Why Georgia surprises first-timers
Wedged between the Caucasus mountains and the Black Sea, Georgia rewards travellers with cheap, delicious food, ancient monasteries and famously warm hospitality. A little preparation goes a long way.
Plugs and voltage
Georgia runs on 220V at 50Hz and uses Type C and Type F (European two-round-pin) sockets. UK and US visitors need an adapter, and US devices may need a voltage converter for anything not dual-voltage. Hotels in Tbilisi and Batumi often have a mix of sockets, but bring your own adapter to be safe.
Language basics
Georgian (kartuli) uses its own beautiful alphabet, so signs can be hard to decode at first. Younger Georgians often speak some English; Russian is widely understood. Learn a few words:
- Gamarjoba — hello
- Madloba — thank you
- Diakh / Ara — yes / no
- Ramdeni ghirs? — how much is it?
What to pack
- Layers: Tbilisi summers hit 35C, but mountain towns like Kazbegi and Mestia are cold even in July
- Sturdy shoes for cobbled old-town streets and hiking trails
- A reusable water bottle; tap water in Tbilisi is generally safe
- Modest layers for visiting churches and monasteries (cover shoulders; women may need a headscarf)
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is common in cafes and guesthouses, but coverage drops in the mountains. A local SIM or eSIM keeps you online for maps and Bolt taxis. Georgia uses the lari (GEL); cards work in cities but carry cash for villages, marshrutka minibuses and markets.
Quick tips
- Use the Bolt app for cheap, metered taxis instead of haggling
- Try khachapuri (cheese bread) and khinkali (soup dumplings) — eat khinkali by hand, leaving the doughy top
- Toast culture is serious; at a supra feast the tamada (toastmaster) leads, so pace yourself with the wine
- Marshrutka minibuses are the cheapest way between towns; pay the driver in cash
- Day-trip from Tbilisi to Mtskheta and the cave city of Uplistsikhe
- ATMs are plentiful in cities; tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory
- Keep some small lari for public restrooms and church candles
Stay connected in Georgia
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