall, East Point, Metro City Mall).
• Near large parking lots and train stations.

❗ Cons:

• Queues at the terminals during rush hours.
• Not all terminals accept bank cards (cash is required).

🎫 Parking passes

For those who use parking frequently, subscriptions are available in Georgia.

📅 Types of subscriptions:

• Day pass – allows you to park for 24 hours.
• Monthly subscription – allows you to park without additional charges in a certain zone.
• Annual subscription – the most advantageous option for residents of large cities.

💰 The cost of subscriptions varies depending on the city and zone:

• In Tbilisi: From 10 to 100 lari per month, depending on the district.
• In Batumi: From 5 to 50 lari per month.

🛒 Where to buy a subscription?

• Via mobile applications.
• At special payment points.
• At the offices of companies managing parking lots.

Tips for tourists

🚗 How to pay for parking if you don’t have a Georgian SIM card?

• Use PayBox – you can pay in cash or with a bank card.
• Some hotels and car rental companies offer parking cards that you can use.
• If you are traveling with locals, ask them to pay for parking via an app or SMS, and then return the money.

💳 Which cards work in apps?

• Georgian bank cards are supported(TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia).
• Some applications accept international Visa and MasterCard cards, but there may be some issues.

❗ Tip: Before your trip, try registering your card in the app – if payment doesn’t go through, it’s better to use terminals or cash.

Common problems and their solutions

❌ Error paying in the app

🔹 Check your internet connection.

🔹 Try paying through another app or terminal.

❌ SMS payment does not go through

🔹 Make sure you have a Georgian SIM card and a positive balance.

🔹 Try sending the message again in a few minutes.

❌ Payment through the terminal did not go through, but the money was debited

🔹 Save the receipt and contact PayBox support.

🔹 In some cases, a refund is possible within 24 hours.

❌ Unable to find a parking zone in the app

🔹 Check if the parking code is entered correctly.

🔹 Try paying through another service.

There are different ways to pay for parking in Georgia, but for tourists it is most convenient to use PayBox terminals or mobile applications. If you do not have a Georgian SIM card, it is better to find out in advance what payment methods are available in your city.

In large cities of Georgia, finding a free parking space is not always an easy task. This is especially true for the center of Tbilisi, tourist areas of Batumi and popular attractions. To avoid unnecessary stress, it is worth knowing in advance where to look for parking, which applications will help you find a free space and how to recognize paid zones.

Parking Finder Apps and Online Maps

There are not many services in Georgia that show available parking spaces in real time, but some of them can still help:

📱 Parking Finder Apps:

• Tbilisi Parking – displays parking zones and helps pay for parking in Tbilisi.
• ParkMan – an international application operating in several cities in Georgia.
• Google Maps – many large parking lots are marked on the map with their type (paid/free).
• PlugShare – an application for finding parking lots with charging stations for electric vehicles.

🌍 How to use online maps to find parking?

• IN Google Maps enter "parking in Tbilisi" or "parking in Batumi" and the service will show the nearest parking lots.
• In Waze you can see the congestion of streets and possible free spaces.
• In Yandex.Maps you can find reviews of parking lots, but the information is not always updated promptly.

💡 Tip: Some parking lots are not marked on maps, but are located at shopping centers, hotels, and large office buildings. Sometimes you can park there even if you are not a customer.

🔹 Are you a parking lot owner, but you are not on Google Maps? Lost customers = lost profits! 🔹

If your parking lot is not displayed on online maps, drivers simply will not be able to find you. This means they will go to competitors who already have their parking lot marked on Google Maps. Fix this right now!

How to recognize toll zones?

In Georgia, paid parking is marked with markings, signs and plaques. If you leave your car in such a zone without paying, you can get a fine or face the towing of your car.

🛑 What to look for when parking?

• Asphalt markings: in Tbilisi and Batumi, paid parking lots most often have white or yellow markings.
• Parking signs:

📍With the letter "P" - means parking, but if there are additional signs under the sign, check the conditions.

⏳ With a time indication - may mean that the parking is only open during certain hours.

💰 With a money icon or QR code - means that parking is paid and requires payment via a terminal or app.

• Parking zone signs:

In Tbilisi and Batumi, paid parking zones are marked with codes that must be entered when paying.

If there is a machine or terminal near the parking lot, this is also a sign of a paid zone.

🚨 Important: Sometimes parking looks free, but is paid at certain times. For example, on the central streets of Tbilisi after 20:00 the fee may not be charged, but in the morning and afternoon parking will already be paid.

Where to find parking near popular attractions?

🚗Center Tbilisi

• There are paid parking lots near Freedom Square, Rustaveli Street and the Avlabari district.
• Free spaces can be found in residential areas, such as Saburtalo, but you will have to get to the center by transport.

🏖️ Embankment Batumi

• During the season (from June to September), parking in the center of Batumi is a big problem.
• Paid parking is available at the seaside boulevard, Piazza Square and the Metro City Mall shopping center.
• Free parking can be found on the outskirts of the city, near residential complexes and the market.

🕌 Gelati Monastery (Kutaisi)

• There is free parking near the monastery, but it can be full in high season.
• Alternative places can be found further down the road to the monastery.

⛰️ Kazbegi(Stepantsminda)

• There are few parking spaces in the village itself, but they are free.
• There is a special paid parking lot at the Gergeti Church, since not everyone is allowed to drive up.

🏝️Beaches of Adjara (Kvariati, Gonio, Sarpi)

• In Gonio and Kvariati, parking near the beaches is often paid, especially in season.
• In Sarpi, you can park for free, but closer to the border with Turkey, there are almost no spaces.

📍 Tip: If you are going to a popular tourist destination, arrive early to find a free parking spot.

🔹 Search for parking via mobile apps and maps – this will save you time.

🔹 Pay attention to signs and markings – fines for parking in prohibited places can be high.

🔹 In tourist areas, arrive early – it can be difficult to find a place during the season.

To avoid fines and towing, it is important to follow the parking rules in Georgia. In this part of the article, we will analyze the basic requirements, where parking is prohibited, what fines violators can expect and what to do if your car is towed.

Basic parking rules

Georgia, like most countries, has strict parking rules, violation of which can result in a fine or the towing of your vehicle.

⏳ Time restrictions

• In some areas, parking is only allowed during certain hours. For example, in Tbilisi's business districts, parking may be paid during the day and free at night.
• Some parking spaces are intended for short-term parking only (for example, near train stations or airports).

🚫 Prohibited areas

Parking is strictly prohibited in the following places:

❌ On sidewalks - with the exception of specially designated areas.

❌ Near pedestrian crossings - parking closer than 5 meters from the crossing is prohibited.

❌ At bus stops - fines for violations here are especially high.

❌ In areas with yellow and red markings - this means parking is prohibited.

❌ Near fire hydrants - a car left in such places can be towed away without warning.

❌ On narrow streets - if a car interferes with traffic, it can be towed away.

📌 Important: In some tourist areas (for example, in the center of Batumi in the summer), parking may be temporarily prohibited or limited.

Fines for violations

Parking fines in Georgia depend on the type of violation. If the driver fails to pay for parking or parks in a prohibited place, he faces a fine or the towing of the car.

💰For unpaid parking

• In paid zones, the fine for unpaid parking is from 10 to 50 lari, depending on the city and parking zone.
• If payment is not made on time, the fine may increase.

🚧 For parking in a prohibited area

• Parking in a no-parking zone can cost between 50 and 200 GEL.
• For obstructing traffic, the fine can be up to 500 GEL.

⚠️ Consequences of non-payment of fines

• If the driver does not pay the fine within 30 days, the amount may double.
• If several unpaid fines accumulate, a ban on leaving the country may be imposed (relevant for residents of Georgia).
• If the fine is not paid for a long time, the car may be seized.

💡Advice: Check for fines through official services and pay them on time.

What to do if your car is towed?

If your car has been towed, it is important to act quickly to avoid additional costs associated with storing the car in an impound lot.

🚗 How do I know if my car has been towed?

• If you do not find your car in the parking spot, check the nearby signs - perhaps a tow truck is working in the area.
• In most cases, a sticker or sign with information about where the car was taken is left at the parking spot.
• You can call the police at 112 and find out whether your car was towed.

📍 Where are evacuated vehicles taken?

• Tbilisi has several impound lots located on the outskirts of the city. In Batumi and Kutaisi, towed cars are most often taken to special paid parking lots.

📄 How to return the car?

1️⃣ Find out which impound lot the car is in.

2️⃣ Pay the fine for towing and storing the car.

3️⃣ Provide documents:

• Passport or driver's license.
• Vehicle registration certificate.
• Receipt for payment of the fine.

4️⃣ Pick up the car from the impound lot.

💰 Cost of towing:

• On average, from 100 to 300 GEL, depending on the city and reason for towing.
• An additional fee is charged for each day of storage in the impound lot.

❗ Tip: The faster you pick up your car, the lower the storage fee will be.

✅ Georgia has strict parking rules, violation of which can result in a fine or towing.

✅ It is prohibited to park on sidewalks, bus stops, pedestrian crossings and in places with yellow/red markings.

✅ Fines can reach 200 GEL and increase if not paid.

✅ If the car is towed, you must pay the fine and pick it up from the impound lot as soon as possible to avoid additional costs.

The parking situation in Georgia varies greatly depending on the city and region. In Tbilisi and Batumi, parking is one of the main problems for motorists, while in smaller cities and resort areas the situation is much simpler.

Parking in Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the busiest city in Georgia, where the parking problem is especially acute. Narrow streets, dense buildings and the growing number of cars mean that it is extremely difficult to find a free space in the city center.

🚗 Parking problems in the center

• There are practically no parking spaces on central streets such as Rustaveli, Chavchavadze, Plekhanov and Gudiashvili.
• Many courtyards in the old city are narrow and filled with cars, leaving a car there is not the best idea.
• Drivers often have to park at a distance and walk.

💰 Areas with high tariffs

• Tbilisi city center (Freedom Square, Rustaveli, Vake area) – the most expensive parking zones (up to 5 GEL per hour).
• Saburtalo and Didi Digomi – parking is more affordable (up to 2 GEL per hour), but there are also few spaces.

🏢 Parking complexes and their cost

There are several underground and indoor parking lots in Tbilisi that will help you avoid problems with finding a place:

• Underground parking at Freedom Square – convenient location, cost from 3 GEL per hour.
• Parking at East Point and Tbilisi Mall – first hours free, then – paid.
• Covered parking at train stations and airport – from 5 GEL per hour.

💡 Advice: If you plan to leave your car in the center, it is better to look for parking complexes or residential areas with parking zones in advance.

Parking in Batumi

Batumi is the tourist capital of Georgia, and in high season parking is a real disaster. In high season, the streets by the sea are overloaded, and parking prices go up.

🚙 Parking on the embankment

• In summer, along the seaside boulevard, at Europe Square and the Batumi Lighthouse, parking is almost always occupied.
• Private parking can cost up to 10-15 lari per day.
• Some hotels offer free parking for their guests, but it is worth checking in advance.

🌞Seasonal features

• In summer Batumi is overcrowded with tourists, and parking spaces are occupied by locals and vacationers.
• In winter it is much easier to find a place, and parking is often free.

🅿️ Free and private parking

• Free parking is available on the outskirts of the city, near residential areas and the market.
• Metro City Mall and Batumi Mall offer free parking for customers.
• Private parking can be found near the beaches of Gonio and Kvariati - the cost is 5-10 lari per day.

🔹Do you have private parking?Make it visible on Yandex.Maps! 🔹

Customers are looking for a place to park – let them find you! 🚗📍 Add your parking lot to Yandex.Maps and attract more drivers. 🚀

💡💡 Tip: If you want to leave your car for the whole day, it is better to find a private parking lot in advance or choose a hotel with parking.

Parking in Kutaisi

Kutaisi is the second largest city in Georgia, but the parking problem here is not as critical as in Tbilisi and Batumi.

🚘 Central streets and surrounding areas

• There are paid parking zones in the center of Kutaisi, but the cost is lower than in Tbilisi - about 1-2 lari per hour.
• Parking spaces can be found near local cafes, markets and shopping centers.

🕌 Parking at attractions

• Gelati Monastery – free parking, but can be full during the season.
• Okatse Canyon and Martvili Canyon – there are paid parking lots at the entrances (3-5 GEL).
• Kutaisi Airport – indoor parking starting from 5 GEL per day.

💡Advice: In Kutaisi, it is better to leave your car near a guest house or hotel, as local residents' cars are often parked on the streets in the center.

Parking in small towns and resorts

In small towns and tourist areas of Georgia, parking is usually free, but in popular areas spaces fill up quickly.

🏔️ Parking in mountainous areas

• In Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) there are several free parking lots in the center.
• There is a paid parking lot (10 GEL) near the Gergeti Church, as car access uphill is limited.
• In Borjomi, parking is free near the city park, but it can be crowded on weekends.

🏖️ Tips for drivers at beach resorts

• In Sarpi and Kvariati, parking along the road is free, but in summer it is almost impossible to find a place.
• In Ureki (black sand), parking is free, but the roads are narrow and cars can interfere with traffic.
• In Chakvi and Kobuleti, there are private parking lots for 5-10 lari per day.

💡 Advice: If you are vacationing in a resort town, it is better to park away from the beaches and walk.

Parking in the regions of Georgia

In rural areas and small towns, parking is virtually a non-issue. However, travelers should keep a few things in mind.

🚜 Parking in rural areas

• In small settlements you can park along the roads or near shops, and it is free.
• In villages on tourist routes (for example, in Tusheti, Svaneti) parking can be organized on private territories for a small fee.

🚐Options for motorhomes and campers

• There are no official camping areas with infrastructure in Georgia, but many guest houses allow parking on their territory.
• In popular places (for example, on the Kazbek highway) you can find parking lots where campers and motorhomes are allowed.

💡 Tip: If you are traveling by camper, it is better to agree on parking places with the owners of guest houses in advance or look for camping places near lakes and in national parks.

✅ Tbilisi and Batumi are the most difficult cities for parking, especially in the center.

✅ In Kutaisi, parking is more accessible, but there are queues at attractions.

✅ At resorts and in the mountains, it is better to arrive early to get a space.

✅ In the regions, parking is almost always free, but in tourist areas a small fee may be charged.

When choosing between paid and free parking, drivers are guided by various factors: convenience, cost, safety and availability of free spaces. In large cities of Georgia, such as Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi, you often have to pay for comfort, but in the regions you can still find free parking zones.

Paid parking

Paid parking is found in the centers of large cities, near business centers, shopping malls and tourist attractions. They can be street (marked zones), indoor and underground.

✅ Advantages of paid parking:

✔️ Availability of free spaces - in the center of Tbilisi or Batumi, paid parking gives a better chance of finding a space than free ones.

✔️ Security - indoor parking is guarded and equipped with cameras, reducing the risk of theft or damage to the car.

✔️ Convenient location - paid parking is located near the main business and tourist areas, which saves time.

✔️ Additional service - some complexes have a car wash, charging stations for electric cars, convenient exits to shopping centers.

❌ Disadvantages of paid parking:

❌ Cost – the price of parking in the center of Tbilisi or Batumi can reach 5 GEL per hour, which significantly increases costs.

❌ Limited parking time – in some places parking is allowed only for 2-3 hours, after which you must vacate the space.

❌ There is not always a guaranteed space – despite the payment, even paid parking lots can be overcrowded during rush hours.

💡 Conclusion: If it is important for you to find a place quickly, be confident in the safety of your car and not waste time, paid parking is the best choice.

Free parking

Free parking spaces can be found in residential areas, on the outskirts of cities, near markets and some attractions. In the regions of Georgia, in small towns and mountainous areas, paid parking is rare, and most parking spaces remain free.

✅ Advantages of free parking:

✔️ Save money – if you plan to leave your car for a long time, free parking helps you avoid large expenses.

✔️ No formalities – no need to deal with mobile applications, SMS payments or look for a terminal.

✔️ Availability in the regions – outside Tbilisi and Batumi, almost all parking is free, except for certain tourist areas.

❌ Disadvantages of free parking:

❌ Lack of parking spaces – finding free parking in the center of Tbilisi or Batumi is almost impossible, especially during the tourist season.

❌ Risk of fines – if you park incorrectly in an area where parking is free but prohibited, you can get a fine or face towing.

❌ Lack of security – a car left on the street is not insured against theft or damage.

💡 Conclusion: Free parking is suitable for long-term parking and saving money, but it requires patience and finding a free space.

🚗 Which option to choose?

• If it is important for you to quickly find a place and secure your car, choose paid parking.
• If you are ready to spend time searching and save money, free parking will be a good option.

Parking in Georgia can be a real challenge, especially for tourists and expats who are not yet familiar with the local rules. Lack of knowledge of parking nuances, difficulty with payment and the language barrier are the main problems that visitors to the country face.

What difficulties do tourists face?

🛑1. Ignorance of parking rules

• Tourists often do not understand local markings (for example, that a yellow line means no parking).
• Parking signs may only be in Georgian, without translation into English.
• Some areas have temporary parking restrictions that are easy to miss.

💡 Solution:

✅ Learn the basic parking rules in Georgia before you leave.

✅ Use Google Lens translator to recognize signs in Georgian.

✅ Look at the markings and look for payment signs before you leave your car.

💳 2. Problems with parking payment

• Many tourists cannot pay for parking via SMS, as this requires a Georgian SIM card.
• Some mobile apps do not accept foreign bank cards.
• In areas without terminals, cash payments are not accepted, and there may be no alternative method.

💡 Solution:

✅ Use PayBox terminals if you can't pay via phone.

✅ Try registering your card in the ParkMan or Tbilisi Parking app in advance.

✅ If you have a local friend, ask them to pay for parking with their SIM card and give them cash.

🗣 3. Language barrier

• Most parking terminals and applications only work in Georgian and English.
• If your car has been towed, it can be difficult to communicate with the employees of the impound lot without knowing Georgian.
• In some areas (especially in the regions), parking signs are only in Georgian.

💡 Solution:
✅ Use Google Translate or Google Lens app for text recognition.

✅ Before your trip, learn basic Georgian words related to parking (e.g. "paid parking" - გადახდილი პარკინგი, "fine" - ჯარიმა).

✅ In case of evacuation, call the police (112) - many operators speak English.

Why is it easier for locals?

🏡1. They know the peculiarities of parking

• Residents of Tbilisi and Batumi know "secret" free parking zones that tourists usually don't go to.
• Locals understand the markings and signs and are less likely to get fines.
• They know where tow trucks work and where you can leave your car "with minimal risk".

📌 Conclusion: Tourists should study the city's parking system before their trip to avoid trouble.

📆 2. Using subscriptions

• Many locals sign up for monthly or annual passes, which simplifies parking payments.
• Owners of cars with Georgian license plates can register in the parking system and pay online without any problems.

📌 Conclusion: Tourists cannot use most passes, so they have to look for short-term solutions.

🚗 How can a tourist avoid problems?

📌 Study the parking rules and payment methods before the trip.

📌 Use a translator to read signs and pointers.

📌 Choose hotels with parking so you don’t have to look for a place upon arrival.

Parking in Georgia is regulated by strict rules, and for violating them you can get a fine.

✅ What are the fines for unpaid parking and illegal parking?

✅ How to pay a fine to avoid problems?

✅ What are the consequences for those who do not pay on time?

✅ How to dispute a fine if you believe it was issued in error?

Amounts of fines

Depending on the type of violation, the fine may vary.

🚨 1. Incorrect parking

If the car is parked in a prohibited place, this may result in a fine or towing.

💰 Amount of fines for illegal parking:

• Parking on a pedestrian crossing or sidewalk - 50 GEL.
• Parking at a bus stop - up to 100 GEL.
• Parking in an area where a tow truck is operating - 50-200 GEL + the cost of towing.
• An abandoned car creates obstacles to traffic - up to 500 GEL.

⚠️ Important: If the car is obstructing traffic, it can be towed away without warning, and the fine for towing may be higher than the fine for the violation itself.

🛑 2. Unpaid parking in a paid zone

If the driver left the car in a zone where payment is required, but did not pay for it, he will receive a fine.

💰 Fines for unpaid parking:

• In Tbilisi and Batumi - from 10 to 50 lari depending on the zone.
• In Kutaisi - usually up to 20 lari.
• In resort areas (for example, Kazbegi, Gonio) - the fine can reach 50 lari.

⚠️ Important: If parking is not paid on time, the fine amount can double.

🚗 Are you the owner of an impound lot, but it’s hard to find you?

When a car is towed, drivers look for the nearest impound lot on maps, and if you are not there, they lose time, and you lose customers!

🔥 Let's make your impound lot more visible!

How to pay a fine?

There are several ways to pay a fine, depending on where you are and whether you have a Georgian bank card.

🖥 Payment methods:

✅ Via online services (Tbilisi Parking, PayBox, Georgian banks).

✅ In PayBox terminals - the most convenient method for tourists.

✅ In TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia branches.

✅ Via mobile applications of Georgian banks (if you have a local card).

📌 Where to check the fine?

• Drivers with Georgian license plates can check fines on the official website of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
• You can contact the Tbilisi Parking office or the local police if you have any doubts about the presence of a fine.

What happens if I don't pay the fine?

❌ If the fine is not paid within 30 days, its amount may double.

❌ If several unpaid fines accumulate, a ban on leaving the country may be imposed (relevant for residents of Georgia).

❌ In case of long-term non-payment, the car may be seized if it is registered in Georgia.

❌ For rented cars, the fine may be automatically debited from the deposit left with the rental company.

💡 Tip: Check for fines before leaving the country if you are a tourist.

How to challenge a fine?

If the driver is sure that the fine was issued in error, it can be contested.

📝 Step-by-step process of contesting:

1️⃣ Collect evidence - photos, videos, parking payment receipts.

2️⃣ Contact your local Tbilisi Parking office or the police if the fine concerns parking in Tbilisi.

3️⃣ Write an official statement to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (can be submitted online or in person).

4️⃣ Wait for the case to be reviewed - a response is usually given within 10-30 days.

⚠️ Important: You can only contest a fine within the first 10 days after receiving it.

✅ Fines range from 10 to 500 GEL, depending on the violation.

✅ You can pay the fine online, through PayBox terminals or at bank branches.

✅ An unpaid fine can double, and if the debt is large, it can create problems when leaving the country.

✅ If the fine is issued by mistake, it can be contested, but within 10 days.

If you rent a car in Georgia, it is important to understand the parking rules in advance to avoid fines and unexpected expenses.

✅ Who is responsible for fines?

✅ What to do if your rented car is towed?

✅ How to pay for parking in a rental car?

✅ What life hacks will help you avoid problems?

Parking Features for Tenants

🚗Who is responsible for fines?

• All parking fines are paid by the renter, even if they were received after returning the car.
• If the fine was not paid on time, the rental company may debit the fine amount from your bank card or deduct it from your deposit.
• In some cases, companies add an additional administrative fee (usually 10-20 GEL) for processing the fine.

⚠️ Important: Before signing the contract, check with the rental company how they process fines.

🚨 What to do if your rental car was towed?

1️⃣ Call the rental company - they will tell you where to go.

2️⃣ Check with the impound lot what documents are needed to return the car.

3️⃣ Pay the fine for towing and storing the car.

4️⃣ Save the receipts and give them to the rental company if the payment was made from your account.

⚠️ Important: Some companies will not allow you to pick up the towed car yourself - you need to contact them first.

How to pay for parking in a rented car?

Since the rented car is registered to the company, not you, paying for parking requires some nuances.

💳 Methods of paying for parking on a rental car:

✅ Through PayBox terminals - the easiest option for tourists.

✅ SMS payment - available only if you have a Georgian SIM card.

✅ Mobile applications (Tbilisi Parking, ParkMan) - work, but may require linking the car number.

📌 How to connect the car number in the application?

• Some rental companies allow you to use mobile apps to pay for parking - check this when renting.
• If the app does not accept the rental car number, it is better to use PayBox or cash.

💡 Tip: Ask the rental company if you can get a parking card or pre-pay for parking.

Lifehacks for tenants

✔️ How to avoid problems?

• Check the parking rules with the rental company - they can tell you which places in the city are safe for parking.
• Take photos of the car when parking - if you are fined for a controversial violation, you will have evidence.
• Do not leave the car in areas without markings - even if it seems that you can park there.

🏨 Choosing hotels with parking

• In Tbilisi and Batumi, it is better to book hotels with parking, as it is difficult to find a place on the street.
• If the hotel parking is paid, check whether it is included in the room rate.
• In the regions and small towns, almost all guest houses offer free parking.

📍 Does your hotel offer parking, but guests can't find you? Adding your hotel to Yandex.Maps helps tourists see right away that you have convenient parking!

📌 Conclusion: If you rent a car, find out the parking rules in advance, use PayBox terminals and choose hotels with parking.

Are you a car rental company owner in Georgia?

Do your clients often ask where they can park and how to avoid fines?

Let's make your business even more visible!

Georgia has strict parking rules, and if a car is parked illegally, it can be towed. In large cities such as Tbilisi and Batumi, tow trucks operate daily, especially in busy areas.

✅ When and why are cars towed?

✅ How do you know if your car has been towed?

✅ How do you get your car back from an impound lot?

✅ How do you avoid being towed?

🚨 Are you the owner of a car towing company? 🚨

Motorists are looking for where to go when a tow occurs - but if your company is not on Google Maps, they choose competitors!

🔥 Let's make your business more visible!

When and why are cars towed?

🚨 Towing occurs in the following cases:

❌ Parking in a prohibited place (at a pedestrian crossing, bus stop, sidewalk).

❌ Parking in an area marked as “tow truck in operation”.

❌ An abandoned car obstructs traffic (for example, parked too close to an intersection).

❌ Blocking the exit of other cars or special vehicles.

❌ Parking in a disabled area without permission.

⚠️ Important: In the center of Tbilisi, tow trucks are especially active, and a car can be taken away in literally 10-15 minutes after improper parking.

How do I know if my car has been towed?

If you did not find your car on the spot, do not immediately think that it was stolen - it was probably towed.

📌 How to check?

✅ Inspect the parking place - if the car was towed, there is usually a sticker on the asphalt or sign indicating the impound lot.

✅ Call the police at 112 - the operator will tell you whether your car was towed.

✅ Check the nearest impound lots - there are several towing parking lots in large cities.

💡 Tip: If you parked in a prohibited area and returned after 15-20 minutes, and the car was gone, it was almost certainly taken by a tow truck.

How to return the car?

🚗 Addresses of impound lots

• In Tbilisi, the main impound lot is located on the outskirts of the city, which creates additional inconveniences.
• In Batumi and Kutaisi, impound lots are located closer to the center, but you still have to take a taxi to get your car.

📄 What documents are needed for a return?

✅ Passport or driver's license.

✅ Vehicle registration certificate.

✅ Receipt for payment of the towing fine.

💰 How much does towing cost?

• On average, the cost of towing is 100-300 GEL, depending on the city and location of the violation.
• Additionally, a fee is charged for storing the car in the impound lot (from 10 to 20 GEL per day).

⚠️ Important: The longer the car is in the impound lot, the more you will have to pay.

Tips to Prevent Evacuation

✔️ Check the signs before parking - if there is a "tow truck in operation" sign nearby, do not leave your car.

✔️ Use mobile parking apps to understand in which zones parking is allowed.

✔️ Do not leave your car on narrow streets, even if there are no prohibiting signs.

✔️ Check the rules with local residents - they often know where you can park without the risk of being towed.

📌 Conclusion: Towing in Georgia is a common occurrence, especially in Tbilisi and Batumi. It is better to pay for parking than to waste time and money on returning the car from the impound lot.

To avoid parking problems and save time, it is important to plan your route in advance, consider the availability of parking, and know when it is easier to use a taxi.

How to plan a route taking parking into account?

Before traveling to busy areas, it is worth thinking in advance about where you will leave your car. In Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi, parking in the center can be difficult, especially during rush hours.

📌 Route planning tips:

✅ Use Google Maps or Waze to see the traffic and parking zones in advance.

✅ Check the availability of parking via mobile apps (Tbilisi Parking, ParkMan).

✅ Choose alternative parking - for example, parking near the metro or train station and then use public transport.

✅ Avoid going to the center during rush hour (8:00-10:00 and 17:00-19:00), when it is almost impossible to find a space.

✅ In tourist areas, arrive early - after 11:00 even paid parking can be occupied.

💡 Tip: If you are going to a restaurant or shopping center, find out if they have parking for customers - this can save money and time.

When is it more convenient to use a taxi instead of parking?

In some cases, using a taxi will be a more profitable and convenient option than looking for a parking space..

🚕 When is it better to take a taxi instead of a car?

✔️ A trip to the center of Tbilisi or Batumi during rush hour - you can spend 30-40 minutes looking for parking, and a taxi will take you directly to your destination.

✔️ A trip to tourist areas (for example, Mtskheta, Kazbegi) - in popular places, parking may be far away, and a taxi will leave you at the entrance.

✔️ If you plan to drink alcohol - fines for drunk driving in Georgia are very high, so it is better to use a taxi.

✔️ If you rent a car and leave the city for a few days - it is more profitable to leave the car in a hotel with parking and use a taxi than to pay for paid parking in the center.

💡 Tip: For trips within the city, you can use Bolt or Maxim - it is cheaper than renting a car + paying for parking.

🚖Are you the owner of a taxi service, but you don’t have your own website?

Passengers are looking for convenient and reliable ways to order a taxi online, and if your company does not have a website, you are losing customers!

🔥 Rent a website and start attracting more clients today! Contact us and we will tell you how to do it. 🚀🚖

Best Areas for Free Parking

In some areas of Georgia you can still find free parking, but in large cities they fill up quickly.

📍 Free parking zones in Tbilisi

• Saburtalo, Didi Digomi districts – it is easier to find free parking here, but you will have to take the metro to the center.
• Outskirts of the city and residential complexes – there are sometimes free spaces near new buildings.
• Near shopping centers (East Point, Tbilisi Mall) – the first 1-2 hours are often free.

📍 Free parking in Batumi

• Away from the embankment - in residential areas on the outskirts of the city, parking is usually free.
• On the approach to the airport - there are free parking lots for short-term parking.
• On the border with Turkey (Sarpi) - a small free parking lot, but there are few spaces.

📍 Free parking in Kutaisi

• Near the market and the train station - on weekdays you can find a place.
• Districts away from the center - in Kutaisi there are fewer parking problems than in Tbilisi.

📍Regions and resorts

• In Borjomi, Kazbegi and Sighnaghi, most parking is free, but there may be private paid parking near attractions.
• In Kvariati, Gonio and other beach areas of Adjara, it is difficult to find a free place during the high season, it is better to arrive early in the morning.

💡 Tip: If you want to leave your car for the whole day, choose hotels and guest houses with parking - this way you will avoid fines and towing.

✅ Before the trip, think over the route and check parking zones on maps and apps.

✅ A taxi can be more profitable than renting a car + paid parking, especially in busy areas.

✅ In the regions and on the outskirts of large cities, you can still find free parking, but in the center it is better to use paid parking.

If you did not find the information you need, ask questions in the comments! 🚗💡

❓ Where can I find the nearest parking?
✅ Use Google Maps or Waze to find the nearest parking zones.

✅ In Tbilisi and Batumi, you can check through Tbilisi Parking and ParkMan.

✅ Shopping malls (Tbilisi Mall, Metro City Mall) have free parking for customers.

❓ How to pay for parking without a Georgian SIM card?

✅ Pay via PayBox terminals - in cash or by card.

✅ Use ParkMan apps (accepts international cards).

✅ As a last resort, ask a local resident to pay via SMS and return the money in cash.

❓ What to do if your car was towed?

✅ Check the parking location - they usually leave a sticker with the address of the impound lot.

✅ Call 112 to find out where the car is.

✅ Collect documents (passport, registration certificate) and pay the fine to pick up the car.

❓ How to avoid parking fines?

✅ Look carefully at the signs and markings - yellow and red lines mean no parking.

✅ Pay for parking immediately via the terminal or app.

✅ Do not leave your car on sidewalks, bus stops and narrow streets, even if other people are parking there.

❓ Where can I find charging stations for electric vehicles?

✅ Enter "EV Charging station" in Google Maps.

✅ In Tbilisi, there are charging stations in Tbilisi Mall, East Point, Avlabari.

✅ Use PlugShare - the service shows the nearest electric charging stations.

❓ Is there free parking in Georgia?

✅ In the regions and small towns, most parking is free.

✅ In Tbilisi and Batumi, free parking is only on the outskirts.

✅ Some shopping centers and hotels have free parking for customers.

❓ Is it possible to park near the airport for free?

✅ There is free short-term parking for 15-30 minutes at the Tbilisi and Kutaisi airports.

✅ For long-term parking, there are paid parking lots from 5 GEL per day.

❓ Can I pay for parking in cash?

✅ You can pay in cash only through PayBox terminals.

✅ In some private parking lots at shopping malls and hotels, you can pay on the spot.

❌ Cash payment in street parking is not available - use apps or SMS.

❓ How can I check if I have a parking fine?

✅ If you have a Georgian number, check on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

✅ At the Tbilisi Parking office or through banking apps.

✅ If you rented a car, contact the rental company.

❓ How to avoid towing in the center of Tbilisi?

✅ Do not leave your car on the main streets (Rustaveli, Svobody, Vake) without paying.

✅ Do not park near pedestrian crossings and bus stops - they will tow you away quickly.

✅ If you are not sure whether you can park, choose a paid parking lot or parking in a shopping mall.