Georgian republic is situated on South – East of Europe and occupies central and western part of Caucasus. It is bounded to the West by the Black Sea, to the North by Russia, to the South by Turkey and Armenia, and to the South-East by Azerbaijan.
Georgia covers a territory of 69,700 square kilometers. Population is almost 5 million, from where 83% - Georgians, 6,5% – Azeris, 5,7% - Armenians and 1,5% - Russians.
The things that are not subject to duty when entering Georgia: personal jewelry (declaration is required), things and goods of personal use weight of which should not exceed 100 kg. It is allowed to take into country duty free: not more than 200 cigarettes, 3 liters of wine or 10 liters of beer, other currencies are unlimited, however national currency is allowed only less than 25 000 GEL. Guns, pistols, explosives, drugs, literature discrediting political system, some kinds of video production, things that represent national or cultural heritage. Luggage must have marking and owner’s name on it.
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, and creating a continental climate. The average temperature in the East in summer is 60 to 75°F (20 to 24°C) and 36 to 39°F (2 to 4°C) in winter. The Western part of the country experiences a sub-tropical, maritime climate and in summer the average temperature is 72°F (22°C) and 41°F (5-9°C) in winter.
Official language – Georgian. The vast majority speaks Russian language too, with tourists they speak in English.
The Georgian Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government generally respects this right in practice. Most of the population in Georgia practices Orthodoxy, Muslims make up 10% of the population.
Usually tips are not included in the bills. In restaurants is allowed to leave 5-10% of sum of the bill or not to take change.
In Georgia there is high level of tourist protection, however you should follow standard rules, such as:
don’t carry a large amount of money with you or jewelry, take care of bag and wallet, especially in markets or crowded places. It is recommended to keep valuable things in safe. Passport and other documents are better to carry with you.
You should not leave your belongings in airport or railway station without attention.
Taking pictures is allowed almost everywhere except for strategic objects and some other places where you will see special signs of this.
Drinking water from tap is allowed.
Georgia is famous for its amazing cuisine, most of which contain meat. Almost all dishes contain big amount of greenery. Don’t miss a chance of tasting Georgian cheese, which is one of the best in the world. The most famous is Khachapuri (cheese cake) which you must taste when visiting Georgia.
Hospitality of Georgian people is well known from ancient times. Nothing has changed now too. Nobody will refuse to help guest of the country, without expecting anything in return.
Standard of living (and salaries) in the country is not high, as well as prices. This is the reason why sometimes it is difficult to exchange large denominations, it is recommended to take as much small denominations as possible.
Mains voltage 220 V, 50 Hz, usually double-ended socket.
The most famous types of transport in Georgia are – buses, micro buses and subway. Working hours of buses are - 08:00-23:00. Subway works – 06:00-03:00. Net of micro buses is well developed and connects almost all inhabited places of Georgia. Destinations are indicated on front window but in Georgian language, that’s why is better to ask driver about destination
National currency is – Georgian Lari (GEL), which consists of 100 Tetries. In turnover are following coins: 1,2,5,10,20,50 Tetries, 1 and 2 Laries., and banknotes 5,10,20,50,100,200 Larie. Plastic cards (Visa, Mastercard, Eurocard, Cirrus/Maestro, Diner) are excepted in hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. However it is almost impossible to make payment by bank card in provinces, that’s why is better to have cash with you when leaving capital city. It is possible to receive money through the whole country by Western Union.
Usually shops work from 10:00- 20:00, some of them for 24 hours. Markets work every day. Most of the pharmacies work 24 hours.
Information call center: 118-08, 118-09
Ambulance, Police, Fire service: 112