If our arguments If our arguments have had an effect and you are seriously considering a trip to Georgia, then this text is a must-read. We've gathered the main tips and tricks to ensure that your trip will not disappoint.
Take currency for exchange
Cards of Belarusian banks work in Georgia. You can pay with them wherever there is a terminal. There are no problems with this. But withdrawing cash from ATMs is sometimes difficult, as some banks set a daily limit. In addition, a fee is charged for withdrawing cache.
When I needed a large sum of money, I had to withdraw cash in three days. My friends, on the other hand, simply changed dollars at a good exchange rate. So it is more sensible and profitable to take the money with you.
Do not buy SIM cards at the airport and do not change money there
This advice is already worn out, but it's worth remembering. For you will lose a lot of money and be disappointed from the start. With the exchange, everything is simple - you will get a smaller amount than in the city. As for the second, buy a sim at fabulous money. I fell for this in 2022 when I arrived in Batumi. I spent about 40 GEL on a SIM card, which is about 45 rubles in Belarusian rubles.
The most popular mobile operators in Georgia are Silknet, Geocell, Magticom, Mobitel, Thuraya and Beeline. I used a Silknet card. The operator offers packages with unlimited and limited internet for a day, three days, a week or more. It costs from 2 GEL for a day of unlimited internet, and the network is even in the mountains.
You can get a SIM card at information centers or at operator's offices. Sometimes cards are also given out for free at the airport, but I have not seen such a thing. I advise you to make sure that the free card does not become a paid one.
Use cab aggregators
Yandex-Taxi and Bolt operate in Georgia. The prices are quite reasonable for both, but Yandex's are slightly lower. If there is no free transfer from the airport to the hotel, it is better to call a cab. And if a paid transfer is offered, then compare the cost. As the hotel offered to take us from the airport for 50 GEL (55 BYN), while a cab ride cost about 20 GEL (23 BYN).
Also do not take from the side of the car, because it is expensive and can cheat. There are unscrupulous drivers who run up the meter before boarding. In addition, before ordering a cab, think about whether it is worth it. The fact is that in many cities there are huge traffic jams. And it may happen that walking a short distance would be a better option than calling a cab.
But be careful on the roads. Crossing the roadway is a bit of a quest. And, unfortunately, no amount of know-how will help.
Don't talk about Armenia and Abkhazia
When talking to locals, think first, then speak. By the way, this life-saving tip works well in ordinary life as well. Try not to discuss Armenia and everything connected with it. Georgians may react very sharply or even take offense to it. It is a similar story with Abkhazia. In general, it is better to omit political and religious topics.
Don't buy groceries near the road
Here, too, it's simple: dust and dirt settle on goods near the road. It is better to pass by such products. In cities, there are many mini-markets right in the courtyards. It is safe to shop there.
In Tbilisi, the best place to buy vegetables, fruits, spices or sweets is at the "Deserter's Market" - it is the largest marketplace with good prices. I didn't even have to bargain: churchkhela from 1.5 GEL, spices - 1.5-2 GEL per glass, fruits from 1.5 GEL and more. But don't buy at the entrance: they overestimate the price here.
Bring a hat and sunscreen with you
If you are going to see the local monasteries and churches, it is better to take a shawl in advance, or preferably two. One to cover your head, the other to wrap around your legs instead of your skirt, if you are wearing pants. Firstly, this way you will show respect to local religious preferences. Secondly, some monasteries even have signs saying that women in pants are not allowed to enter.
It is also better to use sunscreen, especially if you go to the mountains and especially in summer. The sun is more intense in the mountains, so it is easy to burn. I would also add sunglasses. They will definitely not be superfluous, even in winter.
I'll also mention medications here. If you take medication on a regular basis, worry about it in advance. In many pharmacies you can buy drugs only with a prescription. They say that you can buy only the right number of pills, even if it is 2-3. In my experience, I have not checked, but you can try.
Ask for a discount
This point even works in shopping malls. And by that I don't mean begging for a price reduction. But this is how you can find out about promotions. And also private sellers can drop you a couple dozen GEL even without haggling. For example, I bought a dress for 300 GEL (360 BYN) instead of 350 (420 BYN). You can try to bargain at markets or with private sellers, but to be honest, I didn't see anyone bargaining. And the prices were reasonable.
Pay attention to the police
Don't let this point bother you. Patrol cars drive with their beacons on. This is how they indicate their presence. If something happens or you just get lost, you can safely approach them and ask questions. For emergencies, use the following numbers: 111 - fire department, 122 - police, 113 - ambulance.
Download the translator
Be sure to install a mobile translator that can translate by photo. Georgians honor and preserve their language very much. They use it always and everywhere. But there are times when in establishments for locals, where the cuisine is good, the menus are only in Georgian. The composition of products in stores is also in Georgian. This is where a translator comes in handy.
Remember the rules of guest behavior
And this is a tip from a guide who shared it with me. If you are invited to visit, you should not take off your shoes. This is only acceptable for very close friends. If alcohol is offered, you should not refuse, so as not to offend the hosts. The same goes for food. If for some reason you do not want to eat or drink, or if there are medical contraindications, then tactfully point out that you are not allowed.
