The Georgia Republic is fast becoming a popular tourist hub.
Offering vast mountain ranges with superb walking, skiing and
snowboarding opportunities, a magnificent sub-tropical coastline
with a temperate climate, immense architectural and archaeological
sights and a modern capital displaying contemporary Georgian
culture, there is plenty for the visitor to see and do.
Located on the strip of land between the Black and Caspian seas
known as the Caucasus, Georgia has been continuously inhabited
since the Stone Age. The busiest trade route of the ancient world,
the Silk Road, ran through Georgia, bringing many different
cultures through its borders and enriching its economy. Because of
its transcontinental location the country has been invaded and
occupied throughout the centuries by various forces such as the
Persians, Romans, Arab Caliphs and Mongols. This is best seen in
the country's impressive archaeological ruins, some dating back to
the 5th century BC and in its impressive fortresses and
churches.
Gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country
is embracing its tourist potential. Known for their sincere
hospitality, Georgians do their best to make visitors feel welcome.
Often guests are invited to dine at residents' homes to partake in
the
supratradition, where local cuisine can be sampled, an
amazing blend of Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Persian and
European flavours. Such occasions are marked by toasts of wine,
reflecting the 3,000 year-old Georgian viticultural heritage.
The capital Tbilisi, named after the warm springs found in the
area, has a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere. Visitors can wander
the winding narrow streets and indulge in the café culture, visit
some of the finest museums and art galleries in the region, as well
as the theatre and Turkish baths. At the other end of this small
country, the warm Black Sea invites travellers to source out its
more isolated beaches and visit the many local markets, spilling
over with fresh produce from the orange, banana and lemon groves
found in the area.
General Information
Communications
The international dialling code for Georgia is +995. The
outgoing code is 8-10 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
8~1044 for the UK). Area codes exist, such as 32 for Tbilisi.
Mobile phone coverage is good in the capital and along coastal
regions, but signal strength is not as good in other areas.
Landlines are widely available and Internet access is available in
the city and at major hotels.
Emergencies Emergencies: 022.
Language(s) Spoken Georgian is the official language but Russian and English
are also spoken. In Abkhazia, a region in west Georgia, the
Abkhazian language also has the status of an official
language.
Duty Free
Travellers are allowed 250 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, 1
litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine, and a reasonable amount of
perfume for personal use without incurring a customs duty. If
importing more than 20kg of goods, a tax of 1 Lari per kilo will
apply.
Time Zones
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. The European
round two-pin plugs are standard.
Tourist Office
Georgia Department of Tourism and Resorts, Tbilisi: +955 (32)
381 554
Customs
Georgians are friendly, hospitable and gregarious people.
Visitors should not be surprised if offered drinks by complete
strangers while dining at a restaurant or sitting at a bar. If
visiting a church, suitable clothing should be worn. Shorts are
inappropriate and women should cover their heads.
Business
Suitable business attire for men is a suit, while dresses or
suits are appropriate for women. Business cards are frequently
exchanged. Georgians pride themselves on being good hosts, so
meetings could easily be followed by a luncheon or dinner. Expect
that many drinks will be bought and many toasts will be partaken
in. If invited into a private home, a small gift of chocolates,
flowers or alcohol is a good gesture. Business hours are usually
10am to 6pm.
Tipping
For restaurants, cafés or taxis, the bill is usually rounded up
to the nearest 10 Lari, making tipping unnecessary.
Money
The official currency is the Lari (GEL), which is divided into
100 tetri. Cash is the preferred method of payment in Georgia but
major credit cards are accepted in established restaurants, hotels
and shops in Tbilisi. Euros, Roubles or US Dollars can be exchanged
at any of the widespread bureaux de change, but other currencies
should be changed at the bank. Travellers cheques in Euros or US
Dollars are recommended and ATM machines can be found in the major
cities. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.
Real-time currency conversion provided by webserviceX.net
Passport
NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least
six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure
from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply
different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
Entry requirements
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three
months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is
required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to
holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of Canada.
US
citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months
beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is required
for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to holders
of a National ID Card issued to nationals of the USA.
British
citizens must have a passport that is valid for three
months beyond the intended period of stay in Georgia. For passports
endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen,
no visa is required for a stay of up to 360 days. For all other
passport endorsements, holders of a state excise of GEL 50 (for a
90-day, single-entry visa), or GEL 100 (for a 360-day,
multiple-entry visa), can obtain a visa on arrival. Visa fees range
between USD 10 and USD 200.
Canadian
citizens must have a passport that is valid for three
months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is
required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to
holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of Canada.
Australian
citizens must have a passport that is valid for three
months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is
required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to
holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of Australia.
South
African citizens must have a passport that is valid for
three months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa
is required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply
to holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of South
Africa.
Irish
citizens must have a passport that is valid for three
months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa is
required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply to
holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of the Republic
of Ireland.
New
Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for
three months beyond the period of intended stay in Georgia. No visa
is required for a stay of up to 360 days. Passport exemptions apply
to holders of a National ID Card issued to nationals of New
Zealand.
Preventative health measures should be taken for malaria; there
is no risk in Tbilisi, but visitors to the southeastern areas
should take chloroquine before travel. Avoid drinking untreated tap
water; bottled water is widely available. Medical care in Georgia
is limited, especially outside Tbilisi. Many doctors and hospitals
will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel
health insurance.
Safety
For safety in Georgia, travel to to the separatist regions of
South Ossetia, Abkhazia and the upper Kodori Valley is not advised
at present. These regions have sporadic clashes with the national
government. Another area of concern is Pankisi Gorge where national
armed forces have occasionally conducted operations against
suspected international terrorists, Chechen fighters and criminals
who have taken refuge in the area. Robbery in Georgia has
increased, so travellers should not carry large amounts of cash on
them or flaunt their wealth. Walking alone in quiet areas at night
is also not safe.
Emergency Phone Number: Emergencies: 022.
Climate Info
Georgia has a warm, temperate climate. The Likhi mountain range
divides the country into western and eastern halves, shielding the
eastern part of the country from the influence of the Black Sea,
creating a continental climate. The average temperature here in
summer is 60-75°F (20-24°C) and 36-39°F (2-4°C) in winter. The
western part of the country experiences a humid sub-tropical
climate and in summer the average temperature is 72°F (22°C) and
41°F (5°C) in winter.
Airport
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)
Location:
The airport is situated 12 miles (19km) south east of the
city.
Time Difference:
GMT +4.
Contacts:
Tel: +995 (32) 310 421.
Getting to the city:
Airport taxis are available to the city centre, taking about 30
minutes.
Car rental:
Rental agencies are available for car hire at the airport.
Airport Facilities:
Facilities include banks and exchange facilities; several
restaurants, cafeterias and bars; a VIP lounge; duty free shop;
newsagent/tobacconist; disabled access/facilities and a business
centre. There is also a pharmacy, and medical services are
provided.
