Welcome to Georgia 😊

Quick Facts About Georgia

Money and Finances

The currency in Georgia is the Georgian lari (GEL). It is divided into 100 tetris. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 tetris, and notes come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 laris.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Georgia's cities and larger towns, and are becoming more common in rural areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Georgia, especially outside of major cities. Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than AMEX. Cash is generally the preferred form of payment.

Internet and Phones

In Georgia, the average internet speed for uploads and downloads is around 18 Mbps. While there is no significant government interference with internet use, there have been occasional reports of website blocks and monitoring by authorities.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are three major telco companies in Georgia - MagtiCom, Geocell, and Beeline - offering a variety of mobile phone plans with different data allowances and call minute packages. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 20 GEL (USD 6.50) per month. SIM cards are easily obtainable for visitors, although some older phones may not be compatible with the newer SIM formats.

Dialling to Georgia

To call Georgia from another country, dial +995 followed by the area code and phone number. The area codes used within the country include 32 for Tbilisi, 422 for Batumi, and 342 for Kutaisi.

Transport Around Georgia

Air Travel

Georgia has two major international airports: Tbilisi International Airport and Batumi International Airport. Both airports have regular flights to major cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Train Travel

Georgia has a well-developed train network with trains running between major cities. For example, a train journey from Tbilisi to Batumi takes approximately 5.5 hours and costs around 20 USD.

Metro / Local Trains

Tbilisi has a modern metro system with two lines, providing easy and affordable transport within the city.

Buses

There are several bus companies operating in Georgia, providing a cheap and convenient way to travel between cities. For example, a bus trip from Tbilisi to Kutaisi takes around 4 hours and costs around 7 USD.

Rideshare

There are several rideshare companies operating in Georgia, such as Bolt and Yandex, with average prices varying depending on the distance and time of day.

Driving by Car

Driving in Georgia can be challenging, especially in busy cities like Tbilisi. The speed limit is 60 km/h in residential and built-up areas, and 100 km/h on highways. Georgia drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Georgia, tipping is not expected but appreciated in restaurants and for other personal services. Locals greet each other with a handshake, and sometimes a kiss on the cheek between friends and family members. It is also common to address others by their first name, preceded by a title such as Mr. or Ms. When speaking with strangers, it is customary to be polite and respectful, and men and women generally address each other with formal titles unless they are close friends or family members.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Georgia has a universal healthcare system, which is free for all citizens. However, the quality of care can vary and it is common to use private healthcare services. Visiting a doctor can cost between 30-50 GEL (10-16 USD). It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

COVID Situation

Georgia has implemented strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including mandatory face masks, social distancing, and limits on public gatherings. As of October 2021, the daily COVID-19 cases are relatively low, with an average of 200-300 cases per day.

Common Health Risks

The main health risks in Georgia include food and water-borne illnesses, such as traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever. There is also a risk of tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease and encephalitis. Malaria is not present in Georgia, but there have been sporadic cases of Dengue fever and Chikungunya virus transmitted by mosquitoes. It is recommended to take precautions to prevent insect bites and to only drink bottled or treated water.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption is legal for those over the age of 18 in Georgia. However, it is prohibited in certain public places and during specific hours, such as in the early morning hours. Drunk driving is illegal and can result in severe consequences.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Georgia and can result in imprisonment. Possession and distribution of drugs including cannabis, ecstasy, and cocaine is heavily punishable by law.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no restrictions on pre-marital relationships in Georgia.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex relationships are legal in Georgia, however, the LGBTQ community still faces discrimination. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Firearms / Guns

The ownership and use of firearms in Georgia are heavily regulated by law. A license is required for the purchase, possession, and use of firearms, and there are strict regulations around hunting and sport shooting.