Organize your stay Georgia
Money Georgia
The official currency is the lari (GEL, official abbreviation). 1 lari is equal to 100 tetris. Exchange rates on August1, 2024: 1 € = 2.96 GEL and 1 CHF = 3.10 GEL.
ATMs can be found everywhere in towns and cities, accepting Visa and MasterCard inside banks or on the street. In Tbilisi and other cities, money changers are plentiful, exchanging dollars, euros and so on. Some ATMs charge a withdrawal fee for each transaction, but those located at the airport or in major international banks are usually the most advantageous for you.
You can use your credit card to pay for your hotel bill, mid-range and high-end restaurants and souvenir stores. For buses, cabs and other small expenses, bring small denominations or the exact change in laris.
Budget & Tips Georgia
It's possible to travel very economically in Georgia if you prefer public transport (minibuses), family pensions and small restaurants. A budget of sixty euros per person or eighty euros for a couple per day will enable you to enjoy Georgia to the full, staying in a comfortable family guesthouse, eating in Georgian restaurants and taking a leisurely tour of the country. Bigger budgets have a whole range of choices at their disposal, with hotel establishments that can be very luxurious and with prices approaching those of the French hotel industry, particularly in Batumi, Kakhetia and Tbilisi.
Passport and visas Georgia
European Union citizens holding a valid passport or national identity card can stay in Georgia for up to a year without needing a visa. Remember to make photocopies of your documents: in the event of loss or theft, the formalities will be much simpler. If you intend to continue your trip by exploring Azerbaijan or Armenia, only the passport is accepted by these two countries.
Please note: If you are traveling from Russia to Abkhazia or South Ossetia, do not attempt to enter Georgia afterwards. If you do, you will be liable to prosecution by the Georgian authorities, and could face up to five years' imprisonment.
Driver's license Georgia
An international driving license is recommended for driving in Georgia. Before you leave, you can obtain one from your local prefecture. Please note that it can take a long time to obtain.
Health Georgia
It's always a good idea to keep your health record up to date and, before you leave, to see your doctor for a check-up and consult an international vaccination center, such as the Institut Pasteur. Always take out a good insurance policy, covering all medical expenses and medical repatriation.
Check that you have been vaccinated against tuberculosis, DT polio, and mumps, rubella and measles for younger children. No vaccinations are compulsory for entry into Georgia, but in addition to being up to date, recommendations for other vaccinations vary according to the length of your stay, travel conditions, itinerary and the region you are visiting.
Vaccination against hepatitis A is essential, as well as hepatitis B, typhoid and Central Europeantick-borne encephalitis if you're planning a trek.
If you are bitten by a dog, consult a doctor immediately for a curative vaccination. Depending on your itinerary in rural areas far from medical centers, we advise you to check with your GP before departure whether a preventive vaccination is necessary (it does not, however, dispense with the curative vaccine in the event of exposure). Georgia has a very high number of stray dogs in the country, so avoid all contact with them.
Observe basic hygiene rules. Tap water is potable, except in isolated provinces. Mosquitoes are particularly aggressive, so be sure to bring mosquito repellent and repellent-coated clothing. Southeast Georgia is prone to cases of malaria.
Prepare your first-aid kit with the essentials (aspirin, bandages, mosquito repellent, disinfectants, sun cream, antidiarrhoeals, hydro-alcoholic washing solution), although local pharmacies are well equipped.
Pay particular attention to the composition of certain medicines. Georgia has very strict import regulations. Some of them, such as painkillers containing opiates (codeine is one of them, as well as medicines containing benzodiazepine), are prohibited in Georgia, whereas they are tolerated on prescription in Europe. They are related to the law on narcotics in force in Georgia, the authorities having drawn up a list of proscribed components which includes these two substances. The drugs must be declared to customs, together with a detailed prescription. French tourists have already been arrested with these drugs in their luggage. Consult the French embassy website. In the event of illness, contact the embassy as soon as possible, as it has a list of local doctors and may decide to repatriate you.
There are many pharmacies in Tbilisi, some of which are open 24 hours a day. However, always opt for a pharmacy belonging to a large chain (Aversi, GPC and PSP), where the staff are more likely to speak English than in small local pharmacies.
Security Georgia
The France Diplomatie website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr) strongly advises against visiting the two separatist regions (Abkhazia and South Ossetia), as well as the entire border with Russia. We advise you to check the site before you leave.
Time difference Georgia
Georgia is on the GMT + 4 time zone, so in winter it's 3 hours later than in France, and 2 hours later in summer.
Spoken languages Georgia
The official language is Georgian. Prior to Georgia's independence in 1991, Russian was compulsory at school, but the language is currently in decline. Around half the population speaks Russian. The younger generation in urban areas learn and speak English and German more easily. Armenian minorities speak Armenian and Azeri.
Communication Georgia
On the ground, you'll be able to communicate in English in Tbilisi and with the younger generation, who have a good command of it. However, as soon as you leave the big cities, it's much more difficult to communicate in English, as Russian is still the language most spoken by the older generations.
Electricity and measurements Georgia
The voltage is 220 V, you don't usually need an adapter, otherwise your hotel will provide you with one. The metric system is the same as in France. The plugs are European standard C and F.
Luggage Georgia
There's no need to take on too much - if you forget, you can always get supplies in Georgia. Always remember to take a good pair of walking shoes - if you're going on a trek, take the appropriate equipment. Bring a flashlight, always useful in mountainous regions or in the poorly-lit streets of some cities.
as the old saying goes, "In Rome, do as the Romans do". When traveling, it is always advisable to adapt to local customs. Georgians, both men and women, always wear what is known as "classic" dress. There's no need to be shocking: miniskirts and marcel T-shirts are best left in France.
Depending on the season and the region you're visiting, take either light or warm clothing: warm clothes in mountainous regions, and lighter clothes on the Black Sea coast and on the plains. Men never wear shorts or Bermuda shorts, even in the hottest weather. Remain modest, as skin-revealing clothing is not appropriate.
When visiting religious sites such as cathedrals and churches, women must always cover their hair, shoulders and legs, even if they are already wearing pants. Correct dress is required and compulsory for men too; shorts and Bermuda shorts are also forbidden, as are sleeveless T-shirts. Scarves and large pieces of fabric to use as skirts are available at church entrances. If you forget to cover up, you'll be reminded.
Don't forget to take a first-aid kit with basic pharmaceutical products.
