Jurisdiction Guide

Late May to early October brings warm, sunny days and a lively atmosphere in cities and mountains. If you prefer skiing, visit the highlands between December and March.

Cash is popular in smaller towns, though cards are widely accepted in big cities. Tipping 10 percent is standard in restaurants. Most people speak Georgian, but Russian and some English are common in Tbilisi and Batumi. Buy a local SIM card at the airport or a shop for cheap data. Marshrutkas (minibuses) are the main way to reach smaller towns.

Greet people with a handshake or friendly nod, not hugs. Dress modestly when entering churches and cover your head if you are a woman. Avoid talking about Russia or politics with strangers. Toasting is important at meals, so wait for the first toast before drinking. Showing the sole of your shoe at someone is considered rude.

Petty theft happens in crowded places, especially in Tbilisi tourist spots. Roads can be hazardous due to aggressive driving and mountain conditions. Tap water in Tbilisi is safe, but quality varies elsewhere. Watch out for stray dogs in villages.

Visit Svaneti's remote villages for mountain scenery and old stone towers. See the cave monasteries at Vardzia, carved into a cliff. Wander the quiet old town streets of Telavi in the Kakheti wine region.

Citizens of over 90 countries, including the EU, UK, US, and Australia, can stay in Georgia visa-free for up to one year. E-visas and quick border visa processing exist for others. The country offers a remote work permit (Remotely from Georgia) for digital nomads staying long-term.

Long-distance travel relies on fast minibuses and trains linking main towns. Domestic flights are few and mostly connect Tbilisi with Batumi and Mestia. City buses and the metro in Tbilisi are cheap and efficient. Bolt and Yandex are popular for ride-hailing.

Try khinkali (juicy dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), and mtsvadi (grilled pork). Meals usually start with shared plates and lots of bread. Homemade wine is common, and chacha (grape spirit) packs a punch. Street food like lobiani (bean bread) is safe and cheap. Vegetarians will find options, but meat is often the default.

Traveling on a budget is easy outside Tbilisi and Batumi, where hostels and cheap guesthouses start around $10-15 per night. Mid-range hotels in cities run $35-70. Restaurant meals are cheapest in rural areas, with khachapuri for $1-2. Tbilisi is most expensive, but still affordable compared to Western Europe.