Most trips to Georgia start in Tbilisi and add the mountains, such as Kazbegi on the Georgian Military Road or Svaneti in the Greater Caucasus, the wine region of Kakheti or the Black Sea resort of Batumi. Georgia is not part of the EU's Roam Like at Home area, and European plans usually charge roaming by the day.
Key facts for Georgia
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Magti, Silknet, Cellfie (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112
- Embassies: in Tbilisi
Areas outside government control
Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not under the control of the Georgian government, and most governments advise against all travel there; embassies cannot help you inside them. Entering either region from Russia is illegal under Georgian law.
Tbilisi
Tbilisi's metro, buses and municipal minibuses take a Metromoney card or a contactless bank card, and cash is not accepted on board. Bolt is the main ride-hailing app. Coverage is strong across the city, including in the old town and around the Narikala fortress.
Kazbegi, Svaneti and the mountains
The Georgian Military Road to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) crosses the Jvari Pass, which snow can close at short notice in winter, so check the road status before you set off. In Svaneti, Mestia has good coverage, but the hike to Ushguli and other high trails pass through areas with little or no signal. Download maps, start early and tell your guesthouse your route.
Kakheti and the Black Sea
Coverage is good in the towns and wineries of Kakheti and along the coast around Batumi, where the beach promenade and the botanical garden are easy day trips.
Borders: Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan
Batumi is a short drive from the Sarpi crossing into Turkey, and near the border your phone may switch to a Turkish network. A plan for Georgia alone does not cover Turkey, while a Europe Extended plan covers Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan. Many visitors also combine Georgia with Armenia, which is not in that zone: take a separate plan for Armenia or a World plan that includes both.
Paying
Cards are widely accepted in Tbilisi and Batumi, but guesthouses, markets and taxis in the regions often prefer cash in lari.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM is set up before your flight and starts on its first connection in Georgia, so you have data for a ride from the airport. Your usual number keeps receiving texts and bank codes.
Georgian prepaid SIMs from Magti, Silknet or Cellfie are sold at Tbilisi airport and in phone shops, and you need your passport to buy one.
Consular protection: who to call in Georgia
- 112 reaches the police, ambulances and the fire service, and operators can take calls in English.
- Embassies are in Tbilisi. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Georgia, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
Questions travellers ask about Georgia
Does my EU plan work in Georgia?
Not under Roam Like at Home; check your operator's daily rate.
Can I visit Abkhazia or South Ossetia?
Most governments advise against all travel there, and embassies cannot help you inside them.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Georgia?
Magti, Silknet and Cellfie, with 4G and 5G where available.
What is the emergency number?
112, for the police, an ambulance or the fire service.
The short version
Install the eSIM before you fly, carry cash for the regions, check the Jvari Pass before driving to Kazbegi, and save 112.
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