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Planning Your Journey

Planning Your Journey

Georgia

Best Times to Visit

Tbilisi experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by warm summers and relatively mild winters.

Evenings can turn cool, making a sweater or Light jacket a good idea.

Climate Across Seasons

  • Spring (April-May): Temperatures hover between 15-20°C (59-68°F). The city blooms with greenery.
  • Summer (June-August): Days become hot, often reaching 25-30°C (77-86°F), above 35°C (95°F) possible. Humidity adds intensity.
  • Autumn (September-October): Pleasant, often sunny weather. Temperatures range from 18-25°C (64-77°F). Autumn colors transform the city.
  • Winter (November-March): Cold temperatures define winter, with averages between 5-10°C (41-50°F). Snowfall occurs occasionally.

Weather Notes

Summer heat attention. Stay hydrated, wear a Wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade during midday. Sun protection with a High SPF sunscreen is a must.

Winters bring occasional heavy snowfall, impacting road conditions outside Tbilisi. Monitor local forecasts.

High Season

May-June, Sep-Oct

Advantages

Perfect weather, all attractions open, lively city.

Considerations

Higher prices, larger crowds, advance booking needed.

Shoulder Season

April, July-Aug, Nov

Advantages

Fewer crowds, lower prices than high season.

Considerations

July-Aug can be hot, unpredictable weather in April/Nov.

Low Season

Dec-Mar

Advantages

Lowest prices, minimal crowds, festive atmosphere.

Considerations

Cold weather, shorter daylight, some mountain roads inaccessible.

Ideal Timing for Activities

Outdoor Pursuits

Late spring (May-early June) and early autumn (Sep-early Oct) suit hiking and trekking in nearby parks or day trips.

Cultural & Culinary

Autumn (Sep-Oct) aligns with Rtveli (grape harvest) for wine tasting. Spring and Autumn for comfortable city exploration.

Seasonal Experiences

  • Hiking

    May-June & Sep-Oct for pleasant temperatures.

  • Wine Tasting

    Sep-Oct (Rtveli) for authentic experiences.

  • City Walking

    Spring & Autumn for comfortable sightseeing.

  • Winter Sports

    Dec-Mar at Gudauri or Bakuriani.

  • Botanical Garden

    Spring for blooming flowers.

Health Recommendations

  • Hand Hygiene: Practice diligent hand washing, especially before eating, to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
  • Water Safety: Drink bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach; tap water generally safe.
  • Sun Protection: Use high SPF sunscreen, wear hats, and seek shade during high summer heat.

Booking Insight

For the best rates on flights and accommodation, book 3-6 months in advance, especially for high season travel.

Visa & Entry Formalities

Georgia has one of the most welcoming visa regimes globally.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of over 90 countries, including USA, Canada, EU, Australia, can stay up to one year for tourism.

Check Eligibility

  • Always consult the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia website.
  • Stay for up to one year.
  • Policy presents extensive flexibility.
  • IVisa for quick checks.

E-Visa Application

Citizens not eligible for visa-free entry apply for an e-Visa online.

Online Process

  • Apply via the official Georgia E-Visa portal.
  • Application typically takes a few days to process.
  • Apply well in advance of your travel date.
  • Simplifies entry, no embassy visit needed.

Required Travel Documents

Identification & Travel

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond departure.
  • Proof of onward travel (e.g., flight ticket), if requested.
  • Accommodation bookings (printed or digital copies).
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, credit cards).

Other Essentials

  • Recent passport-sized photograph for e-Visa applications.
  • Vaccination records or health documentation (check latest advisories).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if driving.
  • Travel insurance policy information.

Entry Procedures & Permits

  • No general entry fees for most tourists.
  • Immigration procedures are straightforward: present passport and answer basic questions.
  • No special permits for general tourism within Georgia.
  • Travel to breakaway regions (Abkhazia, South Ossetia) from Georgian side without special permission is prohibited.

Budgeting Your Trip

Tbilisi has experiences fitting various budgets.

Currency & Exchange

  • Official currency: Georgian Lari (GEL), ₾.
  • Exchange major foreign currencies at banks or exchange booths.
  • ATMs are widely available for international cards.
  • Cash preferred for smaller purchases, street vendors, and local markets.

Tipping Etiquette

  • Restaurants: 10-15% tip. Check for included service charge (10-18%).
  • Taxis: Round up or 5-10%; use app for Bolt tipping.
  • Hotel staff: ₾2-5 for porters/housekeepers.
  • Tour guides: 10-20% of tour cost, or ₾20-50 for full-day.

Stay Connected

Consider a local SIM card for affordable data; this assists with ride-sharing apps and navigation tools, preventing overcharging or getting lost.

Financial Planning

Your daily expenses vary considerably depending on your travel style.

Cost Breakdown by Style

Category Budget Traveler (Daily GEL/USD) Mid-Range Traveler (Daily GEL/USD) Luxury Traveler (Daily GEL/USD)
Accommodation ₾25-50 ($9-18) ₾80-150 ($30-55) ₾250+ ($90+)
Food ₾25-40 ($9-15) ₾50-100 ($18-37) ₾150+ ($55+)
Transportation ₾5-10 ($2-4) ₾15-30 ($5-11) ₾50+ ($18+)
Activities ₾15-20 ($5-7) ₾20-40 ($7-15) ₾50+ ($18+)
Total Daily ₾70-120 ($25-45) ₾150-300 ($55-110) ₾450+ ($165+)

Accommodation Costs

  • Hostel dorm bed₾25-50 ($9-18)
  • Budget guesthouse/apartment₾60-100 ($22-37)
  • Mid-range hotel₾100-250 ($37-90)
  • Luxury hotel₾250+ ($90+)

Meal Expenses

  • Khachapuri₾5-15 ($2-5.5)
  • Street food₾3-10 ($1-3.7)
  • Casual restaurant meal₾20-40 ($7-15) per person
  • Mid-range restaurant meal₾40-80 ($15-30) per person

Transportation Fares

  • Metro/Bus ride (Metromoney card)₾1 ($0.37)
  • Taxi/Bolt (ride-sharing) within city₾5-20 ($2-7)

Attraction Entry Fees

  • Museum entry₾5-30 ($2-11)
  • Cable car (Rike Park to Narikala Fortress)₾2.5 ($0.90) one way
  • Sulfur baths (public bath)₾10-20 ($3.7-7) per person

Budget-Friendly Approaches

Metromoney CardUse for all public transport, affordable rides.
Local EateriesEat at bakeries and street food vendors for inexpensive meals.
Free Walking ToursJoin tours from Freedom Square; tip customary.
Guesthouses/ApartmentsStay in places with kitchen facilities to self-prepare meals.
Walk ExtensivelyExplore Old Town on foot; saves transport costs.
Bargain PolitelyAt flea markets (e.g., Dry Bridge), but fixed prices in shops.

Document Backup

  • Download important travel documents (passport, visa, insurance) to a cloud service.
  • Keep physical copies in a separate bag from originals.
  • This backup valuable if originals are lost or stolen.

Health & Security

Georgia is generally safe for tourists, but awareness and preparation remain wise.

Health Safeguards

  • Gastrointestinal Issues

    Practice hand hygiene. Drink bottled water if sensitive. Cooked food.

  • Sunburn & Heatstroke

    Use high SPF sunscreen. Wear hat and sunglasses. Stay hydrated.

  • Mosquito Prevention

    Use Insect repellent with DEET/picaridin, especially dawn/dusk.

Medical Access

Tbilisi furnishes good access to healthcare, specifically in its private sector.

Modern private clinics furnish quality care with English-speaking staff. Public hospitals vary.

Payment for services often upfront or via travel insurance. Keep all receipts.

Emergency number: 112 for police, fire, ambulance.

Recommended Health Measures

  • Vaccinations

    Consult doctor for recommended vaccinations (Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Rabies).

  • Drinking Water

    Tap water in Tbilisi officially safe, but bottled water widely available.

  • Food Safety

    Food hygiene standards generally good; choose reputable dining spots.

Safety Overview

Georgia, including Tbilisi, maintains a remarkably low crime rate and is considered very safe for tourists.

General Safety

  • Petty theft (pickpocketing) possible in crowded tourist areas.
  • Taxis hailed on street may overcharge; use Bolt for transparent pricing.
  • Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering drinks (scams possible).

Natural Considerations

  • Earthquakes: Georgia in active seismic zone; minor tremors occur.
  • Landslides/Flooding: More common in mountainous regions after heavy rain.
  • Extreme temperatures: Severe summer heat, cold winters with snow.

Emergency Contacts

Always keep these numbers accessible.

Unified Emergency

Call 112 for Police, Fire, Ambulance. State your location and emergency nature clearly.

U.S. Embassy Tbilisi

11 George Balanchine Street, Tbilisi 0131. Phone: +995 32 227 7000. After-hours: request Duty Officer.

Consular Assistance

Reach out for lost passport, arrest, or serious medical emergencies after contacting local services.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly suggested. It offers coverage for unforeseen events like medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Compare policies from reputable World Nomads or SafetyWing.
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