Currency: The Georgian Lari (GEL)

Georgia's currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL), divided into 100 tetri. It is a free-floating currency, so exchange rates fluctuate — check a reliable source like Google or XE.com before you travel.

  • ATMs: Widely available in Tbilisi, Batumi, and other cities. Look for TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia ATMs, which tend to have good rates and reasonable fees.
  • Exchange offices: Currency exchange booths (savaluto) offer competitive rates — often better than banks. Avoid exchanging at airports where rates are typically poor.
  • Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in cities. In rural areas and smaller towns, cash is essential.
  • Wise or Revolut: Both work well in Georgia and offer good exchange rates with lower fees than many traditional banks.

Getting a SIM Card

Buying a local SIM card is easy and highly recommended. The main Georgian mobile operators are Magti, Geocell (Silknet), and Beeline. You can purchase SIM cards at the airport, in phone shops, and at many convenience stores. Bring your passport — registration is required.

Data plans are inexpensive by international standards. A prepaid SIM with several gigabytes of data will cost only a few Lari. Coverage is good in cities and along major roads, but can be limited or absent in remote mountain areas.

Getting Around Georgia

Marshrutkas (Minibuses)

The backbone of Georgian intercity transport, marshrutkas are shared minibuses that connect virtually every town and village. They are cheap and frequent but depart when full rather than on a fixed timetable. In Tbilisi, marshrutkas also operate as local bus routes. They are the most authentic way to travel like a local.

Trains

Georgia has a rail network connecting Tbilisi to Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, and the border with Azerbaijan. Trains are comfortable, affordable, and a pleasant way to cover longer distances. The overnight sleeper train from Tbilisi to Batumi is popular in summer. Book tickets through the Georgian Railway website or at stations.

Taxis and Ride Apps

Bolt is the dominant ride-hailing app in Georgia and works reliably in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. Fares are very affordable. Always use the app rather than hailing street taxis to avoid being overcharged. Yandex Go also operates in some areas.

Car Rental

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore rural Georgia at your own pace, which is highly recommended for visiting wine country, mountain villages, and cave monasteries. International driving licences are accepted. Roads in cities can be chaotic; mountain roads are often unpaved and steep — a 4WD is advisable for highland areas.

Getting Around Tbilisi

  • Metro: Two lines, clean and affordable. Uses a rechargeable Metromoney card purchased at stations.
  • Bus and marshrutka: Comprehensive network across the city, same Metromoney card works.
  • Cable car: The Narikala cable car connects Rike Park to the fortress — a fun and scenic way to get around the Old Town.
  • Walking: The Old Town and central Tbilisi are very walkable, though hilly.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Georgia. As a guide:

  • Restaurants: 10% is a generous and well-received tip. Some restaurants add a service charge automatically — check your bill.
  • Taxis: Rounding up the fare is appreciated but not expected.
  • Guides and drivers: If you've had a great experience, a tip of 10–15% of the tour cost is a meaningful gesture.
  • Guesthouses: Leaving a small tip for a host family who cooked and looked after you well is always welcome.

Language Tips

Georgian (Kartuli) is a beautiful and complex language with its own unique script. Learning even a few words is warmly appreciated:

  • Gamarjoba — Hello
  • Madloba — Thank you
  • Ara — No / Diakh — Yes
  • Gaumarjos! — Cheers! (essential at any Georgian table)

English is increasingly spoken in Tbilisi and tourist areas. Russian is widely understood across the country, though attitudes toward it vary. Download the Georgian keyboard on your phone — it helps when searching for places in maps.

Staying Safe

Georgia is generally a safe country for travellers. Petty crime exists in tourist areas, as anywhere, so standard precautions apply. The border regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia are not under Georgian government control and should be avoided. Always check your government's current travel advice before departing.