Saily eSIM for Georgia
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2,199 mi away
£1 GEL 3.65
Today
3:22 pm
+4h from you
Travel warning
Avoid all travel to parts of the country due to the conflict in Russian-occupied regions, which is also causing flight cancellations and travel disruption in the wider region.
Weather & climate
Weather in Georgia
Georgia
24°
Overcast
Sat
9°
24°
Sun
11°
24°
Mon
14°
24°
Tue
15°
23°
Wed
14°
25°
Thu
12°
27°
Fri
14°
21°
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.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Georgia
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Georgia without a visa for up to one year.
Your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay.
All visitors must have health and accident insurance for at least 30,000 Georgian Lari covering the full stay.
You may be asked for proof of your insurance by your airline or immigration upon arrival.
If you plan to travel with prescription medicine, carry a doctor's prescription and ideally the original packaging.
Good to know:
Some families have been denied entry because their child's passport photo no longer matched their appearance.
Non-prescription medicines containing codeine, which are common in the UK, are illegal in Georgia.
Safety in Georgia
Tips when travelling
Georgia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be wary of strangers approaching you in bars or clubs as drink spiking has been reported.
Carry enough local currency (lari) in cash when travelling to rural areas as card payments and ATMs may not be available.
Avoid all travel to the Russian-occupied regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to the security situation.
Possession or use of illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties including long jail sentences.
Be aware that showing affection in public, particularly for same-sex couples, can lead to harassment or discrimination.
Bonus tips:
Take care when driving, especially at night, due to poor road conditions, stray animals, and erratic driving.
If you use a drone with a camera in public, you must register it in person at the Civil Aviation Agency office.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
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.
Health 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.
No vaccinations required
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.
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
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.
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
30 GB for 50 GEL (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Georgia
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Georgia
Country code
+995
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.
Languages in Georgia
UK Embassy
British Embassy Tbilisi
British Embassy, 51 Krtsanisi Street, Tbilisi, 0114, Georgia
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
16 days ago
Travel disruption
- Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator before travelling. (Phrase 'before travelling' removed from the second bullet point.)
- Review your travel insurance policy for coverage before you travel. (Phrase 'before you travel' removed from the third bullet point.)
Safety and security
22 days ago
Political situation
- Political demonstrations have now reached 500 consecutive days, updated from 450.
- Demonstrations in Tbilisi are now mainly focused on the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, instead of multiple listed avenues and squares.
Airports in Georgia
Beaches in Georgia
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can enter Georgia without a visa for stays of up to 360 days. Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. For visits longer than 360 days, a visa is required.
Georgia is generally a safe country to visit. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, particularly in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings. Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, as they can become unpredictable.
The best time to visit Georgia is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. Summer (June-August) can be hot, especially in Tbilisi.
The currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites such as churches and monasteries. For women, this usually means covering your head and shoulders and wearing a long skirt or trousers. Outside of religious sites, casual clothing is generally acceptable. Pack layers, as the weather can vary.
Be wary of taxi drivers who don't use meters or inflate prices. Agree on a fare before getting in. Also, watch out for scams involving currency exchange, where you may be offered a significantly lower rate than the official exchange rate. Use reputable exchange services.
Yes, it is permissible for tourists to drink alcohol, although public drunkenness is frowned upon. Georgia possesses a longstanding history of winemaking, and it's common to find locals engaging in wine-tasting or toasts during meals. Wine and spirits are readily available for purchase at restaurants, bars, and stores.
Georgian cuisine is delicious and diverse. Don't miss trying khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), and shashlik (grilled meat skewers). Georgian food often features walnuts, herbs, and spices. Vegetarians can find options like eggplant with walnut paste (badrijani nigvzit).
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.