Georgia is one of the most hospitable, accessible, and diverse countries in the world. However, to explore it like a local, you need to have several things in mind. I am going to share 10 tips that will help you explore the country.
- Georgia is among the most accessible and tourist-friendly destinations in the world. Thanks to relaxed visa policies, citizens of over 100 countries can enter Georgia visa-free for up to one year. However, for detailed information, I would advise you to visit a webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.
- Georgia is a religious country, with more than 90% of its population being religiously active and churches and church rules being highly respected; therefore, before visiting the country, packing appropriate clothing is advised: scarfs, long sleeves, trousers, and longer skirts for visiting churches.
- The country is naturally quite diverse, with temperature changes ranging from +40 to -30 depending on the season and the area; however, if you are going to the mountains, bring something warm with you.
- If you are traveling to Georgia, don’t miss the mountains. Mountains make up 80% of the country, but the Greater Caucasus mountain range is an essential part of the country, and to miss places like Kazbegi means you haven’t seen the country at all. However, keep in mind that you need to pick a season because the roads to the mountain settlements can be closed due to heavy snowfall.
- Georgia is a country of contrasts. It is equally beautiful during all four seasons; however, spring and autumn are the best times for visiting. During spring, the temperature reaches 20–25 °C, and the weather is always pleasant. It is not as hot as it gets in the summer. Everything is freshly green. In the fall, the temperature becomes bearable again, plus there are a bunch of festivals that you can enjoy. Another national festival in the autumn is the grape harvest (Rtveli).
- If you would like to explore the country on your own, buy a local transportation card. You can also use your bank card on the metro and buses in Tbilisi. The transportation system in Georgia is one of the easiest and cheapest. It costs 1 GEL, or 0.39 USD, per ride for 90 minutes on public buses and the metro in Tbilisi. In other cities, it is even cheaper. If you are planning to stay for a longer period of time, you can purchase transportation tickets for longer periods of time. Detailed information can be found here.
- A local SIM card can be handy during your travels in Georgia. Local SIM cards are very affordable and have great coverage. The SIM costs vary, but they are not more than 10-20 GEL, or 4-8 USD. The packages that you can purchase are limitless; however, it is better to buy a SIM card in the city and not at the airport.
- As there is no Uber in Georgia, Bolt is the best application for taxis. It is one of the cheapest and most reliable taxi services in Tbilisi and is widely used by locals. We have a lot of independent taxis; however, agreeing on the price of the particular ride before sitting in the car is advised.
- As Georgians like to say, “If you can drive in Georgia, you can drive anywhere”. Driving rules in Georgia are still quite private understanding. Even though most drivers follow them and fines are expensive, it is always better to be conscious of road safety. Taking local Marshutkas for longer distances can be an exciting adventure or an exhausting experience, so it is always better to hire a local agent for cars, or our drivers can always help: link. Taking big buses can also be a good idea.
- Georgia is a wine and food country. It is a fact that Georgians have been making wine for 8,000 years and food for even longer. Everyone who knows about Georgia knows about its delicious cuisine and unique Qvevri wine, so it is totally advised to visit hungry and thirsty.