Georgia Tourist Guide: What to Know Before Visiting

Georgia is a country it is impossible not to fall in love with ❤️

Mountains, the sea, cozy streets in old towns, fragrant cuisine, and truly warm Georgian hospitality — all of this makes a holiday in Georgia unforgettable.

If you are planning a trip or are already here, you will probably have questions: which SIM card to choose, how to pay for transport, where to exchange currency, which dishes to try, how to behave in churches, and much more.

Our editorial team is happy to share personal observations, useful tips, and answers to tourists’ most common questions. In this short guide, we have gathered all the essentials so that your trip around Georgia will be comfortable, vivid, and free of unnecessary hassle.

📌 Emergency numbers and important contacts

Traveling to a new country is always an adventure, and it is important to feel confident that in any situation you know where to turn for help. Tourists in Georgia generally feel safe, but just in case, it is useful to save the necessary numbers and contacts.

☎️ Unified emergency number in Georgia — 112

This number works throughout the entire country and can be used for any emergency:

🚑 Ambulance
🚒 Fire service
👮‍♂️ Police
The call is free even if your SIM card is blocked or your balance is zero.

🛂 Embassy and consulate contacts

If you are traveling from another country, it is worth saving the phone number and address of your consulate or embassy in Georgia in advance. There you can get help in case of lost documents, an emergency, or other legal issues.

Examples:

• The Russian Embassy in Georgia (consular issues are handled through Armenia, as diplomatic relations are temporarily suspended).
• The Ukrainian Consulate: Tbilisi, 78 Chavchavadze St.
• EU member states’ embassies — located in Tbilisi; information is available on the official websites of their Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

📍 Good to know:

In large cities (Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi), you can ask for help at tourist information centers — they can assist with directions, maps, advice, and even bookings.
Many staff members at tourist centers speak English and Russian.

✨ Save this information in advance 📲 — keep it close at hand so you can feel calm and confident during your holiday in Georgia!

💳 Money, currency exchange, and prices

Georgia uses the national currency — the Georgian lari ₾ (GEL). One lari is divided into 100 tetri.
💡 Average exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 2.6–2.8 GEL, but the rate may change, so check it before exchanging money.

💵 Where can you exchange currency?

📍 Exchange offices (Currency Exchange) — found on almost every corner in tourist areas and usually work without commission.
🏦 Banks — a safe and official option, though the rate is sometimes slightly less favorable.
❌ At the airport, the exchange rate is usually less favorable — it is better to exchange only a small amount for the trip into town.

💡 Tips:

• Always count your money when exchanging it.
• Keep the receipt — it may be useful if you exchange money back later.
• Currency exchange is possible with cash — cards are not accepted at exchange offices, only at banks.

💳 Bank cards and payments

• In cities, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets.
• In small cafés, markets, and mountain regions, it is better to have cash.
• ATMs are available almost everywhere, and you can often choose the interface language (including Russian and English).

🛒 Prices in Georgia (approximate):

💡 Note:

In budget hostels, prices can start from 30–40 ₾.
For apartments — from 60–100 ₾ per night.
In three-star hotels in the center of Tbilisi or Batumi — from 100–150 ₾ and higher during the season.

📌 Overall, holidays in Georgia are considered affordable, especially compared to European and Black Sea resorts.

✨ Bring both cash and a bank card with you — with this approach, you will easily manage any expenses in Georgia and feel confident!

📑 Documents, visas, and entry rules

One of the reasons why traveling to Georgia is simple and enjoyable is the convenient entry conditions. Tourists from many countries do not need a visa, and crossing the border is usually quick and smooth.

🛂 Do you need a visa for Georgia?

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa — they can stay in Georgia for up to 1 year:

• Russia
• Ukraine
• Belarus
• Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other CIS countries
• The European Union and the United Kingdom
• The USA and Canada
• And more than 90 other countries

📌 You can check the current list of countries on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia or on the official visa portal.

📘 What documents are required?

• An international passport (its validity must cover the entire period of your stay).
• For children — an international passport or their details entered in a parent’s passport.
• Sometimes a border officer may ask for:
  A return ticket
  Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
  Sufficient funds for your stay

💡 But in practice, such checks are rare, especially if you are traveling as a tourist for a short period.

🐾 Traveling with pets

If you plan to enter Georgia with a pet, you will need:

• A veterinary passport with vaccinations (including rabies)
• A microchip (preferably)
• A Form No. 1 certificate or an international veterinary certificate

🚗 Entering by car

• To enter with a private car, you will need the vehicle registration certificate and a driver’s license.
• If the car does not belong to you, you will need authorization from the owner.
• At the border, you can purchase mandatory insurance (a Green Card).

✨ Overall, a trip to Georgia is as simple and comfortable as possible for tourists. The main thing is to have your documents with you, a good mood, and a little lari in your wallet. Everything else here will definitely delight you!

🚖 Transport in Georgia — how to get around the country

Getting around Georgia is convenient and, most importantly, inexpensive. There is everything here: from minibuses and buses to the metro, taxis, and car rentals. And in some areas — even cable cars! 😉

🚍 Public transport

• Buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) run within cities and between them.
• Tbilisi has a metro system — only two lines, but they cover important districts.
• A ride on the bus or metro costs 1 ₾, and transfers are free within 1.5 hours.

💳 To pay in Tbilisi and Batumi, you can use:

• A Metromoney card
• A Batumi Card
• Bank cards with contactless payment

🚕 Taxis in Georgia

• Taxis are inexpensive, especially compared to other countries.
• A ride around the city costs on average 5–10 ₾.
• It is better to use apps:

Bolt — the most popular
Yandex Go — also works in Tbilisi and Batumi

📌 Tip: do not hail a taxi from the street — it is usually more expensive.

🚗 Car rental

• You can rent a car at airports and in major cities.
• The average price is from 80–120 ₾ per day.
• Required:
  An international passport
  A driver’s license (national is usually accepted, though sometimes an international permit is requested)
  Age — from 21 years old and at least 1 year of driving experience

💡 Be careful: the driving style in Georgia is emotional, especially in mountain regions and on winding roads.

🚞 Intercity travel

• Trains are inexpensive, but they do not run to all cities.
• Popular routes: Tbilisi — Batumi, Tbilisi — Zugdidi.
• Marshrutkas (minibuses) are the most common way to travel between cities.
  Cost: from 10 to 25 ₾ depending on the distance.

🚡 And one more thing…

In Tbilisi, there is a cable car from Rike Park to Narikala — the view is simply magical! 🎡
Cost: 2.5 ₾, payable with a Metromoney card.

✨ There are many ways to get around — choose the one that suits you best. The main thing is to always have some small cash or a contactless card with you, and may every trip around Georgia be pleasant and safe!

🏡 Where tourists can stay in Georgia

In Georgia, you can find accommodation for every taste and budget — from inexpensive hostels to stylish apartments and cozy boutique hotels. Tourism in the country is developing quickly, and locals are happy to rent out rooms, apartments, and houses to guests.

🛏️ Types of accommodation in Georgia:

• Hotels — from budget options to 4–5 star properties.
• Apartments and flats — especially popular with families and those staying for a longer period.
• Hostels — a great option for budget travelers and solo travelers.
• Guest houses — a unique format with home-style cooking and genuine Georgian hospitality.
• Seaside hotels — especially popular in summer in Batumi, Ureki, Kobuleti, and Grigoleti.

📍 Where is it better to book?

• Popular platforms: Booking, Airbnb, Agoda, Localrent (for apartments).
• In tourist areas (Old Tbilisi, central Batumi, the wine villages of Kakheti), it is better to book accommodation in advance, especially during the season.

💰 Accommodation prices:

📌 Prices depend on the season, location, and conditions. During the high season (summer and New Year), accommodation prices may increase by 1.5–2 times.

💡 Useful tips:

• Check whether heating or air conditioning is available — it can be cool in the mountains, while the seaside is hot in summer.
• If you are traveling by car, ask about parking.
• Make sure to check whether Wi-Fi, breakfast, and a kitchen are included (if that matters to you).

✨ Wherever you stay — whether it is an apartment in Tbilisi or a small house overlooking the vineyards of Kakheti — in Georgia, you will be welcomed warmly and made to feel at home. The main thing is to book in advance and read reviews.

📱 Mobile connection and internet

Staying connected while traveling around Georgia is easy! There is good coverage, affordable rates, and fast mobile internet even in the mountains. That means Instagram photos, calls home, and finding the information you need will always be within easy reach.

📶 Main mobile operators:

There are three major mobile operators in Georgia:

• Magti — the best coverage across the entire country, especially in the mountains and rural areas.
• Silknet (Geocell) — good connection quality in cities.

💳 Where can you buy a SIM card?

• SIM cards are sold at airports, shopping centers, kiosks, and official mobile operator stores.
• You only need a passport to buy one.
• Activation takes about 5 minutes, and staff will help you choose the most suitable plan right away.

📱 Tourist plans:

💡 Plans may change, so it is better to check the current offers in a store or on the official websites.

📲 Wi-Fi and internet in Georgia

• In Tbilisi, Batumi, and other large cities, Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere: in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and shopping centers.
• In many public places, there is free city Wi-Fi (Tbilisi Loves You).
• Internet speed is stable and comfortable even for video calls or uploading photos.

✨ Tip: if you actively use Google Maps, Instagram, or watch videos, it is better to choose a package with 10–20 GB of internet right away — it will be more convenient and stress-free.

🍽️ What should you definitely try from Georgian cuisine?

Georgian cuisine is love from the very first bite! ❤️ Fragrant, hearty, generous, and full of flavor, it has long won the hearts of tourists from all over the world. A trip to Georgia is impossible to imagine without getting acquainted with its culinary traditions.

Here is a short list of dishes and drinks that are definitely worth trying:

🥟 Khinkali
Large juicy dumplings with meat, herbs, cheese, or potatoes. The main rule is not to cut them, but to eat them with your hands, carefully sipping the broth inside.

🧀 Khachapuri
There are many varieties, but the most famous are:

Adjarian — a boat-shaped khachapuri with cheese, butter, and egg 🍳
Imeretian — a round pie with cheese filling
Megrelian — with cheese both inside and on top

🍖 Mtsvadi
Georgian шашлык made from pork, beef, or lamb, cooked over coals — often served with lavash and tkemali sauce.

🌿 Pkhali
Pâtés made from spinach, beetroot, or beans with walnuts and garlic. Very tasty and vegetarian-friendly.

🍲 Lobio
Stewed red beans in a clay pot with herbs and spices. Served with pickles and mchadi, a corn flatbread.

🍇 Churchkhela
A Georgian “natural candy” — walnuts strung on a thread and coated with thickened grape juice.

🍷 Wine
Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine! Try:

• Red — Saperavi
• White — Tsinandali
• And of course, qvevri wine, aged in clay amphorae.

✨ Each region of Georgia has its own flavors, secrets, and style of serving food. Be sure to visit small family-run restaurants or try home cooking — it may impress you even more than the trendiest places.

🛡️ Safety and useful advice for tourists

Georgia is one of the most hospitable and safest countries in the region. Tourists generally feel calm and confident here: street crime is low, and locals are always ready to help, even if you have simply gotten lost.

But, as in any other country, there are some nuances worth keeping in mind for a comfortable trip.

👮‍♂️ General safety

• The streets are safe even late in the evening, especially in tourist areas.
• In case of an emergency or any problem, call 112 (the unified rescue service, available 24/7, with operators speaking Russian and English).
• Georgians have great respect for guests. Cases of rudeness or aggression toward tourists are extremely rare.

💳 Money and personal belongings

• Do not carry large amounts of cash with you — use cards or keep money in several places.
• In crowded places (markets, railway stations), petty theft is possible — just like in any tourist country.
• Keep documents and valuables in the hotel safe or another secure place.

🚖 Taxis and scams

• Use only trusted apps — Bolt and Yandex Go.
• Do not get into a car without identification marks and without agreeing on the price in advance.
• If someone on the street offers currency exchange — refuse. Exchange money only in banks and licensed offices.

💧 Water and food

• Tap water in Tbilisi and other cities is considered safe, but if you have a sensitive stomach, it is better to buy bottled water.
• Produce at markets is fresh and tasty, but always wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
• Georgian cuisine is hearty and spicy — do not overdo it with khinkali and adjika on the first day 😅

🏞️ Mountains and nature

• If you are planning trips to mountainous areas, bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
• Tell someone about your route in advance, especially if you are going hiking.
• In some regions there is no mobile signal — download offline maps beforehand.

✨ The main thing is to be attentive, polite, and open. Georgia will do the rest itself — it knows how to charm and take care of its guests.

🙌 The Georgian mentality and traditions

Georgia is a country where guests are treated like friends, and sometimes even like family members. Hospitality here is not just a tradition — it is part of the national character. That is why it is important for tourists to know a few behavioral nuances so that their trip goes smoothly and warmly.

💬 Addressing people and communication

• Georgians are very open, friendly, and emotional. They like to talk, ask questions, and offer help.
• They may often start a conversation with you first, especially if they see that you are a tourist.
• If you learn a couple of words in Georgian, it will melt hearts. For example:
  “Gamarjoba!” — hello
  “Madloba” — thank you
  “Gaumarjos!” — a toast meaning “Cheers!” or “Long live!”

🏠 If you are invited to someone’s home

• This is a sign of great respect. You may refuse, but very gently.
• It is better to bring something symbolic with you — fruit, sweets, or a small souvenir.
• You will definitely be offered food and wine at home — refusing can feel awkward (even if you have already had a light meal before 😄).

🍷 Table traditions

• Georgian table etiquette is an art.
• There is a tamada — the person who leads the toasts. Their word is the main one at the table.
• It is not customary to raise a glass before the tamada or make a toast out of turn.

⛪ Behavior in religious places

• Most Georgians are Orthodox Christians.
• When visiting churches:
  Women are advised to cover their heads and wear clothes that cover the knees and shoulders.
  Men should remove headwear.
• It is not customary to speak loudly or take photos without permission inside churches.

🤝 A few more important nuances:

• In Georgia, people do not usually rush — everything here is done calmly and with soul.
• People may easily offer you food, give you directions, or even walk you to the right place.
• But do not be overly insistent or critical — it is better to show respect and interest in the culture.

✨ If you smile, show respect, and embrace Georgian openness, in return you will receive heartfelt treatment, help, and a sea of warm memories.

📲 The most useful apps for tourists in Georgia

During a trip to Georgia, your smartphone can become your best assistant. To avoid getting lost in a new city, order a taxi, find accommodation, or translate words from Georgian — just install a few convenient apps. 📱✨

🚕 Taxi and transport

• Bolt — the most popular app for ordering taxis at good prices.
• Yandex Go — an alternative to Bolt, working in Tbilisi and Batumi.
• Moovit — an app for city transport routes (buses, metro, minibuses).

🏠 Accommodation and leisure

• Booking.com — search for hotels, apartments, and guesthouses.
• Airbnb — rent flats and houses directly from owners.
• Tripadvisor — ratings and reviews of cafés, restaurants, and attractions.

📍 Maps and navigation

• Google Maps — routes, restaurants, and points of interest. Works reliably almost everywhere.
• MAPS.ME — offline maps that are useful in the mountains and places without internet access.

🍽️ Food and delivery

• Glovo — delivery of food, drinks, and goods from stores.
  Wolt — another delivery service popular in Tbilisi and Batumi.

🗣️ Language and translation

• Google Translate — helps translate from Georgian or into Georgian.
• Lingvano (or a similar app) — if you want to quickly learn a few Georgian words and phrases.

💵 Finance and currency

• TBC Bank / Bank of Georgia apps — if you are opening an account or topping up a local card.
• XE Currency — real-time lari exchange rate checking and a convenient converter.

✨ Install the necessary apps in advance 📲 — then during your trip around Georgia it will be easier to navigate, order taxis, book accommodation, and enjoy your holiday without unnecessary worries!

🗺️ The main cities and regions of Georgia (where to go)

Georgia is an amazing country where, in just a few days, you can manage to visit the sea, the mountains, vineyards, and ancient monasteries. 🌄🍷
If you are wondering which city to visit and what to see in Georgia, here is a short guide to the most interesting destinations:

🇬🇪 Tbilisi — the heart and soul of Georgia

• The Old Town, sulfur baths, the cable car, modern districts, and cozy streets with balconies.
• The perfect place for a first introduction to the country.

🌊 Batumi — the sea, palm trees, and urban energy

• The Black Sea coast, beaches, boulevard, modern architecture, and nightlife.
• A great choice for a summer holiday.

🏞️ Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) — mountains and silence

• The Gergeti Church against the backdrop of Kazbek is one of Georgia’s calling cards.
• A favorite place for those seeking nature and peace.

🍇 Kakheti — the land of wine and vineyards

• Sighnaghi, Telavi, endless wine cellars, and feasts.
• Perfect for gastro tours and autumn holidays.

💧 Borjomi — mineral waters and forests

• A famous resort with clean air and beautiful parks.
• Well suited for family holidays and health recovery.

🏰 Mtskheta — the ancient capital

• The country’s main spiritual center and a UNESCO site.
• People often come here for a day trip from Tbilisi — it is only 30 minutes away.

⛰️ Svaneti (Mestia, Ushguli) — wild, authentic Georgia

• Medieval towers, snow-capped peaks, and a unique culture.
• For those who dream of real mountains and a strong sense of atmosphere.

✨ In every corner of Georgia, its own flavors, views, and impressions await you. And if you cannot choose — just start with Tbilisi, and Georgia itself will show you where to go next!

🧳 We tried to answer as clearly and briefly as possible the most common questions tourists have when coming to Georgia — from transport and mobile connection to food, mentality, and useful apps. We hope this guide has truly been useful for you 🌸

If you still have questions or would like to share your own experience of traveling in Georgia, write in the comments! We will be happy to reply, add to the material, and keep the conversation going 💬

We wish you a bright, delicious, and heartfelt holiday in this amazing country!

Read also

• Tour Booking: Documents, Hotel, and Travel Tips
• How do they eat fruits and vegetables in Georgia? 🍇🥬 Mistakes of tourists and secrets of locals