Are you an independent traveler and planning to travel to Georgia country soon? Then this is the Georgia Travel Guide you’re looking for! Here is everything you need to know about traveling and backpacking in Georgia in 2026!
Georgia is a small country right at the intersection between Europe and Asia, sandwiched between Russia in the north and Turkey in the South.
It’s an ancient country tugged away in the Caucasus Mountains and home to very determined people who, despite a tough history of war and conquerings, still strongly value their unique religion, culture, and centuries-old traditions!
Georgia, or Sakartvelo as the citizens call it, is slowly becoming a very popular touristic destination. After living there for almost one year, I understand why travelers are drawn to this magnificent and wild country!
With this Georgia travel guide, I want to help you prepare for your trip to Georgia. I cover everything from visas, entry requirements and safety to transport, accommodation, food, useful apps and cultural etiquette so you’ll have a great time traveling in Georgia, the country!
Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!
1. Traveling to Georgia country in 2026 – Georgia Entry Requirements
1.1 Georgia vaccination requirements
You don’t need any compulsory vaccinations to go backpacking in Georgia.
Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Rabies are recommended. Rabies can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals in the country of Georgia.
I wasn’t vaccinated for Rabies when I traveled and lived in Georgia and even though there are a lot of stray dogs in the country, I never dealt with aggressive ones. In case you get bit, just go immediately to a doctor for a check-up.
2. Georgia Visa Requirements
2.1 Do I need a visa to go to Georgia?
If you want to visit Georgia, I have good news: Georgia is very generous with its tourist visa regulations!
Citizens from the European Union, North America, Australia, and the countries on this list can enter Georgia visa-free for 365 days!
This means that you can just show up at the airport of Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi or at any land border and you’ll be allowed to enter Georgia.
If your country of residency is not on that list, you’ll have to apply for an e-visa, which will allow you to stay for 30 or 90 days, depending on your home country. You can check that out here.
2.2 How to get a Georgia e-visa?
What do I need to apply for a Georgia e-visa?
- Passport
- Document proving the purpose of travel (if it’s tourism, just provide your itinerary with proof of accommodation)
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel and health insurance
- A bank statement or document proving sufficient financial means to cover your travel expenses in Georgia
- Vaccination document/PCR test
Where to apply for a Georgia e-visa?
You don’t need to go to an embassy or consulate. You can apply online on this website.
All you need is a credit or debit card and scanned copies of your documents. Fill in the online application, upload the scans of your documents and pay. That’s it!
After 5 working days, you receive your e-visa. Print it out and bring it with you on the day you enter Georgia.
→ Important: You can apply for an e-visa only if you are NOT in the territory of Georgia.
How much does an e-visa for Georgia cost?
A standard tourist visa for Georgia costs 20USD + 2% service fee.
→ Important: You can’t enter Abkhazia or South Ossetia, two Russian-occupied regions of Georgia, on a Georgian visa. It’s currently not even possible to visit South Ossetia from Georgia. You can enter Abkhazia but only on foot and with a special visa. Read more about it in this travel guide to Abkhazia
2.3 How to renew or extend the Georgia e-visa
You can’t extend your visa for Georgia but you can easily renew it.
If you’re a citizen of a country that gets a free visa on arrival, you can simply renew this visa by crossing the border into one of Georgia’s neighboring countries, staying there for a few days and coming back. You’ll receive a new (free) visa upon your return.
If you entered Georgia with an e-visa, you can apply for a new one.
However, if you have an e-visa for 90 days, you’re allowed to stay in the country for 90 days within 180 days so you can only apply for a new visa every 6 months.
If you have an e-visa for 30 days (you can stay 30 days within 120 days), you can re-apply every 3 months.
2.4 What happens if I overstay my Georgia visa?
If you are not able to leave Georgia, you must apply to a territorial office of the Public Service Development Agency or to the branch of the Public Service Hall. It takes the 3 calendar days to make a decision after submitting the request.
If your term of legal stay in Georgia has expired, you will have to pay the administrative fine before or after leaving Georgia.
The fine for staying for 3 months after the expiry of the term of legal stay is 180 Georgian Lari (around US$60), for staying longer than 3 months the fine is 360 Georgian Lari (around US$120).
You will be denied entry and not be issued a new visa for Georgia until you’ve paid the administrative fine for overstaying. In addition to the fine, you might get banned from entering Georgia for 2 to 5 years.
3. When is the best time to visit Georgia?
You can visit Georgia the whole year round, depending on what you want to see and do during your trip.
If you want to do some hiking, then the period between May and September would be the best time. All the roads to the mountains are open and the temperature is pleasant for camping.
It’s also the only period in the year that you can visit Tusheti, Georgia’s most remote region and Khevsureti. The landscapes there are absolutely breathtaking and you’ll find some very unique and ancient settlements.
Svaneti, another breathtaking mountain region of Georgia, is accessible all around the year though and you can enjoy hiking in summertime, skiing in winter, and immerse yourself in culture and traditions, or learning about ancient legends during fall and spring.
If you love skiing and you don’t mind the cold and snowy weather, then you should visit Georgia between the months of December and March.
Georgia is just magical during the winter! It might be cold but everything turns into a beautiful winter wonderland.
Even Batumi, Georgia’s most extravagant city on the Black Sea coast, isn’t spared by the snow.
No matter at what time of the year you visit Georgia, you’re in for a beautiful treat!
3.1 Is Georgia good in summer?
The period between May and mid-September is the warmest time in Georgia. This is probably when most people prefer to travel.
Packing light clothes, camping outside, swimming in lakes and rivers, jumping in the sea, and chasing waterfalls,… The roads are also open to the country’s remote regions and villages.
Summer is the best time for wild camping and hiking. The hiking trails in Svaneti, Tusheti, Khevsureti, and the Tobovarchkhli Lakes trail – which is probably one of the hardest routes – can only be covered in the summertime.
Though in July and August, Tbilisi – the capital – gets too hot. Temperatures can be between 35°C and 42°C. Most locals move in August to the mountains and seaside.
Some vendors, shops, cafes, and even dance studios close in Tbilisi and pop up in Batumi for a month.
3.2 Is spring or autumn a good time to go backpacking in Georgia?
Spring or autumn is absolutely a good time to travel to Georgia!
One big reason for visiting Georgia in the fall is to explore the 8000 years of winemaking tradition.
The wine harvest in Georgia starts from the end of August (in Kartli and Kakheti) and lasts till early or mid-October (in Imereti, Racha, etc ) depending on the weather that year.
Springtime is when winemakers open the Qvevri, a clay pot where Georgians traditionally keep wine. Opening Qvevri is a sacred ritual during which they lit candles, say a prayer or a toast, and taste the first sips of the wine from the previous year’s harvest.
Spring and fall is the best time for generally exploring the country without getting hit by the suffocating heat or getting frozen.
It’s also a great time for photography-vast fields covered with flowers, trees blooming, or leaves turning into many colors in the forests.
3.3 Is Georgia nice in the winter?
Winter in Georgia is a paradise for winter sports lovers!
Georgia has several ski resorts. Gudauri is a 3 hours drive from Tbilisi and probably the most popular due to its closer location to the capital Tbilisi.
Svaneti has 2 ski resorts in Mestia and Tetnuldi. This is the best option for more advanced and adventurous skiers and snowboarders.
Bakuriani ski resort is good for professionals and is also child-friendly. Accommodation is generally cheaper compared to Gudauri. This is where most locals enjoy their winter vacations.
From Bakuriani, you can take a snowmobile adventure trip to Tabatkhuri lake and pay a visit to the largest Paravani lake, both frozen enough in winter for people and animals to freely walk on them.
Local families drill a hole in the ice to catch fish and are happy to take visitors on that adventure.
Goderzi ski resort is located in the Adjara region. It’s slightly trickier to access but the journey is unforgettable.
There is no public transport going directly to the Goderdzi ski resort. It can be reached by taxi from Batumi or Akhaltsikhe, the nearest big cities to the Goderdzi Pass, or you can get to Khulo center by public transport from Batumi.
From the Tourist Information Center in Khulo transport departs every day from the Information Center on the following schedule: from Khulo to Goderdzi at 11:00 and from Goderdzi to Khulo: at 16:00.
4. Where should you go in Georgia?
Georgia is a small country so you might think it can easily be covered in a week. But the reality is that Georgia is very diverse and has so much to offer.
While the places and itinerary must resonate with your personal preferences and available time, here are some suggestions:
If you’re interested in medieval fortresses, century-old monasteries, ancient cave cities, and Unesco World Heritage Sites, you should definitely visit the monasteries in Mtskheta, the Gergeti Trinity Church, the Gelati Monastery, and the cave cities of Vardzia, David Gareja Lavra, and Uplistsikhe.
If you like unique and unusual places, don’t skip the Katskhi Pillar, the cable car city of Chiatura, and the Chronicle of Georgia in Tbilisi.
Tbilisi and Batumi are some of the many great cities to visit in Georgia and if you’re more an outdoorsy person, you’ll love the regions of Kazbegi, Svaneti, Borjomi, and Tusheti.
These are just a few of the beautiful places to visit while backpacking in Georgia!
5. Fun and unique things to do in Georgia
Georgia offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor activities. Try to put at least one of the following in your itinerary to get the best experience in Georgia:
- Wine tasting/ harvesting/ qvevri making:
Georgia is the homeland of wine, so it comes as no surprise that any activities related to wine are a must-try.
Starting from making qvevri (a clay pot where Georgians traditionally keep wine) and putting them in the ground to simple wine tasting and making churchkhela with grape juice, these activities will give you an insight into the Georgian culture, which is so different from everything else you’ve experienced before!
If you’re traveling in Georgia in the fall, try to participate in the wine harvest. If you happen to be around in spring, you should join the qvevri opening ritual during which you get to taste the first taste of the previous harvest!
- Hiking in Georgia:
Georgia is a top hiking destination. If you like conquering high picks, the Caucasus mountains are here to challenge you.
If you enjoy less hardcore walks but still want to immerse yourself in nature, hundreds of lakes, waterfalls, easy day hikes, and camping spots are waiting for you.
A great resource for hiking in Georgia is Caucasus Trekking on which you’ll find an overview of all the hikes and treks in the country!
- Join one of the traditional folk festivals in the mountains:
The highlands of Georgia are fascinating! Not only because of the beautiful nature, but they’re also rich in culture.
The “highlanders” of Georgia organize yearly traditional folk festivals. Such festivals often have thousands of years of history.
If you have the chance, don’t miss out on the early spring festival Lamproba in Svaneti and the Atengenoba festivals in Tusheti in the summer.
During these festivals, locals first pay a visit to their chappels and sacred places. Then they brew beer (which is considered a sacred drink in Tusheti), participate in horse races, have local dances, and sing traditional songs.
The festivals end with the blessing by the Ukhutsesi, the eldest and most respected member of the community.
Read more about the traditional festivals unique to Georgia.
- Discover Georgian folklore:
There’s nothing like Georgian folklore and nobody knows it better than Levan, member of the renowned folk band Adilei.
Levan is a singing coach and runs folk tours. He can take you to rural Georgia and unfold the 5000 years old melodies with you.
- Explore Soviet leftovers:
While locals confusingly cringe at that, westerners can’t hide their excitement exploring post-soviet architecture and other leftovers in Georgia.
There are people visiting Georgia just to discover whatever has been preserved from the soviet past. Starting from residency buildings to Soviet sanatoriums in Tkhaltubo and abandoned factories, there is so much to explore.
Tip: To better understand the consequences of the soviet past in Georgia, visit the Ergneti home museum of war by Lia Chlachidze.
Lia Chlachidze decided to turn her bombed house- that was nothing but 4 walls after the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia – into a museum.
She renovated the house and collected all the memorabilia from her neighbors to display in her impromptu museum to raise awareness about the issue and struggles of the locals.
While this place is often neglected by most tour guides, it is visited by many individual adventurers, ambassadors, and other officials from all over the world.
The museum is completely free for visitors. Listening to Lia’s stories is a whole new experience. If you have a chance, bring a Georgian or Russian-speaking person with you to better communicate with Lia.
6. Georgia Travel Insurance
While some websites state that it’s mandatory to have travel insurance when traveling to Georgia, I’ve never been asked about it.
Traveling without insurance is a risk so I highly recommend getting one, especially when planning on hiking, skiing or horseback riding in the mountains.
An accident can happen fast and it’s better to be fully insured to avoid expensive medical costs.
I highly recommend the travel insurance provided by IATI. If you’re planning on doing adventurous activities and trekking in the mountains at high altitudes, I recommend the Backpacker Insurance by IATI.
The IATI Backpacker Insurance also covers Covid-19 and offers good long-term plans.
7. How to get to Georgia country
7.1 What airport do you fly into for Georgia country?
There are 3 international airports in Georgia to which you can fly to.
1) Tbilisi International Airport
Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia and this is the country’s main international airport. The airport is about 17km from the city center.
How to get from Tbilisi airport to the city center and back?
- By taxi:
There will be plenty of taxi drivers at the airport who will be very happy driving you to the city center! The journey to the city center takes about 20-30 min and costs 30-60 Gel.
If you don’t want to bargain for the price, download taxi apps such as Bolt, Yandex or Maxim in advance and order a taxi on the app. This way you will be aware of the price prior to the trip.
- By bus:
There’s a minibus (#37) that runs 24/7 from the airport to the metro Station Square. It can take up to 45 minutes to reach the city center as it stops everywhere along the way. You can learn all about Tbilisi municipality transportation here.
- By train:
You can take a train from the airport to the main train station in Tbilisi, however, it only runs at 8.45 am and 6.05 pm.
2) Batumi International Airport
Batumi airport is the second biggest international airport in Georgia and is located 2km south of the city of Batumi.
How to get from Batumi airport to the city center and back?
- By taxi:
You’ll have to bargain for the price but a taxi to and from the airport should cost between 15 and 20 GEL.
This is why the best is to order a taxi through apps such as Bolt, Maxim or Yandex. Your trip will cost only 5-6 Gel if you are staying in the new part of the town.
Just keep in mind that Batumi is a resort town and during the high season in July and August prices double or triple and that includes taxi fares as well. From September on, things slowly go back to normal.
- By bus:
There’s one bus (#10) that runs regularly from the airport to Batumi center and back.
The bus stop is in front of the terminal and it takes about 20 minutes to get to the city center. It costs 0.30 GEL and you pay on the bus itself.
3) David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport
This airport is about 14km west of the city of Kutaisi.
How to get from Kutaisi airport to the city center and back?
- By taxi:
A taxi between the airport and the city center of Kutaisi costs around 20 GEL.
- By bus:
There are buses going from Kutaisi airport to the city center of Kutaisi (5GEL). You can purchase tickets for these buses at the Georgian bus counter right near the exit of the terminal.
Airport Transfers in Georgia
If you are arriving in either the Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi international airports and you immediately would like to travel to other destinations, airport transfers are provided by the following companies where you can book your tickets online:
7.2 How to travel to Georgia country By road
You can enter Georiga overland from Turkey, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan (read our border crossing report here).
For more info about the different border crossings, go to this page on Caravanistan.
7.3 How to travel to Georgia by ferry
It is possible to travel to Georgia by ferry as Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Russia and Ukraine are bordering the Black Sea from where you can take ferries to the ports of Batumi and Poti in Georgia.
It is very hard to get any reliable information online regarding scheduling, so the best is to visit the closest port in the country you’re in and ask there.
8. Is it safe to travel to Georgia country?
Georgia is one of the safest countries I’ve been to! You can walk around with an expensive camera late at night and nobody will try to rob you. The Georgians are very respectful and genuinely nice people!
The Patruli – Georgian Police – is really helpful. Their cars are patrolling streets 24/7.
If you have an emergency and see a police car passing you, just wave a hand and they’ll stop for you. Or you can dial 112, it’s the Georgian 911.
There are just a couple of things you should be careful about:
As a woman alone it is safe to travel or hitchhike in Georgia but … men will stare at you. A lot!
Some guys will try to hit on you and – even though it’s their full right to try to seduce a girl – they don’t easily take no for an answer. Don’t be afraid to be rude if they don’t leave you alone. It’s the only way to keep the guys at a distance.
You can always make up a story about your “husband”, who works in the embassy or is a wrestling champion. As ridiculous and heartbreaking as it sounds, having a strong male patron works miracles in masculine cultures.
Be careful on the road. The Georgian drivers often have dangerous driving behavior! ALWAYS buckle up whenever you get in a car and be VERY careful whenever you cross a street.
There aren’t many pedestrian crossings and even if there is one, the cars might not stop for you, not even when there’s a stop sign or when the traffic light is red … They like to ignore the traffic rules.
Even though the situation is improving every year, it is still better to be careful than sorry. How many drivers obey traffic rules can also vary from city to village.
Never go hiking in the mountains without proper equipment, and preferably, don’t go alone.
The mountain regions are sparsely populated, there are wild animals and stray dogs and if something happens, there’s no one around to help you. Be adventurous but don’t be stupid!
9. Money and currency in Georgia
9.1 What currency do they use in Georgia?
The official currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari, abbreviated to GEL.
I always use the Xe.com app to convert and stay up-to-date with the current exchange rates. At this time of writing, the current exchange rates are:
- $1 USD = 3.08 GEL
- €1 Euro = 3.35 GEL
- £1 British Pound = 4.02 GEL
9.2 ATMs and payment methods in Georgia
ATMs are almost around every corner and you can withdraw GEL and USD everywhere. Many ATMs offer EURO too.
For other currencies, it’s better to withdraw GEL, USD or EURO and exchange at exchange boxes, banks and microfinance companies.
Most of the shops, except small vendors, have POS terminals so you can pay both in cash and by card.
You need to bring cash money when visiting remote villages and regions, such as Tusheti, Svaneti and so on.
9.3 What credit cards are accepted in Georgia country?
Visa and Mastercard are the common cards in Georgia, as well as Amex, though the latter might not be accepted in small shops due to its higher charges.
Other than the mentioned above, major US, UK and Australian cards are also accepted here.
Before you use an ATM, check the logos on it to make sure they match your card.
9.4 Where to exchange money in Georgia
Exchanging money is easy in Georgia. There are exchange offices in every town and city. You will pass many of them as you walk around.
If you want an easy way to find them, just go to the biggest marketplace/bazaar and you will surely see one. Some close at 6 pm, others remain open until late at night.
Exchanging money is also possible at banks but they usually offer worse rates than exchange offices. Most bank branches open at 9 or 10 am and close at 6 or 7 pm. Some branches work until 8 pm. Almost every big bank has at least one branch that is open 24/7, usually at airports.
There are also several microfinance companies where you can exchange money. Rico Credit has many 24/7 branches around Georgia and they offer good exchange rates.
9.5 How much money do you need in Georgia?
If you are coming from a western country, Georgia will feel cheap for you.
City transport, taxis, and street food are relatively cheap. For the price of a pint in London, you can have a 3-course meal in Georgia, if you dine in a modest restaurant. In supermarkets, while prices on most products will surprise you, some might cost you more than in your home country.
Overall, traveling in Georgia is still really affordable, even though prices up every year.
9.6 Tipping in Georgia
Tipping in Georgia is not mandatory. Be aware that most restaurants include a 10% or 15% service charge in the bill.
Most people get confused and think that the service charge are tips for the waiters in reality, the money goes to the restaurant owners and hardly ever fills the pockets of waiters who are notoriously overworked and underpaid.
While you have no obligation or cultural pressure to tip, if you are happy with the service and giving away an extra couple of dollars won’t damage your budget, leaving a tip might make a big difference for the waiter(s).
10. How to get around Georgia
10.1 Getting around Tbilisi
Getting around Tbilisi by public transport is quite convenient, cheap and easy. Local public transport includes metro, bus, minibus, and 3 ropeways around Tbilisi.
The first step is to purchase a “Metromoney” card, a universal card used to pay for public transport and minibusses in Tbilisi. Owners of this card benefit from a discount system.
The “Metromoney” card costs 2 GEL and you can buy it at the metro stations and at the Rike-Narikala ropeway. The card isn’t personal so if you’re in Tbilisi for only a short time, keep the receipt and you will be able to return the card within a month.
You can top up the card at any metro station, at both stations of the Rike-Narikala ropeway, via the express payment machines of “Bank of Georgia” and at service-centers.
Since 2022, the Tbilisi Transport Company offers following subscription fares for public transport (metro, bus, minibus, Bagebi-University ropeway):
- 1 GEL: 90 minutes unlimited free travel – payment is possible with ” Metromoney” card, as well as with different bank cards.
- 3 GEL: 1-day unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
- 20 GEL: 1-week unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
- 40 GEL: 1-month unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
- 100 GEL: 3-months unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
- 150 GEL: 6-months unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
- 250 GEL: 1-year unlimited travel – package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
- Rike-Narikala ropeway fare:one-way fare is 2.5 GEL.
- Turtle Lake (Kus tba) ropeway: one-way fare is 1 GEL
It was hard to figure out the specific routes and schedules of the buses, but after a couple of months I found out that you can use Google Maps.
Just type your current location and the address or area you want to go to and dear Google will give you the time and number of the bus, metro or minibus you have to take!
You can also use the Journey Planner on the Tbilisi Transport Company website or download their app on your phone.
10.2 Getting around Georgia by mashrutka (minibus), minivan or taxi
If you want to travel like a local, you should travel around Georgia by mashrutka or minivan.
Taking a mashrutka is the cheapest way to get around in Georgia. It’s the main public transport for the locals to travel in and around cities and across the country.
Some marshrutkas have a fixed schedule, some depart when they are full. You’ll find them at bus stations of any city and town.
For short distances, you pay the driver once you get off. If you’re going on a long journey by mashrutka, you pay upfront at the ticket office (in case you’re at a bus station) or the driver himself.
Lately, shared taxis and minivans became popular alternatives to marshrutkas. They may cost a couple of GEL more, they have no fixed schedule, they depart as they are full but have way fewer seats than marshrutkas so they don’t take long to bring you to your destination. They are a bit more comfortable as well!
You’ll also find them at bus stations of any city and town.
When taking a taxi within a city, be aware that some drivers like to take advantage of unwary foreigners. Before you get in the taxi, make also sure you agree on the price! Some taxis have a meter but there are a few cheeky drivers who will turn it off if they see you’re a foreigner.
That’s why it’s a good idea to order a taxi on apps such as Bolt, Yandex or Maxim. This way you will be aware of the price prior to the trip.
10.3 Travel around Georgia by train
There aren’t that many train lines in Georgia and some of the trains are very slow but it’s quite an experience! Check the website of Georgian Railways for routes and timetables.
The fastest and most straightforward train ride is the one between Tbilisi and Batumi. You pay 24 GEL for a seat in economy class and you can comfortably sit back, relax and look out the window to watch the marvelous views passing by.
You can buy tickets at the train station or online, on the website of Georgian Railways where you’ll first have to register. If you’re having a hard time navigating the website, ask for help in the hostel/ hotel you’re staying.
10.4 Taking domestic flights in Georgia
Georgia isn’t a big country to travel in but if you want to save some time, you can always opt to take a domestic flight.
Vanilla Sky offers regular domestic flights to Batumi, Mestia and Ambrolauri from and to Natakhtari airport, which is located 32km from Tbilisi. The company offers free transfers from Tbilisi to Natakhtari.
You can buy the tickets online exclusively in the office or on their website.
Vanilla Sky also offers Air Taxi service, which means that you can rent an aircraft for any period and any purpose (passenger transportation, air trips, air shooting).
10.5 Driving in Georgia
You can travel around by driving your own car or by rental car. They drive on the right side of the road in Georgia. Here’s a useful checklist with all the requirements and driving rules.
The state of the roads is generally ok although I would recommend you to rent a 4WD if you’re planning on driving in the mountains.
Be careful! They say that if you want to stay safe on Georgian roads, forget the rules that apply in your country and understand (if you can) how they function in Georgia. Expect the unexpected!
I really love the Georgian people but they can be crazy drivers! Up until now, it’s the only country where I haven’t felt safe on the roads! They love overtaking on blind bends and speeding like crazy while simultaneously checking their phone.
Petrol stations and convenience stores are situated within a reasonable distance from each other on the main roads. You can find them in small towns and on village roads too. Though if you are going to remote areas, it might be a good idea to store fuel.
Be aware that there are different types of fuel available in Georgia so go to official-looking gas stations and make sure you get the right petrol for your car!
In case you’re renting a car, ask the rental company to write down in Georgian which fuel you need so you can show this at the gas station.
If you’re an experienced and confident driver, then going on a road trip through Georgia will definitely be worth it! You’ll be able to get to very remote places and camp under the stars!
10.6 Hitchhiking in Georgia
I mainly traveled around Georgia by hitchhiking and it was an adventure on its own! Although I nearly peed my pants a few times, due to the recklessness of the drivers, I had a great time hitchhiking!
In 2017, my average waiting time before getting a ride was 5 to10 minutes, which is pretty good! Even during the pandemic and now in 2022 traveling in Georgia by hitchhiking is still easy.
If you want to hitchhike, I’d recommend learning some basic Georgian. Even though it can seem difficult at first, it’s always possible to remember very simple words such as Hello (gamarjoba), Bye (kargad), Thank you (madloba) and Sorry (bodishi).
Locals truly appreciate your effort and failing attempts to nail difficult Georgian sounds can be a great ice-breaker and ends with good laughter and bonding.
If you want to build deeper connections and have more insightful conversations, English is mainly useful with the younger generation (-35) and Russian with the older one.
Though, before starting speaking in Russian with Georgians straight away, please ask them if it’s their preferred language.
It’s not unusual in Georgia to end up with a gallon of homemade wine while you’re hitchhiking (a gift from one of our drivers)
11. Where to stay in Georgia – Accommodation in Georgia
Whether you want to camp (in the wild) or stay in a hostel, guesthouse, or luxurious hotel, Georgia has it all!
11.1 Hostels, hotels and guesthouses in Georgia
There are plenty of hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in nearly every city, town and village in Georgia.
Hostels are the cheapest option, starting from $5 per night for a bed in a dorm. You can also find a nice private room, starting from 15 USD per night.
There are also some really nice hotels and boutique guesthouses in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and major towns, from mid-range to luxury. The average price for a room in a mid-range hotel is usually around $40 per night.
I always use booking.com to find the best hostel and hotel deals.
11.2 Glamping in Georgia
In the last few years, several glamping places have emerged in Georgia.
One of the most distinguished is Glamping Tago in Khulo municipality.
“I really believe that people are more lonely now than ever before. I think this is in large part due to social media, people being addicted to their smartphones that they kinda think they are connected with others but in reality, they are not.
Glamping Tago is a social place, first of all, where people can immerse in nature and connect with it, with themselves and each other.”, says Jonas, the young Belgian who turned a rural Adjarian village Tago into travelers’ beloved sanctuary in just one season.
Glamping Tago is a vegan/vegetarian/pet/kid-friendly place. They buy all products from local farmers and employ locals to run the place.
Other honorable mentions for glamping are Wine Space, Glamping Georgia, and Jewelberry Glamping.
11.3 Camping in Georgia
There are a few designated camping areas in Georgia but nobody will tell you off if you pitch your tent somewhere in a meadow or a forest. Just be aware of wild dogs and animals.
Don’t keep your food in the tent, but hang it in a sealed bag in a tree, at a small distance from your campsite.
If you’re planning on camping in the mountains, keep in mind that it can get cold at night.
12. Georgia food and drinks
The food in Georgia is finger-licking delicious! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a meat-eater, a vegetarian, or a vegan, you’ll enjoy the Georgian cuisine!
12.1 What is the most popular food in Georgia country?
The most popular dish in Georgia is khachapuri. It’s a gooey cheese-filled bread that looks a little like pizza. Rich in carbohydrates and dairy, it could cause a lot of trouble to lactose-intolerants but they might find the cramps worth it!
Almost every region in Georgia has its own version of khachapuri.
12.2 Georgian dishes you have to try
Georgia is a small country and nobody expects to discover such a variety of dishes and flavors in such a small territory, but Georgian cuisine amazes visitors.
A whole blog post can be dedicated to the food of each region of Georgia, but here I will give a short review and include as much as I can.
- Pastries: Georgian bread- Tonis or Shotis Puri – is a treat itself. Aside from khachapuri, there’s also osuri khachapuri (bread with potato and cheese mix), mchadi (cornbread), chishtari (cornbread and cheese), lobiani (bread with beans), chakhrakina (bread with spinach or beetroot leaves ), etc…
- Soups: kharcho, chakhokhbili, chashushuli, khashi, matsoni soup, chikirtma etc…
- Meat dishes: mtsvadi (Georgian barbeque), kuchmachi, kashlama, tabaka (whole chicken), kupati (spicy sausage), apkhazura,…
12.3 IS vegan and vegetarian food available in Georgia country?
it’s a common misconception that Georgia is not a vegan/vegetarian-friendly country. To debunk the meat, I will tell you that ¼ of the year Georgians are fasting, which means that they go vegan.
Generally, Georgians tend to love meat and consider vegan food as side dishes, this is why amazing vegan dishes are a little underrated but let me name some of them here: Lobio (beans) and Green Lobio, Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplants with walnuts), different kinds of Pkhali, Ajapsandali, Gebzhalia, Gomi with sulguni, Elarji.
You definitely won’t starve as a vegan/ vegetarian in Georgia, on the contrary!
12.4 What is the most popular drink in Georgia?
Alcohol flows freely in Georgia. From Georgian craft beer to homemade wine to the notorious chacha (a Georgian pomace brandy, ranging between 40% to 65% alcohol…). You’ve got to try it all but please, consume in moderation!
The most beloved is wine. No wonder because Georgia is after all the homeland of wine!
Georgians love a good toast and they drink wine with abundance but as a foreigner, it’s often hard to keep up with all these toasts and drinks. I’m talking out of experience…
Read more about the drinking traditions in Oh Georgia, sweet mother of wine. You’ll also find tips on how to prevent a hangover…
13. What should you pack for a trip to Georgia?
13.1 What should I wear in Georgia?
Georgia has all the climate zones, from subtropical to semi-desert and alpine.
The climate along the coast of the Black Sea is rainy and mild, with average temperatures of 20°C in summer (June – September) and 5°C in winter (December – March).
The climate in the central and eastern areas of Georgia is arider, with average temperatures of +25°C in summer and 0°C in winter.
The mountains have an alpine climate, with heavy snowfall in winter. The average temperature in the mountains in summer is +20°C and -20°C in winter.
Pack appropriate clothes for the period in which you’re traveling. If you’re planning on doing some hiking and camping in the mountains, bring warm clothing, even during summer as it can become cold at night.
As a woman, it’s okay to wear miniskirts, short shorts, and tops (if you don’t mind being stared at by some men). Only if you want to visit a church, you’ll have to cover your legs and arms and you’ll also have to cover your head with a scarf.
13.2 Travel essentials for Georgia
Here’s an overview of all the essentials you should pack for your Georgia travel trip:
- Water Filter Bottle: There are several water supply companies in Georgia whose main job is to filter and control the water quality. However, the water in Tbilisi sometimes tasted like chlorine and in some buildings, the water pipes are pretty old and rusty. If you don’t want to take risks, you can always filter the water using a Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle. I highly recommend this reusable bottle with a microfiltration device. It allows you to safely drink the tap water and fresh mountain water from rivers and streams without becoming sick. When you drink water using a bottle like this, any dirt, bacteria, or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through.
- Power bank: you might not always have electricity available to charge your electronic devices, especially not when you’re planning on spending time in the mountains. I use and recommend Anker Power Bank as it has a 20,000mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!
- International travel adaptor: the power sockets in Georgia are of type C and F (the same as in the rest of Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor as you can use it worldwide.
- Biodegradable toilet paper: you sometimes have to be comfortable using a squat toilet in Georgia. Sometimes there’s toilet paper but you should definitely bring biodegradable toilet paper with you. I mention biodegradable as the toilet paper disappears into the ground so we can keep it environment-friendly! It’s also really bad to flush the paper into the toilet as the drains block easily so use the small bin provided.
14. Can I fly a drone in Georgia country?
Yes, flying drones is allowed in Georgia as long as your drone doesn’t weigh more than 25 kg, doesn’t fly faster than 54km/h and you have liability insurance.
You can fly your drone everywhere in Georgia, except near airports, border areas, military, and governmental buildings, high tension power lines and crowded areas.
15. How is the internet in Georgia country?
15.1 What is the best SIM card in Georgia and how to get one?
It’s very easy and cheap to get mobile internet in Georgia. I suggest the mobile operator called Magticom.
You can buy a sim card for about 5 GEL at any Magticom shop (you’ll see them everywhere in the big cities). Bring your passport as you’ll have to get registered.
Once you’ve got your sim card, install the Magticom app on your phone. Once it’s installed, you can set up the app in English. Enter your phone number, add a password and you’re ready to buy credit at any moment of the day.
I used to buy 4000 MB for only 10 GEL per month. You can also get unlimited internet for 150 GEL per month.
In case you’re a digital nomad and you need to work online, you can count on the internet in the big cities. It might be a bit slower in some hostels but in general, it’s reliable and fast.
I rented a flat and had my own private connection (that came with the apartment). Just keep in mind that once or twice a month there might be a power cut, even in Tbilisi or in Batumi, but they usually never last longer than 4 hours.
16.2 Recommended apps and websites for Georgia Travel
- Maps.Me: This is one of the most practical apps you could use to navigate in Georgia. You download the map of the country so you can use it offline. It gives you very accurate directions and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest, etc. This is also a great app to use while hiking as it shows most of the trails.
- Booking.com: You’ll need internet to use this app but it’s a great tool to find (last-minute) accommodation in the country.
- Google Translate: Translates written and spoken Georgian or Russian. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.
- Xe currency: very handy to check exchange rates, also works offline.
- Apps and websites for buses and public transport:
- Metrogeorgia.ge: for buses between Georgian cities and Turkey
- Georgian Bus and Omnibus: for airport transfers between cities of Georgia
- TTC: official public transport application for Tbilisi bus and metro
- Railway.ge: for domestic and international train tickets and 1331 if you want to call them.
- Vanillasky.ge – for domestic flights
- Apps for ordering taxis:
- Taxi Tbilisi
- Bolt
- Maxim Taxi
- Yandex Go
- Apps for delivery (food and others):
- Glovo
- Walt
- Bolt Food
- Menu.ge
- Scooter sharing and rental apps:
- Eleven App
- Scroll.eco
- scootscoot.ge
- tkt.ge: Tickets for events, train and bus trips, football matches and more
- Safe You: a safety app for emergency situations. A great SOS call app that works for iOS and Android. The application has an SOS button that a woman can use if she is in danger and needs protection. For installing the application, follow these instructions.
- 112: the unified emergency number in Georgia. The 112 service is free of charge from all fixed-line and mobile networks even if the number is disconnected from both sides or there is no SIM card in the mobile phone.
- USA2Georgia and Postalon.ge: for international shipping services.
16. Culture and etiquette in Georgia
Despite repeated periods of foreign occupation, the country’s rich and ancient historical roots date back thousands of years.
Georgia’s monumental architecture, unique traditional music, colorful dances and art combine to give the country, and its hospitable and gracious citizens, a strong sense of national identity.
Georgians call themselves Kartveli and their land is called Sakartvelo. These names were taken from Kartlos, who was a descendant of Noah.
The foreign name of Georgia has been used all over Western Europe, and it is believed to come from the country’s patron saint, St. George or the Greek word “ Georgios” which translates as farmers/people who work on land. The latter makes the best sense as Georgians have been renowned as people who worked on land and Georgia has always been famous as an agricultural country.
Georgians are one of the most hospitable people I encountered. They truly believe that guests are a gift from God so you can expect many invitations for a meal when you visit small towns and villages.
This meal will probably turn out to be a supra, a large dinner party involving many toasts with wine. Beer was traditionally used to toast to the enemy so it’s an outdated tradition to never toast with beer, which some people still follow.
If you get invited, bring flowers, sweets or chocolate for the hosts. Make sure that you give an odd number of flowers since even numbers are given at funerals.
The common greeting is a handshake while saying ‘Gamarjoba’ (which means ‘hello’). Once a person knows you better, you might get greeted with a kiss on the cheek.
17. What is the religion in Georgia country
Orthodox Christianity is the main religion in Georgia and there are many centuries-old churches and monasteries that you can visit all over the country.
The Georgians are religious but most of them are not church-goers. People merged religion into traditions and practice it vaguely.
You might see Georgians making a cross while passing churches and for many that’s the biggest act of practicing their religion. Yet, you’ll see a lot of icons of the different saints in households, cars, and mini-buses.
One of the most important saints in the country is Saint Nino, known as the Enlightener of Georgia. Many girls are named after her (Nino, Nini, Nina). She’s the woman who preached Christianity in Georgia and the reason why this religion was adopted as the state religion in the year 330.
Saint Nino’s cousin, Saint George, is considered the patron of Georgia. They say there are 360 churches in Saint George’s name, so people could pray to him in a different church every day of the year.
There is a big Muslim community in Georgia as well as Jewish, Catholic and other religions.
Georgia has always been at the crossroads of cultures and religions. The fact that there are an Orthodox Christian church, Armenian church, Mosque and Synagogue on the main square in Tbilisi speak for itself.
18. Is English spoken in Georgia country
The younger generation in Georgia speaks English while for the generations that got education during soviet times, Russian is their second language.
Both languages can be really useful when traveling in Georgia, but I would not recommend learning Russian solely for traveling in Georgia. Most young people in Georgia don’t or even prefer not to speak Russian.
Georgian is the official language of the country. It’s a Kartvelian language that is over 2000 years old (!). It’s one of the oldest spoken languages in the world and probably the hardest one to learn with its complicated grammar rules and peculiar throat sounds. The language has very little in common with any other spoken languages. Georgian also has its own alphabet.
Georgians are fully aware that their language is difficult and spoken only in their small country. They don’t expect tourists or even foreigners living here to be nearly fluent, but you can definitely brighten up their faces with smiles with simple “Gamarjoba” (which means “hello”).
The Georgian people had to fight hard for centuries to preserve their language. Even nowadays, many people mistake Georgia for the state in the USA or even with Russia, due to Georgia’s Soviet past.
It’s extremely important for Georgian people to let the world know who they are and even the slightest interest you express in their language and culture is greatly welcomed and appreciated.
19. Recommended books about Georgia
Bradt’s Unique Travel Guide to Georgia is the ideal companion for all travellers, from serious hikers to wine buffs, high-end culture lovers to backpackers of all ages.
In Culture Smart! Georgia, you’ll be guided through the past and present-day realities of Georgia, explaining what makes people tick, how they live and feel, and how to get on with them. You will discover that the Georgians will not let you down. Learn with this book how to reach their hearts, and they will charm you back.
If you’re planning to visit all the countries in the Caucasus, then Lonely Planet’s Travel Guide to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia will be a very useful book!
Georgia is a truly marvelous country waiting to be explored. I hope this post will guide you through your journey and that you’ll enjoy your time there as much as I did!
If you still have questions about your upcoming journey, let me know in the comments below or send me an email.
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More Georgia Travel resources
- Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital city
- Visit the 15 most beautiful and unique places in Georgia
- Plan your trip with these 3 awesome Georgia travel itineraries
- Discover the Chronicle of Georgia, Tbilisi’s hidden gem
- Guide to Batumi, Georgia’s most quirky beach city
- Hiking in Georgia: 7 beautiful off-the-beaten path hikes
- Visiting ghosts of the past in Chiatura, the cable car city of Georgia
- Visit Katskhi Pillar, the most incredible cliff church in the world
- Travel Guide to Vardzia, the ancient cave city of Georgia
- Visit Svaneti, the wild heart of Georgia
- Visit Tusheti, Georgia’s most remote region
- Visit these 10 beautiful historical places in Georgia
- Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia
- 10 Georgian dishes you absolutely have to try
- Georgia, motherland of wine
- From Past to Present, a guide to Georgian Tea
What a informative webpage! Will definitely follow all blogs and social media.
Thank you it helped to start planning a hiking solo trip to Georgia!
Hi Es, happy to hear this! Have fun with your preparations!
Never been so interested in reading out the entire vlog going line by line.
All the information provided seems so detailed and hope it can make my georgia trip so easier. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Jazeel!! Wishing you a great time in Georgia!
Hey! I read this article to plan my trip to Georgia. And I must say I haven’t seen such an elaborate and well written travel guide ever! Pls keep on doing the great work. Helps all the travelers!
Thank you so much Manish!!
Thank you so much for all the information you shared! I am excited to explore Georgia and this is a great guide to get me started!
Hi Gina, that is so great to hear! Thank you!
We wish you a beautiful trip to Georgia and let us know if you’d have more questions about traveling to this stunning country!
Thanks for sharing your insights! I’m heading to Svaneti in Sept by myself and plan to do the 5 day hike to the glacier. Do you think it’s safe for a solo female traveller? I can’t get a sense as to whether there are many people on the same hiking trails. Thanks!
Hi Camila, Svaneti is currently a popular place for hiking so you’ll meet other people on the trail. It’s also a safe place for a solo female traveller. If you’d like to have some company, you could always post a message in the Facebook group ” Georgian Wanderers”. But if you like to do it on your own, you should be fine as well. Wishing you great adventures in Georgia! Happy travels!
Thank you so much for such an informative blog. I´m trying to convince my family to go to Georgia this year and I thing your blog will be of great help for that. Just one question: do you think this is a safe/enjoyable country for kids? I have a 5 year old boy (very used to road trips) and I´ve been wandering if this would be also appropriate for him. Best regards and congratulations!
Hi Nuno, I’m so happy to hear that you enjoy reading our blog!
I hope you can convince your family to go to Georgia as it’s such a beautiful country (we miss it there and are thinking about returning as soon as we can).
Georgia is very safe for kids and for travelers in general. It’s honestly one of the safest countries I’ve visited during my +7 years of traveling! The Georgians also love children so you don’t have to worry about anything! Hope this will convince your family and if you have any more questions, I’ll be happy to answer them! Warmest wishes, Cynthia
Thank you for providing such an in depth guide to traveling in Georgia! This was very helpful. Georgia has been on our bucket list for quite a long time but we haven’t yet made it to that country. Now we want to travel there even more!
Hi Desiree, you’re very welcome! We spent 11 months in Georgia and really loved our time there. It’s a beautiful destination and I hope you can make it one day to visit it! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would have more questions!
Hi Merey,
Oh, that is so great to hear!! Glad that our website provides you with good information!! You’ll enjoy your trip, both countries are very beautiful and special! Do you already have an idea which places you want to visit?