Travel to Georgia: A Complete Guide for Tourists

Georgia is a country with a rich history, picturesque mountains, ancient cities, and warm hospitality. If you are planning a trip to Georgia, here you will find useful information about culture, transportation, climate, tourism, and much more.

Georgia today is a country with a history spanning thousands of years. On the hills of Georgia, ancient fortresses and monasteries have been preserved, reminding us of the heroic past of the people. Since the 4th century BC, the territory of Georgia was inhabited by the tribes of Colchis and Iberians, and in the Middle Ages, powerful kingdoms arose on the territory of the country that successfully resisted foreign invaders.

In the 20th century, Georgia became part of the Soviet Union, but in 1991 it gained independence. Today, Georgia is actively developing democratic institutions and attracts tourists from all over the world thanks to its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The historical heritage of Georgia includes fortresses, ancient churches, and ruins of cities, making the country an ideal destination for interesting travels. Many tourists strive to explore the ancient cities of Georgia, including Tbilisi, Mtskheta, and Kutaisi, to immerse themselves in the country's past.

Georgia is a unitary republic with a presidential-parliamentary system of government. The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, is the center of the country's political, economic, and cultural life. The President performs representative functions, while the Prime Minister is responsible for executive power.

Georgia's domestic policy is aimed at strengthening democracy, economic development, and integration with international organizations. Today, Georgia actively cooperates with the European Union and NATO, which increases the level of trust from foreign tourists and investors.

Political stability directly affects tourism. Therefore, before traveling, it is important to study the current information about Georgia today to ensure the safety of your trip to the country.

The population of Georgia is about 3.7 million people, most of whom live in the cities of Georgia and on the fertile plains. The country is ethnically diverse: Georgians, Armenians, Azerbaijanis, and Russians live in harmony on the territory of Georgia.

Georgia is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, on the map of Georgia you can see high mountains, wide rivers, and coastal areas. Southern Georgia is famous for its picturesque valleys, and in the north are the Caucasus Mountains, popular for skiing and driving tourism in Georgia.

The cities of Georgia are often located on hills, creating a unique landscape. The river in Georgia, Mtkvari, flows through Tbilisi and is an important part of the country's transport and cultural system.

The official currency of Georgia is the Georgian lari (GEL). ATMs and exchange offices are available in all major cities of Georgia, including Tbilisi and Batumi. When planning a trip, it is important to consider the current exchange rate to know how much is needed in Georgia for a trip for a certain period.

Card payments are accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels in Georgia, however, it is recommended to have cash for trips to mountainous areas. In major resorts of Georgia, such as on the Black Sea, it is more convenient to use cards of international payment systems.

Georgia produces large quantities of red wine — it is one of the country's hallmarks. Many tourists combine wine shopping with visiting winemaking regions on travel routes in Georgia.

The weather in Georgia is diverse: there is a mild subtropical climate on the coast of the Black Sea, and it is cool in the mountains of Georgia even in summer. Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for traveling to Georgia, when the temperature is comfortable and there is less precipitation.

The winter period is perfect for ski Georgia — resorts in Georgia, such as Gudauri and Bakuriani, welcome tourists for active winter holidays. The summer months are good for visiting Georgian cities, beaches, and wine regions.

When choosing a travel time, it is important to consider local festivals and holidays, as they create a special atmosphere and make the trip more vivid and interesting.

For visiting the cities of Georgia, light and comfortable clothes are suitable, and for ski Georgia — warm clothes, a ski suit, and shoes. In some religious places, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is required.

At the resorts of Georgia by the sea, people usually wear beachwear and swimsuits. When planning a trip to Georgia, it is recommended to consider the climate of each region and season.

For city tours in Georgia, sneakers and light outerwear are comfortable, as it often involves climbing hills and visiting ancient attractions.

Georgia is known for its hospitality and respect for traditions. Tourists should respect local customs, especially when visiting temples and monasteries.

Public displays of emotion, friendly communication, and showing interest in Georgian culture are welcomed. Locals often share the history of their family and country, and Georgian songs are an integral part of cultural life.

It is important to remember that some areas of Georgia have strict rules of conduct at the table and in public places. Knowing cultural features will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Road conditions in Georgia are gradually improving thanks to the construction of new highways and the repair of old roads. However, in the mountainous areas of the country, roads remain narrow, winding, and sometimes dangerous, especially during the winter period. Many tourist routes, including trips to southern Georgia or the ski resorts of Georgia, require careful driving and adherence to speed limits. On narrow switchbacks, it is important to be attentive to oncoming traffic and take into account the characteristics of the local road markings, which may differ from the usual ones.

Safety in Georgian cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi, or Kutaisi is generally high. The crime rate is low, and tourists can safely move around during the day in popular areas and tourist streets. Nevertheless, it is recommended to be cautious, watch over personal belongings, especially on public transport, at markets, and in places with large crowds. In the evening, it is better to avoid deserted or poorly lit streets, especially in small towns and on the outskirts.

For tourists planning to drive to Georgia, international driving permits, car insurance, and knowledge of local traffic rules are mandatory. Local drivers often have an aggressive driving style, so newcomers to Georgian roads should keep their distance and avoid risky overtaking. It is also worth noting that road signs may be in the Georgian language, and in rural areas or mountains, road surfaces may be poor quality—rocky, dirt, or with potholes.

Special attention should be paid to weather conditions. In the winter period, snowfalls and icing of roads can occur, especially in the mountainous regions of Georgia. Summer rains can lead to temporary impassability of some sections and landslides. Planning a trip to Georgia by car, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the travel route in advance, keep a reserve of fuel and water, and have an emergency kit and first aid kit in the car.

Furthermore, for travel in Georgia, it is worth considering the peculiarities of local traffic regulation: strict speed limits are enforced in populated areas, priority on narrow roads is often given to large vehicles, and pedestrians sometimes cross roads outside of pedestrian crossings. Tourists will find it useful to follow the recommendations of local services, use navigation apps, and refer to official sources of information on road conditions.

In Georgia, public transport is well-developed, including buses, minibuses, and the metro in Tbilisi. Taxis are also available and convenient for tourists, but it is recommended to confirm the cost of the trip in advance.

For travel between cities in Georgia, intercity buses and trains are popular. Self-drive tourism to Georgia is becoming increasingly popular thanks to scenic routes through mountains and valleys.

Car rental in Georgia provides freedom of movement and allows you to explore Georgian resorts and the southern part of the country independently.

The official language is Georgian, which has a unique alphabet. In tourist areas, English and Russian are often spoken, which facilitates communication for travelers.

Knowing a few words in Georgian, such as «gamarjoba» (thank you) and «salom» (hello), will create a positive impression on the locals.

In cities such as Tbilisi and Batumi, tourists can communicate with locals through a guide or a translator app.

Mobile communication and internet
In Georgia, mobile communication is well developed, and most operators offer 4G coverage in cities and popular tourist areas. In major cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi, fast mobile internet and Wi-Fi are available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers. The internet in Georgia allows tourists to use navigation services, messengers, and online maps without any problems.

SIM cards for tourists
Before traveling to Georgia, tourists can purchase a local SIM card. It is convenient for making calls within the country, accessing mobile internet, and using navigation during trips. SIM cards are sold at airports, mobile phone stores, and by operators on the streets of cities. Some tariffs include data packages that are sufficient for active internet use throughout the trip.

Communication features in the mountains and remote areas
For trips to the mountainous regions of Georgia or the southern part of the country, it is advisable to prepare in advance: in remote areas, communication may be unstable or absent. It is recommended to have a spare battery, a portable charger, and an offline map with the travel route. Such measures will help to stay connected, navigate the terrain, and safely plan trips around the country.

Medical infrastructure

The medical infrastructure in the cities of Georgia is of a high level. In Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and other major cities, there are modern hospitals, specialized clinics, and round-the-clock pharmacies. Here, consultations with doctors of various specialties, laboratory research, and emergency medical care are available.

In the resort areas of Georgia, such as the ski resorts of Gudauri and Bakuriani or the coastal cities on the Black Sea, there are first aid stations, small clinics, and medical centers. They are capable of providing urgent assistance for injuries, exacerbations of chronic diseases, or minor ailments, but serious cases are referred to large city hospitals.

Recommendations for tourists

For a safe trip to Georgia, tourists are advised to obtain medical insurance covering emergency assistance, hospitalization, and repatriation. It is also useful to have necessary personal medications and medical documents, especially if you have chronic diseases.

When planning a trip to remote mountain areas or southern Georgia, it is important to consider that the number of clinics is limited. Therefore, it is advisable to study the routes, the availability of the nearest medical facilities, and the possibility of calling emergency assistance in advance.

Features of the healthcare system

The healthcare system in Georgia is accessible to tourists and foreigners, however, the level of service may vary between cities and rural areas. In large cities, the level of medical care is comparable to European standards, while in remote settlements, tourists should be prepared for a limited number of specialists and equipment.

In addition, many clinics offer services in English and Russian, which facilitates communication for foreign tourists. In case of emergency, you can dial 112 — the unified emergency service number throughout Georgia.

Why you need insurance:
Travel insurance for trips to Georgia is a mandatory part of trip preparation. It is necessary for obtaining a visa (if required) and for protecting the tourist from unforeseen situations, including medical expenses, emergency assistance, lost baggage or trip cancellation. Having insurance provides confidence and peace of mind during travel.

What the insurance covers:

• Medical expenses — treatment of diseases, emergency care, hospitalization.
• Emergency assistance — evacuation, transportation to the hospital, assistance in accidents.
• Loss or delay of baggage — reimbursement for the cost of items or temporary provision of necessary items.
• Active recreation — many insurance companies offer separate terms for ski Georgia, trekking in the mountains, rafting or other extreme types of tourism.

Tips for choosing insurance:

• Before signing up, carefully study the terms and coverage limits.
• Check if active recreation is included if mountain hikes or ski holidays are planned.
• Check the validity period of the insurance and territorial coverage — it should cover all travel destinations on the route in Georgia.

Benefits of insurance:
Having travel insurance allows you to fully focus on relaxation and enjoy your trip to Georgia without extra worries. It provides financial protection and guarantees assistance in emergency situations, whether it's medical issues, force majeure on the road, or lost baggage.

You can purchase insurance on our website

Traditional Georgian cuisine

Georgia is famous for its rich and aromatic cuisine. The main dishes include:

• Khachapuri — a cheese bread that can be baked in the shape of a boat or round.
• Khinkali — large dumplings with meat or mushroom filling, which are eaten with hands, carefully, so as not to lose the juice inside.
• Diverse dishes with local herbs and spices, including eggplants with nuts, vegetable stews, and meat dishes over an open fire.

Traditional dishes are often served with sauces made from nuts, garlic, and pomegranate, making the taste unique and distinctive. A trip to Georgia is unimaginable without tasting these gastronomic masterpieces.

Wine and drinks

Georgia is considered the homeland of wine. Georgia produces red wine in various regions, including Kakheti and Imereti, using ancient methods of fermentation in clay amphorae — qvevri. Wine tasting is a mandatory part of any travel route through Georgia.

In addition to wine, popular local drinks include:

• Chacha — a strong grape distillate.
• Tkemali — a sauce made from cherry plums, which is also consumed as a drink in a diluted form.
• Natural fruit juices and herbal teas complement the gastronomic experience of the traveler.

Markets and street food

The local markets of Georgia offer fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and nuts. The vibrant bazaars of Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi are great places to get acquainted with local products and buy souvenirs such as spices, suluguni cheese, or homemade wine.

Street food in Georgia is diverse: stuffed flatbreads, kebabs, fresh fruits, and sweets. It is an ideal option for tourists wishing to try gastronomy without visiting restaurants.

For tourists

Georgia offers a gastronomic experience for all categories of travelers:

• For families — restaurants with children's menus, a calm atmosphere, and spacious halls.
• For solo travelers — cozy cafes and wine bars where you can enjoy dishes of Georgian cuisine and meet local residents.

Traveling to Georgia necessarily includes getting acquainted with local cuisine, as food and drinks reflect the cultural and natural features of the country, making the holiday rich and memorable.

Georgia is actively developing its tourism infrastructure: modern hotels, guest houses, resorts in Georgia on the sea and in the mountains.

Popular destinations include Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and ski resorts in Georgia. Tourists can choose from economical options to luxurious hotels.

The infrastructure allows planning trips to Georgia for both short tours and long journeys, including routes for active tourism.

Georgia offers tourists a wide selection of goods that reflect the culture and traditions of the country. When traveling to Georgia, it is worth planning in advance what can be brought as souvenirs or gifts. The main shopping categories include:

Handicrafts

• Wood carving, ceramics, and copper products.
• Traditional Georgian jewelry and handcrafted souvenirs.

Wine and alcohol

• Red wine from Georgia — one of the most popular souvenirs.
• Quality local wines, chacha and brandy produced in the Kakheti and Imereti regions.

Textiles and clothing

• Woolen goods, blankets, and traditional Georgian carpets.
• Light and natural clothing made from cotton and linen, suitable as a souvenir.

Food and spices

• Natural honey, nuts, and dried fruits.
• Adjika, khmeli-suneli, and other Georgian spices.

Leather and accessories

• Handmade bags, belts, and footwear.
• Unique items that will make an original gift for friends or family.

Souvenirs with Georgian symbols

Magnets, mugs, t-shirts, and other items featuring the flag of Georgia or images of landmarks.

Advice for tourists: when planning a trip to Georgia, determine the purchases you are interested in in advance and include them in your travel itinerary. The best places for shopping are markets and shops in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi.