Visas
Citizens of most Western countries — including the US, EU member states, the UK, Canada, and Australia — can enter Georgia without a visa and stay for up to one year. Check the official Georgian e-Visa portal if your country is not on the visa-free list; e-Visas are available for many other nationalities.
Currency
The currency is the Georgian lari (GEL). ATMs are widespread in cities and larger towns and accept Visa and Mastercard. Away from Tbilisi and Batumi, cash is essential — carry lari. Exchange offices (not banks) typically give the best rates; avoid exchanging at the airport.
Language
Georgian (Kartuli) is the official language, written in its own unique script, Mkhedruli, which you will not be able to read without study. Russian is widely understood, especially by older Georgians and in rural areas. English is common among younger people in Tbilisi and tourist areas. A few words of Georgian are always appreciated:
- Hello: gamarjoba (informal), gamarjobat (polite)
- Thank you: gmadlobt
- Goodbye: nakhvamdis
- Yes / No: diakh / ara
- Cheers (toast): gaumarjos
Health and Safety
Georgia is generally safe for travellers. Petty crime exists in Tbilisi as in any capital, but violent crime against tourists is rare. The main safety concerns are road accidents (drive or travel defensively) and mountain weather (which changes quickly and can be severe).
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Tbilisi. In rural areas, bottled or boiled water is advisable.
The South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions are not under Georgian government control and should not be entered without very thorough research into the current situation.
Electricity
220V, European two-pin plugs. Power cuts are rare in cities these days but can occur in rural areas.
Communications
Mobile coverage is good in cities and main roads; poor in mountains. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Tbilisi and Batumi. Local SIM cards (Geocell, Magti, Beeline) are cheap and easy to buy with a passport.
Money-saving tips
Georgia is an inexpensive country by European standards. A meal at a local restaurant costs 10–20 GEL; a beer is 3–5 GEL. Marshrutkas and trains are very cheap. Homestays (used heavily outside Tbilisi) cost 30–60 GEL including meals and are often the best way to experience Georgian hospitality.