Planning a trip to Georgia? Then you should definitely find out what you absolutely cannot do in this country! We have collected the main mistakes tourists make, cultural taboos and behavioral "don'ts" that will help you avoid awkward situations and not spoil your vacation experience.

After reading, you will feel confident and comfortable, knowing how to behave with respect and in the Georgian manner ✨

• 🙅‍♀️ Don't neglect Georgian hospitality
• 🕍 Don't behave provocatively in temples and religious places
• 🚯 Don't litter and don't harm nature
• ⚠️ Don't break the law - even in small things
• ⚠️ Don't discuss politics and sensitive topics
• 💬 Don't confuse temperament with rudeness
• 💃Don't be familiar with strangers
• 💸 Don't thank with money where it's inappropriate
• 🧳 Don't limit yourself to tourist routes
• 💡 Behavior that is appreciated in Georgia
• 🔟 TOP-10 mistakes tourists make in Georgia
• ❓ Frequently asked questions and answers

Georgia is an amazing country where you are invited to the table from the very beginning, they raise a toast to you and say: "You feel at home here." But even in a house full of love, there are rules.

Our team has been living, traveling and working in Georgia for many years. We communicate with tourists every day, observe their behavior, hear stories from locals - and, frankly speaking, sometimes we find ourselves in the same awkward situations. That is why we decided to put together an article for you not just with "official prohibitions", but with what is really important to know so that your vacation is easy, warm and without unpleasant moments.

You will learn what you should not do in Georgia, how to behave with respect for the culture, what mistakes beginners make and what little things will help you feel not like a tourist, but a real guest.

🙅‍♀️ Don't neglect Georgian hospitality

Hospitality in Georgia is not just a tradition, it is a whole philosophy. If you are invited to lunch, dinner, tea or just offered wine - it is done from the heart. Refusal can be perceived as an insult, even if it was said politely.

It is not customary to come to visit empty-handed, refuse a toast without explanation or sit at the table in silence. Each toast is a small ritual, and participation in it shows respect for the hosts and the culture.

✅ What to do correctly:

Even if you don’t want to drink wine, say that you are driving, taking medication, or simply don’t drink. A polite but sincere refusal is accepted with understanding.

Thank them for the invitation, even if you can’t stay. A smile and respect for the invitation is already a sign of politeness.

Support the toast, even if you just say a few warm words. The main thing is participation.

❌ What you shouldn’t do:

Say: “No, thank you, I don’t eat this” with an expression on your face as if it were poison.

Refusing an invitation abruptly or with bewilderment.

Sitting silently at the table, not supporting the conversation or toasts - this can look like coldness or disrespect.

📌 An example from life:

Once a tourist from Germany, who was vacationing in Kakheti, contacted us. She was invited to dinner in a village house - with wine, khinkali and homemade bread. When the host raised a toast, she politely said:

"Sorry, but I don't drink wine and I don't eat after six." The host smiled, but was noticeably reserved the entire evening. Only later did she learn that her refusal without explanation was perceived as disrespect. As a result, the next day she came again - with flowers and gratitude. And the host said:

"Now you're one of us."

⛪️ Do not behave provocatively in temples and religious places

Churches and monasteries in Georgia are not museums, but living shrines. People pray here, get married, remember their ancestors. And everyone who goes inside, be it a local or a tourist, becomes a participant in this spiritual space.

Even slight carelessness in behavior can be perceived as disrespect.

✅ What to do correctly:

Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. It is advisable for women to cover their heads.

Speak quietly, turn off the sound on your phone.

Respect the space: do not walk along the altar, do not touch the icons unless necessary.

If in doubt, watch how the locals behave.

❌ What you shouldn’t do:

Enter the church in shorts, tops, with a camera around your neck.

Take photos without permission, especially of the service and people.

Chew gum, talk on speakerphone or laugh inside.

Taking selfies at the altar or trying to get “higher for a better angle.”

📌 Example from a tourist:

A tourist from France told us how she once entered a church in Kutaisi wearing a light summer sundress. She didn’t know that this could be perceived as a violation. One of the parishioners came up to her and calmly but sternly handed her a long scarf.

She felt awkward, but thanked him — and stayed inside, sitting quietly in the corner. Later she said:

“This became a lesson in respect for me. And one of the most touching moments of the entire trip.”

🚯 Don't litter and don't harm nature

Georgia is one of those countries where nature is truly alive: the mountains breathe the wind, the rivers sing, the forests smell of freedom. And the locals treat it as a sacred place.

But, unfortunately, tourists increasingly leave behind bags, bottles and plastic dishes, especially in popular places - Kazbegi, Sighnaghi, Mestia, on the coast.

This is not just unsightly - it is painful for Georgians who are sincerely proud of their land.

✅ What to do correctly:

Always take your trash with you, especially if you are outside the city.

If you can't find a trash can, put everything in a backpack and throw it away later.

Respect the silence in the mountains: do not turn on loud music, do not shout.

Find out in advance where it is allowed to pitch tents or make fires.

❌ What you shouldn't do:

Leave bottles, bags, disposable tableware at a picnic.

Smoking and throwing cigarette butts on the ground - especially in forests and mountains.

Parking in alpine meadows, breaking branches, picking flowers for photos.

Feeding wild animals with chips or cookies "for stories".

📌 Example from our team:

One day, our editor, walking along a popular trail in Kazbegi, noticed how a couple of tourists after a snack left a plastic bottle and packaging right at the foot of the hill.

He came up and quietly, without judgment, said:

"You just threw garbage on the land that we call the soul here. This land remembers our ancestors, it is older than all of us. Everything you leave will remain with it forever."

The tourists fell silent, were a little confused, but a moment later they began to collect not only their own garbage, but also other people's.

Sometimes one sincere word can awaken more than a fine or a ban.

⚠️ Don't break the laws - even in small ways

Georgia is a free-spirited country, but this does not mean that everything is allowed here. The laws work, and many of them concern the behavior of tourists.

Openly drinking alcohol on the street, crossing the road in the wrong place, throwing noisy parties in residential areas - for all this you can get not only a warning, but also a real fine.

Locals treat guests calmly and respectfully, but breaking the law is no longer a question of culture, but a question of order.

✅ How to do it right:

Drink alcohol only in restaurants, on terraces or in your own home.

Cross the road at a pedestrian crossing - even if it seems that "no one is there".

If you rent a car - obey the speed limit, especially in the mountains and villages.

Respect the silence in residential areas after 23:00.

❌ What you shouldn't do:

Walk with an open bottle of beer on the street (especially in Tbilisi and Batumi).

Shouting, playing music at full volume on the street or in hotels.

Ignoring road signs, parking on sidewalks.

Treating police officers with mockery or disdain is no joke here.

📌 An example from our team:

One of our editors witnessed a scene in the center of Tbilisi. A tourist from Europe opened a beer right at the bus stop and sat down on a bench - "like at home." A patrolman came up, politely made a remark and asked to put the bottle away.

The tourist began to argue and laugh, saying, "in Europe you can do this."

The policeman answered with restraint:

"This is not Europe. This is Georgia. Here we have our own respect."

The result - a fine, a bad mood and apologies. But it could have all ended simply - with one "sorry" and a closed lid.

⚠️Don't discuss politics and sensitive topics

Georgians are incredibly open and friendly, but there are topics that are taken very seriously here. And one of them is politics. Especially when it comes to the territorial integrity of the country, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, relations with Russia or religion.

Even if the conversation seems calm, it is better not to go too far. For locals, this is not just news, but pain, history and personal memory.

✅ What to do:

If the topic is brought up by chance, listen more than you speak.

Show respect, even if you have a different opinion.

If you are not sure, it is better to tactfully change the topic.

Respect the right of others to experience their history in their own way.

❌ What you should not do:

Say: "Well, you have politics here, you can’t understand who is right."

Argue, justify the occupation or compare with other countries.

Pretend that it is "all nonsense" and "what business is it of yours."

Joking about conflicts, borders, armies, nationalities.

📌 Example from a tourist:

A tourist from Poland, with whom we later spoke, shared:

“We were in a cafe in Kutaisi. The conversation turned to borders, and I said without a second thought: “Well, all this will be resolved someday, no big deal.” The owner of the cafe suddenly fell silent, then said briefly: “My brother died in the war. He didn’t come home.” We fell silent. It was a very powerful moment.”

Then he added:

“I realized that sometimes it’s better to listen. And to respect what you yourself haven’t experienced.”

💬 Don't confuse temperament with rudeness

Georgians are a bright, loud, emotional people. They can speak with expression, gesticulate, shout over each other - but this is not anger or aggression, but a style of communication.

Many tourists are scared at first, especially if they hear two people "arguing" on the street. And then it turns out - it's just friends arguing about where the khinkali is tastier.

Here, sincerity is above formalities, and what may seem "too much" somewhere, in Georgia is simply a manifestation of the soul.

✅ How to do the right thing:

Smile and don't be afraid of loud speech - it's not a scandal.

Listen to intonations, not just words.

If in doubt, just clarify: "Is everything okay?" - and they will tell you with a smile: "Yes, we're just arguing about football!"

❌ What you shouldn't do:

Make big eyes and say: "Why are you talking to me like that?"

Take lively speech for rudeness.

Being indignant that you are not treated "with European politeness".

Making remarks to locals about their manner of communication.

📌 Example from a tourist:

A tourist from the Netherlands told us how on his first day in Tbilisi he ordered a coffee, and the barista shouted something loudly into the kitchen.

"I thought he was angry or swearing, and was about to leave. And a minute later he comes out, smiles, gives me coffee and says: "Mahleva! That means sweet, just like you wanted it!""

He later admitted:

"I realized that in Georgia, loud doesn't mean bad. It means real."

💃 Don't be overly familiar

In Georgia, people are friendly, easy to contact, smile, help... and many tourists see this as an invitation to intimacy. But it is important to remember: openness does not mean familialism.

Georgians respect their culture, their faith, their family. Interfering without an invitation, taking photos without permission, asking too personal questions - all this is perceived as a violation of boundaries, even if you are "kind".

✅ How to do it right:

Always ask permission before photographing a person, especially in villages.

Respect personal space - do not touch, do not hug strangers.

If a conversation starts - be friendly, but respectful.

❌ What you should not do:

Approaching older people or children with a camera - "for the shot".

Saying: "What beautiful clothes you have, can I touch them?"

Joking about the accent or manner of speaking.

Climbing into a house, yard or plot of land without an invitation.

📌 Example from a tourist:

A tourist from Spain told us that at the market in Telavi she saw a woman in a national headscarf and decided to “quietly” take a photo. The woman abruptly turned away and did not look in her direction again.

“I felt very awkward. I thought that I was just admiring her appearance. But then I realized - I did it without asking. It was disrespectful.”

Later, she apologized and gave the woman a fruit - and received a smile in return.

“Respect is the shortest path to a real connection,” she said later.

💸 Don't thank with money where it is inappropriate

In this country, where the sun is generous and hearts are open, help often comes from the heart, and not for a fee.

If you were treated to wine in a village, helped with a suitcase in a minibus, or taken to an unplanned destination, do not rush to get out your wallet. There are things here that cannot be bought, and money in such situations can offend more than a rude word.

✅ How to do the right thing:

Thank with warm words, a smile, a hug (if appropriate).

You can give a small souvenir, fruit, sweets - a gesture, not an amount.

If you really want to thank - say: "I want to give you a gift because you made my day."

❌ How not to do it:

Hold out a bill for friendly help or hospitality.

Leave money "just in case" on the table, especially in the village.

Say: "I will pay you, because that's how we do it."

Giving money to children on the street is strictly not welcome.

📌 Example from a tourist:

A young tourist from Canada told how he stayed with a local family in Mtskheta. Not only did they feed him, but they also helped him with the road and walked him to the minibus. He handed over 50 lari as a token of gratitude.

The owner looked at him and said:

“You are our guest. Don’t offend us with money. It’s better to come again.”

The tourist admitted that since then he always brings gifts from home, not money.

“That was the moment when I realized that kindness is not a commodity,” he said.

🧭 Don't limit yourself to tourist routes

Yes, Kakheti is wine, Tbilisi is sulfur baths, and Batumi is the sea and a noisy embankment. But if you limit yourself to the “famous”, you will see only a postcard, not a real country.

The real Sakartvelo lives in the mountains, in small villages, by the fire in the yard, where they bake bread in tone and share the last piece of cheese.

The further from the popular locations - the closer to the people, real tastes, conversations that are remembered for a lifetime.

✅ How to do the right thing:

Go to small towns and villages - Sioni, Shuamta, Omalo, Tsageri.

Talk to people, go to family cafes, and not just restaurants "for tourists".

If possible, live a couple of days in a guest house outside the city.

❌ What you shouldn't do:

Plan a route only "according to Instagram".

Taking a tour by bus for 40 people and thinking that you have “seen everything.”

Saying: “I have been to Tbilisi, so I know Georgia.”

📌 An example from our team:

Once, our entire editorial team went on a short work trip to explore one of the monasteries. On the way, we took a wrong turn, and while we were sitting in the car, trying to figure out the map, an elderly local resident approached us.

We started talking, and he said with a smile:

“If you are already here, don’t leave without seeing the main thing,” and pointed to the mountain.

It turned out that an ancient monastery was hidden nearby, which is not written about in guidebooks, and where excursions are not taken. He became our guide, told us about the history of this place and showed us things that we would never have found without him.

We returned from there with the feeling that we had seen not just architecture, but the living heart of this region.

It is precisely such coincidences that make trips around Sakartvelo truly magical.

💡 Behavior that is valued in Sakartvelo

The locals of this sunny land value sincerity, respect and openness above all else. They love it when you learn to say gamardzhoba, when your soul smiles, not just your face.

When you ask not just "where is the best place to eat", but "what do you like yourself". When you don't play the tourist, but simply live in the moment - without haste, without snobbery, with gratitude.

It is this behavior that opens doors, invites you to the table and makes your trip not just a vacation, but a heartfelt story that you want to tell again and again.

✅ What is especially pleasant for locals:

When you learn at least a couple of words in Georgian: didahari (welcome), madloba (thank you), genatsvale (literally "replace me", but in essence - an affectionate, sincere address like "dear" or "my soul")

When you are grateful for attention and do not demand "like in Europe"

When you are interested in culture, listen and do not argue

When you are not in a hurry - but allow yourself to live in the rhythm of the locals

❌ What can spoil the impression:

Arrogance, arrogance, an attempt to lecture

The phrase: "We do it differently" - especially in a negative way

Coldness, alienation and demonstrative indifference

The desire to constantly compare and criticize

📌 Example from a tourist:

A tourist from Ukraine told how she once stopped in the mountains to greet a woman baking bread in the yard. She simply said, "gamarjoba," and smiled. A minute later, she was being invited for tea, and an hour later, she was sitting in the garden with a cup of homemade jam and listening to family stories.

"I simply smiled — and got more than a tour. I got warmth," she shared later.

🔟 TOP 10 mistakes tourists make in Georgia

• Ignoring invitations to the table - and thereby offending the hosts, without even realizing it.
• Entering churches in inappropriate clothing - and behaving there as if you were on an excursion, and not in a holy place.
• Leaving garbage in nature - and harming not only the environment, but also the feelings of local residents.
• Breaking the laws "in small ways" - openly drinking alcohol on the street, making noise at night, crossing in the wrong place.
• Touching on topics of politics and conflicts - even in a friendly conversation, without knowing the full depth of history.
• Confusing Georgian temperament with rudeness - and taking offense at what is actually just a style of communication.
• Showing familiarity - taking pictures without asking, touching things, violating personal boundaries.
• Offering money where it is inappropriate - for hospitality, help or friendliness.
• Limiting yourself to only popular routes - and missing the very soul of the country.
• Comparing Sakartvelo with other countries instead of seeing its uniqueness.

❓ Frequently asked questions from tourists

• Can you refuse a toast if you don’t drink alcohol?

Yes, the main thing is to explain the reason. For example: “I don’t drink, but I’m very grateful for the invitation and raise a glass of water.” This will be received with respect.

• Can you take pictures in churches?

It’s best to check on the spot. In some churches it’s allowed, but without a flash and not during the service. It’s not advisable to take pictures of people in prayer.

• What should you do if someone is being too pushy?

Calmly, with a smile, but clearly define the boundary: “Sorry, I’m not comfortable.” This is usually enough — respect for personal space is appreciated.

• Is it true that you can’t criticize Georgia in a conversation with the locals?

Yes, it’s better to avoid phrases like “Everything is disorganized here.” Instead, ask, be interested, compare tactfully.

• What should you do if someone offers you wine or food on the street?

If you are not sure, decline politely. But most often such offers are sincere. Just say: "Thank you very much, but I'm full" and smile.

• Can I joke about politics or conflicts?

Highly discouraged. Even light irony can hurt. It is better to talk about culture, food, nature, hospitality - it is much more pleasant for everyone.

• Why can't you offer money for help?

Because here friendliness is not for money. It is better to offer a small thank you in the form of a souvenir or just say something from the heart.

• How seriously do they take silence at night?

Seriously. In residential areas it is better to observe silence from 23:00 to 08:00. Even if you are on vacation - someone has a working day tomorrow.

• What happens if you break the law, for example, drink beer on the street?

Most likely - a fine. The police are polite, but they are strict about the rules. It's better not to take risks, even if it seems that "nobody sees".

• What do locals value most in tourists?

Respect, genuine interest, kindness. And... when you say at least "gamarjoba" - the locals' eyes immediately brighten ☀️

🤔 Questions that tourists actually asked our team

🧆 Is it possible to eat too much khinkali?

Yes. But khinkali is like love. First joy, then it's hard to breathe 😅

🍷 What should I do if I drink more wine than I intended?

Most likely, they will just sit you down on the sofa, cover you with a blanket and pour a little more - "for the road" 😉

🐑 Can I take a lamb from the mountains if it comes to me?

No, genatsvale. This is not a sign of fate, it's just a lamb. Better take magnets.

🧺 Where in Tbilisi can you have a picnic with a view of the fortress, but without cats?

Ha-ha! Without cats - nowhere. But they, as a rule, are unobtrusive guests. The main thing is not to open the cheese first.

🎶 If I sing a toast in Russian, will they understand me?

Yes! The main thing is to sing from the heart. And then the wine will explain everything.

🛍️ Is it possible to bargain for a khachapuri at the market?

No, but you can bargain for a second one - if you promise to eat both on the spot 😋

💬 What does it mean if a Georgian says "genatsvale" three times in 10 minutes?

Congratulations. You are officially on the list of people he wants to feed, introduce to his family, and send home with wine.

💬 And now — the floor is yours!

If you have already been to Georgia — share in the comments what situations you have encountered, what mistakes you have noticed in yourself or others.

If you are just planning a trip — ask any questions! We will be happy to tell you how to make your trip even more enjoyable 😊