Practical A–Z
Entry & Visa
Visa
Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for stays up to 1 year (365 days!). This is not a typo — Georgia has one of the most liberal entry regulations in the world. Required are:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay. The identity card is also accepted for EU citizens (the passport is still recommended).
- Return or onward flight ticket: Rarely checked, but have it ready just in case.
Entry
Entry at the airport is uncomplicated and quick. EU citizens often have their own line (faster). Entry stamp in the passport, done. No form, no interview, no fingerprints.
Important: Abkhazia & South Ossetia
The regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are de facto controlled by Russia. Entry from Russia is illegal under Georgian law and can lead to problems on future visits to Georgia. Do not travel to these areas unless through official Georgian border crossings (which practically do not exist).
Money & Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
1 Lari = 100 Tetri. Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 Tetri, 1 and 2 Lari. Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 Lari.
Exchange rate (reference value 2025): 1 EUR ≈ 2.95 GEL / 1 GEL ≈ 0.34 EUR
Exchanging & Withdrawing Money
- ATMs: Everywhere in cities. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Withdrawal in GEL, occasionally also in USD/EUR possible. Fees: 1–3 GEL per withdrawal + fees from your home bank.
- Exchange offices: Numerous in Tbilisi and all cities. Fair rates (no black market needed). Simply bring euros or dollars and exchange as needed.
- Credit cards: Accepted in hotels, upscale restaurants, and supermarkets. In guesthouses, rural areas, marshrutkas, and markets: cash only!
How affordable is Georgia really?
Georgia is extremely affordable — even by Eastern European standards. A few examples:
| Item | Price (GEL) | Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Khinkali (1 piece) | 0.80–1 | 0.27–0.34 |
| Metro ride Tbilisi | 1 | 0.34 |
| Beer (0.5l in restaurant) | 4–6 | 1.35–2 |
| Marshrutka ride (100 km) | 5–10 | 1.70–3.40 |
| Bottle of good wine (supermarket) | 10–25 | 3.40–8.50 |
| Guesthouse (double room with breakfast) | 60–120 | 20–40 |
Tipp
Always withdraw in GEL at ATMs, never in EUR — otherwise, the bank sets a worse rate (Dynamic Currency Conversion). And: A travel credit card without foreign fees (e.g., DKB, Barclays) saves fees throughout the trip.
Health
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations for entry. Recommended are:
- Standard vaccinations: Tetanus, diphtheria, polio (get a booster)
- Hepatitis A: Recommended (transmission through food/water)
- Hepatitis B: For longer stays
- Rabies: For travel to remote rural areas (stray dogs are common)
Drinking Water
In Tbilisi and the cities, tap water is drinkable — it comes from Caucasus springs and is good. In rural areas: bottled water recommended (0.50–1 GEL for 1.5 liters). In the mountains: spring water is almost always safe.
Stray Dogs
Georgia has a large population of stray dogs — in Tbilisi and all cities. Most are peaceful and have yellow ear tags (sterilized and vaccinated). Nevertheless: Do not touch, do not feed, and walk calmly away if they show aggressive behavior.
Medical Care
In Tbilisi, there are modern private clinics (Evex Medical, MediClubGeorgia) with good standards. In rural areas, care is limited. Travel health insurance with repatriation is mandatory!
Altitude Sickness
During hikes over 3,000 m (Kazbek base camp, Tusheti treks, Svaneti passes), altitude sickness can occur. Ascend slowly, drink plenty, descend if you experience headaches and nausea.
Safety
General Safety Situation
Georgia is a very safe travel destination — one of the safest in the entire post-Soviet area. The crime rate is low, violent crime against tourists is practically unknown. The police were completely reformed after the Rose Revolution in 2003 and enjoy high trust. Corruption in the police, once ubiquitous, is almost eradicated.
Safety Zones
| Zone | Assessment | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi & Tourist Centers | Very safe | Normal caution as in any major city |
| Caucasus Highlands | Safe | Observe alpine risks (weather, terrain) |
| Kakheti & Kutaisi | Very safe | Rural idyll |
| Batumi | Safe | Be cautious on the beach at night |
| Abkhazia | Avoid | De facto Russian-controlled, entry illegal |
| South Ossetia | Avoid | De facto Russian-controlled, entry illegal |
What to Watch Out For?
- Traffic: The greatest real danger in Georgia. Driving style is aggressive, accident rate high. Be cautious as a pedestrian — crosswalks are not always respected.
- Pickpocketing: Rare, but possible in busy tourist areas (Old Town Tbilisi, Batumi Boulevard). Do not carry valuables openly.
- Political Demonstrations: Occasionally occur in Tbilisi (especially in front of the parliament). Usually peaceful, but avoid crowds.
- LGBTQ+: Unfortunately, Georgia is conservative in this area. The society is traditional, and the Orthodox Church has significant influence. Tbilisi has a small but vibrant LGBTQ+ scene (especially in the club sector), but public displays of affection should be avoided.
Communication & Internet
SIM Card & Mobile Data
A local SIM card is dirt cheap and the best option:
- Providers: Magti (best network and coverage), Geocell, Beeline
- Price: 5–15 GEL (1.70–5€) for a SIM with 5–20 GB of data, valid for 30 days
- Purchase: At the airport (Magti and Geocell stands right after arrival) or in any mobile store. Passport required!
- Network coverage: 4G is good in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and along main roads. In the mountains (Tusheti, Svaneti, Kazbegi), often no or only weak signal — part of the adventure!
WLAN
Most hotels, guesthouses, and cafes offer free WLAN. In Tbilisi, the speed is usually good; in rural areas, it can be slow. Tbilisi also has public WLAN in parts of the old town and in public transport.
Apps for Georgia
- Bolt: Ride-hailing (a must for Tbilisi and Batumi)
- Google Maps: Works well, also download offline maps (Georgian script!)
- Maps.me: Excellent for hiking — also shows mountain trails
- Gogo: Marshrutka schedules and live tracking
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