Navigating Georgia: A Guide to the Heart of the Caucasus

Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a country that boasts breathtaking landscapes, a rich history, and a dynamic culture. Whether you are visiting for leisure, business, or relocation, Georgia offers a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. This guide will provide essential information on navigating the country efficiently, including transportation, government services, and online shopping.

1. Arriving in Georgia

By Air: The primary gateway to Georgia is Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), with additional international airports in Batumi (BUS) and Kutaisi (KUT). Most international flights connect through Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, or European hubs like Munich and Warsaw.

By Land: Georgia shares land borders with Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The major crossing points are Kazbegi (Russia), Sarpi (Turkey), Sadakhlo (Armenia), and Red Bridge (Azerbaijan).

Visa and Entry: Georgia offers visa-free travel to many nationalities, including EU, UK, US, and Gulf countries, allowing stays of up to 365 days. The official Georgian e-Visa portal provides more details for those requiring visas.

2. Transportation Within Georgia

Public Transport:

Metro: Tbilisi Metro is the most efficient way to travel within the capital. A metro card (Metromoney) is used for buses, metro, and minibuses.

Buses and Marshrutkas: Buses operate in major cities, while minibuses (marshrutkas) are popular for intercity travel. Apps like Tbilisi Transport Company provide route details.

Railway: The Georgian Railway connects Tbilisi with Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi, offering comfortable train services.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing:

Bolt, Yandex Go, and Maxim are the main ride-hailing apps available in Georgia.

Taxis do not use meters, so agreeing on a fare beforehand is advisable.

Car Rental and Driving:

International driving permits are accepted for up to one year.

Roads in Georgia vary in quality, with highways in good condition but some mountainous roads requiring caution.

3. Government and Administrative Services

For official information, refer to these key government portals:

Parliament of Georgia: https://www.parliament.ge/

Tbilisi City Hall: https://tbilisi.gov.ge/

Public Service Hall: The one-stop shop for residency, business registration, and legal matters.

Residence and Business Registration:

Foreigners can easily register a business in Georgia within a day.

Digital services like My.gov.ge allow online applications for various government services.

4. Exploring Georgian Cities

Tbilisi:

The capital and economic hub, offering historical landmarks like Narikala Fortress, Sameba Cathedral, and sulfur baths.

Modern attractions include shopping malls, nightlife, and art districts like Fabrika.

Batumi:

A vibrant Black Sea resort city with a mix of modern architecture and old town charm.

Attractions include Batumi Boulevard, Alphabet Tower, and casinos.

Kutaisi:

Known for its cultural heritage, featuring UNESCO-listed sites like Gelati Monastery and Prometheus Cave.

5. Online Shopping in Georgia

Georgia’s e-commerce sector is growing rapidly, with isurve.ge being the largest online shopping platform. It offers a wide range of products, including electronics, home appliances, and personal goods, and 

Visit isurve.ge: https://isurve.ge/

Nationwide delivery is available, with competitive prices and installment payment options.

6. Safety and Travel Tips

Emergency numbers: 112 (police, fire, ambulance)

Language: Georgian is the official language, but Russian and English are widely spoken in urban areas.

Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL), with cash preferred in smaller towns.

Weather: Georgia has diverse climates, with hot summers in Tbilisi and snowy winters in the mountains.

Conclusion

Georgia is an easy country to navigate, with well-developed infrastructure, efficient public transport, and modern online services. Whether you are here for a short visit or considering long-term residency, Georgia provides a welcoming and accessible environment.