£1 GEL 3.63
Today
7:54 am
+4h from you
Travel warning
There are significant dangers near the border regions and regional conflict is causing widespread travel disruption, including flight cancellations and delays.
Weather in Georgia
Georgia
13°
Slight rain
Wed
10
13
Thu
11
13
Fri
10
11
Sat
10
14
Sun
11
18
SPF level in Georgia
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Georgia
Tipping in Georgia
Tipping is becoming more common in Georgia, especially in tourist areas, but it is not always expected or automatically included in the bill. Consider the service quality when deciding whether and how much to tip.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service. Check if a service charge is already included.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (2-5 GEL) for good service is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare to the nearest GEL is common. For longer journeys or exceptional service, a slightly larger tip is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
2-5 GEL per bag is a typical tip.
Hotel Housekeeper
2-5 GEL per day is a considerate tip for good service, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost for a good tour. The amount depends on the length and quality of the tour.
Safety in Georgia
Tips for British travellers
Georgia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be wary of drink spiking, buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them.
You may be expected to show your passport if asked by the police or a service provider like a hotel or bank.
Outside of major towns, you may not find ATMs, so take enough cash in the local currency for rural areas.
Possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs like cannabis carries severe penalties including a long jail sentence of 5 to 25 years.
When driving, avoid alcohol as the blood alcohol content limit is lower than in the UK and punishments are severe.
Bonus tips:
Be aware of cultural sensitivities, especially outside cities, regarding modest dress in places of worship and showing affection in public.
Register any drone with a recording system in person at the Civil Aviation Agency before using it in public.
Driving in Georgia
A valid UK driving license is accepted for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, but not always required. If you plan to stay longer than one year, you may need to obtain a Georgian driving license.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Remember: Georgia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Georgia
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
British travelers will need a plug adapter to use their devices in Georgia. The standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments in Tbilisi and other tourist areas, including hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, smaller businesses, local markets, and taxis often prefer cash. It's always wise to carry some cash, especially when travelling outside major cities.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Georgia
ATMs are widely available in Tbilisi and other major cities and towns, but may be less common in rural areas. It's advisable to withdraw cash upon arrival at the airport or in larger cities.
Local name
ბანკომატი (Bankomati)
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most Georgian ATMs accept international cards. Ensure your card is enabled for international use before travelling and be mindful of potential transaction fees from your bank.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile phone users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Georgia. Roaming charges can be significant, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM data package
30 GB for 50 GEL (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Magticom, Geocell, Beeline
WiFi & internet
WiFi is readily available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public spaces, particularly in Tbilisi and other major cities. Quality and speed can vary.
Average speed
30 Mbps
Many accommodations and eateries offer free WiFi. Check the connection speed before committing to bandwidth-intensive applications. Mobile data is comparatively cheap if you wish to use it.
Health & vaccinations in Georgia
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Georgia.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid, as these can be contracted through contaminated food or water, particularly outside of major cities.
Tap water isn't always safe, especially outside Tbilisi. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues. Food hygiene standards may vary, so choose reputable restaurants. Consult your doctor for personalized health advice before traveling.
Calling Georgia
Country code
+995
To call a Georgian number from the UK, dial 00 995 followed by the Georgian area code (without the leading zero) and the local number.
To call a Tbilisi number (area code 32) dial 00 995 32 XXXXXX
The country code for Georgia is 995. When calling Georgia from abroad, use the exit code of your country followed by 995 and the local number. Area codes are required.
UK Embassy in Georgia
British Embassy Tbilisi
British Embassy, 51 Krtsanisi Street, Tbilisi, 0114, Georgia
Airports in Georgia
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.