Georgia Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Georgia: Tips on Driving, Safety, and Culture

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Top 10 Most Searched Questions About Georgia

The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi, a city known for its historic old town, sulfur baths, and the Narikala Fortress overlooking the Kura River.

Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit Georgia visa-free for up to 1 year. Other nationalities should check with the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Georgia uses the Georgian Lari (GEL). Cards are accepted in cities like Tbilisi, but cash is essential in rural areas and for small transactions.

Yes, Georgia is generally safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, but petty theft can occur in crowded areas like Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue—stay vigilant.

The official language is Georgian. Russian is also widely spoken, and English is increasingly common in tourist areas like Tbilisi and Batumi.

Georgia is known for its ancient wine culture (one of the oldest in the world), stunning Caucasus Mountains, UNESCO sites like Mtskheta, the Black Sea coast in Batumi, and its unique cuisine, including khachapuri and khinkali.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for mild weather and outdoor activities. Summer is great for the Black Sea coast, while winter suits skiing in Gudauri.

Georgia is budget-friendly compared to Western Europe. Accommodation, food (like khachapuri), and transport are affordable, though prices in touristy areas like Batumi can be higher.

Tap water is generally safe in Tbilisi and other cities, but in rural areas, it’s better to drink bottled water to avoid potential stomach issues.

Top spots include Tbilisi (Old Town, Narikala Fortress), Batumi (Black Sea coast), Svaneti (UNESCO-listed villages), Mtskheta (Svetitskhoveli Cathedral), and the wine region of Kakheti.

Georgia, nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offers a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Tbilisi, the capital, charms with its cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and the ancient Narikala Fortress overlooking the Kura River. The country is renowned as the cradle of winemaking, with a tradition dating back 8,000 years—Kakheti, the wine region, is a must-visit for its vineyards and qvevri wines. Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains are a haven for hikers and skiers, with destinations like Svaneti, a UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval tower villages, and Gudauri, a top ski resort. Along the Black Sea, Batumi blends modern architecture with a vibrant beach scene, featuring the iconic Alphabet Tower and the serene Batumi Botanical Garden. History buffs will love Mtskheta, another UNESCO site and Georgia’s spiritual heart, home to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Georgian cuisine is a highlight, with dishes like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (soup dumplings) paired with local wines. From the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe to the rugged beauty of the Martvili Canyon, Georgia’s diverse landscapes and rich culture make it an unforgettable destination.

Visa & Passport for Georgia: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. No additional validity period is required, but ensure it has at least one blank page for stamps.
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 1 year. Other nationalities should check with the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Health Entry Rules: No specific vaccinations are required for entry. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended, as healthcare costs can vary for non-residents.

Driving in Georgia: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU drivers can use their national license for up to 1 year; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if the license isn’t in English or Georgian.
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on highways (e.g., S1). The blood alcohol limit is 0.02%—strictly enforced.
  • Toll Roads: Most roads in Georgia are toll-free, except for some sections like the Tbilisi-Batumi highway, where tolls are minimal (around 2-5 GEL). Payment is usually in cash.
  • Road Conditions: Main roads like the S1 are well-maintained, but rural mountain roads (e.g., to Svaneti) can be narrow, unpaved, and treacherous in winter—use a 4x4 vehicle and check weather conditions.
  • Parking: Parking in Tbilisi is regulated—use paid parking zones or apps like Tbilisi Parking. Free parking is common in smaller towns like Telavi, but always check for signs to avoid fines.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Roadside assistance can be contacted through local services like the Georgian Automobile Federation at +995 32 224 44 44.
  • Useful Resource: For more on driving regulations, visit the Georgian National Tourism Administration website.

Georgia Currency: Using the Lari for Your Trip

  • Lari: Georgia uses the Georgian Lari (GEL). Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 tetri, and 1 and 2 lari; banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 lari.
  • Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or exchange offices in cities like Tbilisi or Batumi—avoid airport exchanges due to higher fees. USD and EUR are widely accepted for exchange.
  • Payment Methods: Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, but cash is king in rural areas and for small transactions like at local markets (e.g., Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi).
  • ATMs: ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, accepting international cards. Look for ATMs from major banks like TBC Bank or Bank of Georgia to avoid high fees.

Georgia Legal Guide: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment. Public drinking is allowed but can result in fines if it leads to disorderly behavior—be discreet in places like Tbilisi’s Freedom Square.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Georgians are warm and hospitable—accepting offers of food or drink during a supra (feast) is polite. Dress modestly when visiting churches like Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and women may need a headscarf.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography is generally allowed, but avoid taking photos near military installations or the border areas with South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to security concerns.
  • Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are acceptable but should be discreet. Smoking is common but banned in indoor public spaces like restaurants—use designated outdoor areas.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 3 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over $10,000 USD (or equivalent) upon entry or exit.
  • Complaints: For travel issues, contact the Georgian National Tourism Administration or local police. Visit their official website for more information.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for emergencies. For non-urgent issues, contact the police at 112. Tourist information offices in Tbilisi can assist with minor issues.

Travel Safety in Georgia: Staying Safe on Your Trip

  • Crime in Georgia: Georgia is safe with low crime rates, but petty theft can occur in busy areas like Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue or Batumi’s Boulevard—keep your belongings secure.
  • Road Safety: Main roads are good, but rural roads can be challenging—mountain routes to Svaneti or Kazbegi may have sharp turns and no guardrails. Locals may drive aggressively; stay cautious, especially on the Georgian Military Highway.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is safe in cities like Tbilisi, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas. Food hygiene is generally good—local dishes like khinkali are safe, but street food in smaller towns may vary in quality.
  • Natural Hazards: Georgia has a low risk of natural disasters. Earthquakes can occur in the Caucasus region, and landslides are a risk in mountainous areas like Svaneti during heavy rain—check local weather updates.
  • Medical Facilities: Healthcare in Tbilisi is decent, with hospitals like the Tbilisi Central Hospital. Rural areas have limited facilities—travel insurance is recommended, as non-emergency care can be costly for non-residents.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Pharmacies are widespread in cities and can provide over-the-counter medications and advice—look for signs in Georgian script (აფთიაქი).
  • Public Transport Safety: Public transport like marshrutkas (minibuses) and the Tbilisi metro is safe but can be crowded—watch for pickpockets on busy routes like the metro’s Saburtalo Line.

Flights to Georgia: Travel Options

Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is Georgia’s main hub, with flights from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Other airports like Batumi (BUS) and Kutaisi (KUT) serve budget airlines and regional flights.