We’ve been bringing travelers to Georgia since 2011. These are the practical things we wish every visitor knew before stepping off the plane – updated for how the country works right now, not three years ago.
The first thing that hits you at Tbilisi airport at 2 am is the taxi driver who grabs your suitcase before you’ve finished yawning and quotes you eighty lari for a ride that should cost twenty-five.
Georgia is extraordinary – 8,000-year-old winemaking traditions, mountains that make the Alps look gentle, and a culture of hospitality that still means something real. But it’s also a country in rapid flux. Prices have risen. Rules have tightened. The backpacker paradise of 2018 blog posts has matured into something more complex and, frankly, more interesting.
This guide covers the practical realities, not the marketing version. Some of this information has changed significantly since 2024. Read the insurance section first.
Travel Insurance Is Now Mandatory
This is the single most important change for visitors in 2025–2026, and many travelers arrive unaware of it.
Georgia now requires all visitors – including those entering visa-free – to carry health and accident insurance for the duration of their stay. Your policy must provide minimum coverage of 30,000 GEL (roughly 11,000 USD). Both international and Georgian providers are accepted.
Proof of insurance may be checked at departure by your airline or on arrival by immigration officers. Georgian immigration is known for enforcing rules rather than bending them. Don’t risk it.
If you already carry annual travel insurance, check that your policy meets Georgia’s coverage threshold. If you don’t have a policy, arrange one before booking your flights.
For travelers planning mountain trekking or adventure activities, ensure your policy explicitly covers high-altitude activities and emergency helicopter evacuation. Standard policies often exclude these. We require this coverage for all participants on our trekking tours – it’s not optional, it’s essential.
How Long Should You Plan For?
Georgia appears small on the map. It isn’t.
Mountain terrain, winding roads, and transport that doesn’t always connect the way you’d expect mean that travel between regions takes longer than the distance suggests. Tbilisi to Mestia in Svaneti is technically 460 kilometers. In practice, it’s a full day of driving – or a one-hour flight, if the weather cooperates.
Plan for at least seven days if you want to see more than the capital. Three full days in Tbilisi, then four or five days exploring one or two regions outside. That’s enough for a meaningful introduction without turning your trip into an endurance test.
Ten to fourteen days is what we typically recommend for first-timers who want to combine Tbilisi, a wine region visit, and a mountain experience. Much shorter than a week, and you’ll spend more time in transit than actually experiencing the country.
If you only have four or five days, base yourself in Tbilisi and take day trips – Mtskheta, Kazbegi or the Kakheti wine region. We run day tours to all of these, designed specifically for visitors working with limited time.
Visa Requirements
Georgia has one of the world’s most generous visa policies. Citizens of 98 countries can enter without a visa and stay up to one year. That list includes the EU, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Japan and South Korea, among many others.
What you need: a valid passport with at least six months remaining beyond your intended stay. No return ticket is technically required for visa-free entry, though airlines may ask.
For citizens of countries not on the visa-free list, e-visas are available through Georgia’s official portal at geoconsul.gov.ge. Check requirements there – they’re updated more reliably than any travel blog.
For detailed and updated information, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Best Time to Visit Georgia
| Season | Temperature (Tbilisi) | Mountain Access | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 15–22°C | Svaneti opens late April; Tusheti closed until June | Low | Wildflowers, mild city weather and fewer tourists |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 30–35°C+ | All regions accessible | Peak season | Tusheti, high-mountain treks and the Black Sea coast |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | 18–28°C | Open until late October | Moderate | Grape harvest, autumn colours and comfortable temperatures |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 0–8°C | Some mountain villages inaccessible | Very low | Skiing at Gudauri or Bakuriani, quiet cities and wine cellars |
September and early October are what we recommend most often. The heat breaks, the grapes come in across Kakheti, mountain roads are still open, and the summer crowds thin out. You get the widest range of experiences in the most comfortable conditions.
If wine interests you specifically, time your visit for mid-September through early October. Rtveli – the grape harvest – is when families across the Kakheti region pick grapes and make wine using qvevri, the clay vessels buried in the ground that UNESCO recognizes as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. Some wineries welcome visitors to participate, though this requires advance arrangement. We organize wine tour itineraries specifically around the harvest season.
Summer is the only time to visit Tusheti, Georgia’s most remote inhabited region, accessible only when the Abano Pass road opens in June and closes with the first heavy snow in October. If Tusheti is on your list, June through September is your window.
For a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect and where to go, see our detailed guide: When to Travel to Georgia.
What It Actually Costs
Georgia remains an excellent value compared to Western Europe, but the “backpacker paradise for $20 a day” narrative is outdated. Prices have risen significantly since 2022, driven by inflation, increased tourism and general cost-of-living changes. Budget accordingly.
| Tier | Daily Budget per Person | What That Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 80–120 GEL | Hostels or basic guesthouses, bakery meals and local restaurants, marshrutka transport and free attractions |
| Mid-range | 200–400 GEL | Three-star hotels or quality guesthouses, restaurant meals, taxis and local transport, museums and tastings |
| Comfortable | 500+ GEL | Boutique hotels, guided tours, private transfers, wine experiences and greater flexibility |
A restaurant meal with wine in Tbilisi runs 40–80 GEL for two. A bottle of excellent Georgian wine from a shop costs 15–40 GEL. Tbilisi museum entrance fees generally range from 10–40 GEL.
Tipping is not a deep tradition in Georgia, but it’s becoming more common in tourist-facing businesses. Ten percent at restaurants with good service is appreciated. Rounding up taxi fares is normal. For multi-day tours, tips for guides and drivers are customary and appreciated.
Getting to Georgia
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) handles most international traffic. It sits 17 kilometers southeast of the city centre – a 20 to 40-minute drive depending on traffic.
Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) serves many budget carriers. It’s 14 kilometers from Kutaisi and about 230 kilometers from Tbilisi. The journey to Tbilisi takes roughly four hours by shuttle, which is something to factor into your planning.
Batumi International Airport (BUS) operates international, regional and seasonal flights.
Land borders operate with neighbouring countries according to current entry regulations. The occupied territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia cannot legally be entered from Russia under Georgian law. Always check official border information before travelling.
Airport Transfers: Avoiding the First Scam
Taxi touts inside Tbilisi airport are among the most common problems visitors encounter in Georgia. They may quote inflated prices or grab your luggage to create a sense of obligation. Don’t engage.
Your options, ranked by what we recommend to our clients:
Pre-arranged transfer from us or your hotel is the best option, especially for first-time visitors. Your driver is waiting with your name, the price is fixed, and you avoid negotiating after a long flight. For late-night arrivals, this removes unnecessary stress. Contact us to arrange your transfer.
Authorized airport taxis are available at the official taxi stand outside the terminal. Look for the marked stand and confirm the fare before departing.
Bolt works well if you download the application before you land. Walk outside the terminal to the designated pickup area.
Public transport connects Tbilisi Airport with the city during scheduled operating hours. Check the current route and timetable before arrival.
From Kutaisi Airport, scheduled buses and shuttles connect the airport with Kutaisi, Tbilisi and other Georgian cities.
Money and Payment
Georgia uses the Georgian lari (GEL). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the current rate before travelling or exchanging a large amount.
Exchange offices are widely available in Tbilisi and other major cities. Their rates are clearly displayed, but it is still worth comparing several offices before exchanging a large amount. US dollars and euros are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Card payments – including Apple Pay and Google Pay – work at hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and most shops in Tbilisi and tourist towns. Cash is still necessary in smaller towns, village guesthouses, markets, marshrutkas and often for private drivers. Always carry some lari when leaving Tbilisi.
Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank ATMs are widely available and generally reliable for foreign cards. Your home bank may charge withdrawal or currency-conversion fees.
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Several mobile operators provide local SIM cards and tourist packages. Packages, prices and operator names can change, so compare current offers when you arrive.
You’ll normally need your passport to purchase and register a local SIM card. City branches generally provide a wider selection of packages than airport kiosks.
If you prefer eSIM convenience, international eSIM services work in Georgia, but coverage in the mountains can be less reliable than with a local SIM.
Coverage is excellent in cities and along main highways. In mountain regions – including Svaneti, Tusheti and Khevsureti – a signal exists in the main villages but may disappear between them. Download offline maps and the Google Translate Georgian language pack before heading into the mountains.
Free Wi-Fi is standard in cafes, restaurants and hotels across urban Georgia. Rural guesthouse Wi-Fi exists, but think “functional” rather than “fast.”
Getting Around Georgia
Transport comparison for major routes
| Route | Marshrutka | Train | Taxi or Transfer | Organized Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi → Kutaisi | Available | Available on selected services | Private transfer available | May be included in a multi-day tour |
| Tbilisi → Batumi | Available | Comfortable direct service | Private transfer available | May be included in a multi-day tour |
| Tbilisi → Kazbegi | Available | Not available | Private transfer available | Popular day or overnight tour |
| Tbilisi → Mestia | Usually via Zugdidi | No direct train | Private transfer available | Best included in a multi-day Svaneti tour |
Marshrutkas are the backbone of public transport – cheap, frequent and usually available without advance booking. You show up at the relevant station, find your route and pay the driver. They’re practical for major corridors, although mountain journeys can be less comfortable.
Georgian Railway connects Tbilisi with Batumi, Kutaisi, Borjomi and several other destinations. It can be slower than travelling by road but is significantly more comfortable. Check current routes and purchase tickets through the official railway website.
Renting a car gives you freedom but demands alertness. Georgian driving can be assertive, with unpredictable overtaking and improvised lanes. Rent from an established agency and confirm whether your itinerary requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
For mountain regions, organized tours genuinely earn their value. The logistics of reaching places such as Tusheti, Ushguli or Khevsureti independently can involve unreliable transport, unpaved roads and rapidly changing local conditions. A guide who knows the roads, weather and guesthouses makes a real difference.
Safety
Georgia is generally safe for tourists, and violent crime against visitors is uncommon. The emergency number – 112 – connects callers with police, ambulance and fire services.
But “safe” doesn’t mean “nothing to think about.”
Traffic is one of the main practical risks. Georgian driving can be aggressive, and pedestrian crossings are not always respected. Look carefully before crossing, even when you have the right of way.
Nightlife scams can occur in Tbilisi and Batumi. A friendly stranger may invite you to a bar where drinks you didn’t order are added to an inflated bill. Stick to well-reviewed establishments and decline invitations from strangers offering to show you a bar. If you feel threatened, call 112.
Mountain safety requires respect. Caucasus weather changes within hours, rivers can rise quickly and altitude affects people who don’t expect it. Trekking without appropriate equipment, supplies or knowledge can be genuinely dangerous.
Occupied territories – Abkhazia and South Ossetia – are outside the Georgian government’s control. Entering these territories from Russia without Georgian authorization is illegal under Georgian law.
Protests occur periodically in Tbilisi, often around Rustaveli Avenue. The practical impact on tourists usually involves temporary road closures and transport disruption. Avoid large gatherings as a general precaution.
Health and Medical Care
Check official travel-health guidance for any recommended vaccinations before your trip. Tap water is generally safe in Tbilisi and most developed areas. In remote regions, bottled or filtered water provides greater certainty.
Tbilisi has modern private hospitals with English-speaking staff. Outside major cities, medical facilities are more basic, which is another reason proper travel insurance matters.
Pharmacies, known locally as aptiaki, are well stocked and common in cities and towns.
Medication restrictions: Georgia enforces strict rules on controlled, narcotic and psychotropic substances. Most common prescription medications, supplements and over-the-counter drugs are permitted for personal use, but medicines containing controlled ingredients require additional documentation. If you regularly take prescription medication, check whether it falls under Georgia’s controlled lists before travelling. Read our guide to bringing medication to Georgia for more information.
If your itinerary includes high-altitude destinations, remember that Kazbegi sits at approximately 1,750 metres and mountain passes exceed 3,000 metres. Give yourself time to adjust and do not ignore symptoms of altitude sickness.
Language
Georgian is written in Mkhedruli – a script that looks like nothing else on earth. You won’t learn to read it in a week, and that’s fine.
Russian is widely understood, particularly among older generations. English is common among younger Georgians in Tbilisi and within the tourism industry. In rural Georgia, expect some language barriers.
A few words go a long way. Georgians are visibly pleased when visitors make the effort:
- Gamarjoba (გამარჯობა) – Hello
- Madloba (მადლობა) – Thank you
- Gaumarjos (გაუმარჯოს) – Cheers
- Gemrieli (გემრიელი) – Delicious
- Ramdeni? (რამდენი?) – How much?
Download the Google Translate Georgian offline pack before you arrive. It handles basic communication surprisingly well.
Cultural Etiquette
At the supra: If you’re invited to a traditional Georgian feast, you’ll encounter the tamada – the toastmaster who leads a structured sequence of toasts. Wine accompanies each toast. You don’t have to empty your glass every time, but participating in the ritual shows respect.
At churches and monasteries: Georgia is deeply Orthodox Christian. Visitors should dress modestly. Women may be asked to cover their heads and legs, while men should remove hats. Scarves and wrap skirts are often available at entrances. Stay quiet during services and ask before photographing.
Georgian hospitality is real but not always what marketing materials suggest. Everyday interactions can feel direct or reserved – people don’t necessarily smile at strangers or make small talk. The warmth surfaces in unexpected moments: a guesthouse host offering extra wine, a stranger walking out of their way to help you find the correct street, or a driver stopping to share something interesting along the route.
LGBTQ+ travelers: Georgian society remains conservative on LGBTQ+ matters. Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted, particularly outside Tbilisi. Public displays of affection may attract negative attention.
Food and Drink
Georgian food is one of the most compelling reasons to visit, and dietary communication matters.
The cuisine is rich in meat, cheese, bread and walnuts. Vegetarians can eat well – lobio, badrijani, pkhali and various salads are delicious and widely available. Vegans face more challenges because cheese and butter appear in many dishes. Communicate dietary requirements clearly and early.
Khinkali – Georgian dumplings – are eaten by hand. Bite a small hole, drink the broth inside and then eat the dumpling. Traditionally, the twisted dough top is left on the plate.
Wine isn’t just a beverage here; it’s part of the country’s identity. Georgia’s winemaking tradition stretches back roughly 8,000 years. Qvevri – clay vessels buried underground – are still used to ferment and store wine. Amber wine, produced by fermenting white grapes with their skins, is one of Georgia’s most distinctive styles.
Chacha – grape brandy, often homemade – ranges from smooth to eye-watering. It’s frequently offered as a welcome drink, so pace yourself.
Bread deserves special mention. Shotis puri, the torpedo-shaped bread baked against the walls of a traditional tone oven, appears at almost every meal.
What to Pack
Packing depends on the season and your itinerary, but these are the consistent essentials:
- Layers: Even in July, mountain evenings can be cold. Pack a light fleece or jacket.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Tbilisi’s Old Town has cobbled streets, hills and uneven surfaces.
- A scarf or shawl: Useful when visiting churches and for protection from the sun.
- A power adapter: Georgia uses European Type C and F plugs with a 230V supply.
- Sunscreen: Mountain sunlight at higher elevations can be intense.
- Cash: Carry enough lari for village guesthouses, markets and mountain transport.
- Prescription medications: Keep them in their original packaging and carry the necessary documentation. See our medication guide.
Apps to Download Before You Arrive
- Bolt – For taxis in major Georgian cities.
- Google Maps – Download an offline map of Georgia.
- Google Translate – Download the Georgian language pack.
- Booking.com or Airbnb – Useful for finding accommodation and local guesthouses.
Practical Reference
- Emergency services: 112
- Country code: +995
- Currency: Georgian lari (GEL)
- Standard voltage: 230V, 50Hz
- Plug type: C and F
- Driving side: Right
- Travel insurance: Check current coverage requirements before departure
Planning Your Trip
Georgia rewards travelers who plan around its geography rather than fighting it. The infrastructure for independent travel works well in accessible areas such as Tbilisi, the main highway corridor and Kakheti wine country. In the mountains, the situation changes. Roads are rough, signage is sparse, local knowledge matters, and journeys that appear simple on Google Maps can become complicated in practice.
For first-time visitors, we typically recommend a combination: independent exploration in Tbilisi and accessible areas, together with organized tours for mountain regions where a guide, suitable vehicle and advance guesthouse arrangements make the difference between a memorable experience and a stressful one.
We’ve been organizing journeys through Georgia since 2011 – long enough to have seen the country change and to know what works. Whether you need a single-day tour from Tbilisi, a week-long itinerary across several regions or a trekking expedition into the Greater Caucasus, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
Browse our tours or contact us to start planning.
Last updated: August 2026. We update this guide regularly as conditions in Georgia change. If you spot anything outdated, let us know.
[…] Highlander Travel has been running private tours across Georgia since 2011, including Adjara and the Black Sea coast. If you’d like a Batumi itinerary built around what you actually want to do — mountains, food, beaches or all three — get in touch or browse our tour packages. For the wider region, see our Adjara destination guide; for first-time planning, start with our essential travel tips for Georgia. […]