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Europe · 2026

eSIM Georgia 2026: Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Svaneti, Kakheti

📖 8 min•⛰️ Georgia•The Alosea team•Updated 2026-05-28

Planning a city break in Tbilisi (cobbled old town on Sololaki hill with carved wooden balconies, Abanotubani sulfur baths from the 5th century, Narikala Fortress, Rike Park cable car), a trip to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) with the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church perched at 2,170 m facing Mount Kazbek (5,047 m, 3rd-tallest peak in the Caucasus), trekking in medieval SVANETI (Mestia, UNESCO Svan towers, Svan people speaking their own language), wine tasting in Sighnaghi in Kakheti (the WORLD'S BIRTHPLACE of viticulture, 8,000 years of unbroken history proven by UNESCO in 2013), or discovering the ancient capital of Mtskheta (UNESCO 1994, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral)? Georgia — parliamentary republic, 69,700 km², ~3.7 million inhabitants, official EU candidate since December 2023 (but currently NON-EU), capital Tbilisi, currency Georgian lari (GEL), 4 UNESCO sites and 3 intangible heritage traditions (vocal polyphony, qvevri winemaking, Lazic flag) — packs incredible cultural density: a unique alphabet (Mkhedruli, 33 round letters created in the 4th century to translate the Christian Bible, UNESCO 2016), official Christianity since 326 (one of the world's two FIRST Christian states with Armenia, before Rome), arguably Europe's most underrated cuisine (Stalin, a Georgian, exported it across the USSR), high-altitude troglodyte villages, and the legendary Caucasian-Georgian 'supra' hospitality (ritual banquet). To use Bolt (the dominant ride app, €0.40-0.80/km), Maps in the maze of old Tbilisi, translate Georgian-alphabet menus via Google Lens, or call family via WhatsApp, your smartphone is central. WARNING: Georgia is OUTSIDE the EU — French/EU carrier roaming is expensive. An Alosea eSIM activated BEFORE takeoff gets you online at Tbilisi as soon as you step off, in time to grab a Bolt to the center (~€7).

› WHY AN eSIM

Why an eSIM for Georgia

Georgia is OUTSIDE the European Union (official candidate since December 14, 2023). French/EU carrier roaming is expensive here (often over €10/MB without travel add-on). An Alosea eSIM = a few euros to stay connected for the whole trip, from Tbilisi by night to the Greater Caucasus mountain shelters. Your home number stays active in parallel for bank 2FA SMS and WhatsApp. Install in 2 min via QR, BEFORE departure, no airport queue. Georgia has excellent mobile coverage given its topography (~85% mountainous): 4G/LTE from Magti, Silknet and Cellfie covers 99% of inhabited areas, commercial 5G launched by Magti in 2022 in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi — now expanding. 4G covers the Tbilisi-Batumi motorway and the Georgian Military Road to Kazbegi end-to-end. And concretely on arrival at Tbilisi (TBS) or Kutaisi (KUT)? You can buy a physical Magti, Silknet or Cellfie SIM at the airport counter, but expect to pay around €10 just for the SIM card itself — on top of the data plan, with passport required. With an Alosea eSIM you walk off the plane already connected for Bolt (the dominant ride app in Georgia), confirming your Airbnb in old Tbilisi on Maps, or messaging family on WhatsApp.

› HOW MUCH IT COSTS

Travel eSIM pricing

A Georgia travel eSIM sits in an accessible range — well below non-EU roaming. Price depends on data volume (5 GB for 3-5 day Tbilisi city break, 7-10 GB for a week Tbilisi + Kazbegi + Kakheti, 15-20 GB for 2 weeks with Svaneti, unlimited for a 1-month digital nomad stint — Georgia is a top digital-nomad destination thanks to its 1-year visa-free policy and a cost of living ~60% lower than France/UK), duration (7, 15 or 30 days). For local reference: Georgian carriers often offer unlimited data plans at GEL 30-50/month (~€10-18) but require passport registration with a Georgian number.

› DATA GUIDE

How many GB do you need?

City break 3-5 days (Tbilisi)

Bolt, old-town Maps, Narikala photos

5 GB

1 week (Tbilisi + Kazbegi + Kakheti)

Military Road GPS, audio guides, sharing

7-10 GB

2 weeks (+ Svaneti + Black Sea)

Svan tower trek, Batumi, Mestia photos

15-20 GB

Digital nomad 1 month Tbilisi

Remote work, Teams calls, streaming

Unlimited

› COVERAGE & OPERATORS

Network coverage and local carriers

Georgia has much better mobile coverage than its topography (~85% mountainous, peaks over 5,000 m) would suggest. Three national operators: MAGTI (MagtiCom, ~45% market share, leader in rural and mountain coverage, first to launch 5G in March 2022), SILKNET (~30%, former Geocell acquired by Silknet in 2020, combined fixed + mobile, strong in Tbilisi), CELLFIE (~25%, formerly Beeline, acquired in 2022, infrastructure renewed 2024-2025). 4G/LTE covers 99% of inhabited zones including remote villages in Kakheti, Tusheti and Svaneti. Commercial 5G, launched by Magti in 2022, is now in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and Rustavi. The Georgian Military Road (route 1, Tbilisi-Kazbegi-Vladikavkaz) has FULL 4G coverage up to Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), thanks to relays installed in 2018-2020 to support tourism. In high-mountain Svaneti (Ushguli at 2,410 m, Europe's highest year-round inhabited village), 3G/4G exists but can be patchy in storms. An Alosea travel eSIM uses the best available carrier automatically.

Local operators

› PRACTICAL TIPS

Practical travel tips

Visa & passport

Georgia is OUTSIDE the EU (official candidate since December 14, 2023). BUT — uniquely in Europe — it offers a VISA-FREE STAY OF A FULL YEAR to 98 nationalities, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan and all of the EU. Concretely: for French/EU travelers, at entry into Georgia (land or air), passport valid 6 months past departure, TOURIST stay up to 365 DAYS in a 365-day window (rolling-balance calculation). It is one of the world's MOST GENEROUS visa policies, which is why Tbilisi has become a global digital-nomad capital since 2020 (~30,000 nomads estimated to be living in Tbilisi in 2024). Beyond 365 days, simply EXIT and RE-ENTER (typical border run to Turkey or Armenia) to reset the counter — common practice though not officially encouraged. No return ticket required.

Source ↗

Currency

Georgian Lari (GEL ₾)

Time zone

GMT+4 year-round (Georgia Standard Time). NO DST. Time difference: +4h vs UK in winter (GMT), +3h in summer (BST).

Power outlets

Type C (two round European pins — good news, French/EU gear plugs directly) and type F (German Schuko, COMPATIBLE with French C/E plugs thanks to the two round pins). 220 V / 50 Hz — EUROPE-COMPATIBLE VOLTAGE, no transformer needed. No adapter required for French, Belgian, Swiss, German travelers. UK travelers need a type C/F adapter.

Climate & best season

Highly variable climate by altitude and region. BEST SEASONS: May-June and September-October (18-26°C in lowlands, mountain passes clear, harvest in September-October in Kakheti — unique atmosphere and opportunities). SUMMER (July-August): hot in lowlands (28-35°C in Tbilisi, sometimes 40°C in July), PLEASANT in mountains (Kazbegi 15-22°C, Svaneti 12-20°C), tourist peak. WINTER (December-March): mild and rainy on the Black Sea coast (Batumi 5-12°C), snowy and cold in the mountains (-10 to -20°C in Svaneti, occasional Military Road closures due to avalanches). SPRING (April): transition, melting snow, passes often still closed above 2,000 m.

Health & vaccines

No mandatory vaccines for European travelers. EHIC NOT valid in Georgia — travel insurance ESSENTIAL (healthcare system in transition, private hospitals in Tbilisi and Batumi are decent, access difficult in remote Svaneti or Tusheti valleys). Routine vaccines (DTP, MMR) recommended. Hepatitis A and rabies to consider for rural treks (stray dogs present). Tick-borne encephalitis for May-October mountain hiking. Tap water drinkable in Tbilisi and Batumi (Georgian standard 2018), be cautious in mountain regions — prefer bottled water.

› CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

Culture and best practices

Greetings

'გამარჯობა' (Gamarjoba, hello — literally 'victory' in Georgian, legacy of the country's many defensive wars), 'ნახვამდის' (Nakhvamdis, goodbye), 'გმადლობთ' (Gmadlobt, formal thank-you) or 'მადლობა' (Madloba, informal thank-you), 'კარგი' (Kargi, good / OK). English not widely spoken outside Tbilisi and main tourist areas — among seniors and in villages, RUSSIAN is still understood (Soviet legacy) but its use has become politically sensitive since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine — younger people prefer English. Learn at least 'gamarjoba' and 'madloba' and you'll be loved.

Tipping

Tipping customary at 10% in restaurants if service charge (10-15%) isn't already included — check the bill. Round up to the nearest lari for Bolt (~GEL 10 max). GEL 5-10 per day for housekeeping. GEL 5-10 for bellhop. TRADITIONAL EXCEPTION: at the end of a 'supra' (traditional family banquet) where you've been invited, DO NOT offer to pay or tip — that's a major offense in Caucasian culture. The host ('mama' or 'kalbatono') absolutely must cover the meal as hospitality.

Dress code

Free dress code in Tbilisi, Batumi and big cities (Georgian youth very Westernized, cosmopolitan scene). MORE MODEST attire in rural regions (Kakheti, Svaneti, Tusheti) and MANDATORY in GEORGIAN ORTHODOX CHURCHES — women: covered shoulders + long skirt (churches lend a scarf and skirt at the entrance), men: long pants, no shorts, cap off. Particularly strict at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Bodbe Monastery, and Gergeti Trinity Church. Hiking shoes for old Tbilisi (uneven cobblestones, steep slopes) and for Kazbegi/Svaneti treks. Warm clothing MANDATORY year-round in high mountains (Kazbek sees snow even in August).

Religion

Georgian Orthodoxy ~83% (Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Church — one of the world's oldest, in communion with other Orthodox churches but independent since the 5th century), Sunni and Shia Islam ~10.7% (concentrated in Adjara around Batumi, Ottoman legacy), Armenian Apostolic ~2.9%, Roman Catholicism ~0.5%. EXCEPTIONAL HISTORICAL FACT: Georgia is ONE OF THE TWO FIRST STATES TO ADOPT CHRISTIANITY AS A STATE RELIGION in 326 AD (second after Armenia in 301), long before the Edict of Milan (313) which legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire, and well before Rome's conversion (380). Evangelization is attributed to Saint Nino of Cappadocia (venerated as Equal-to-the-Apostles). The Georgian Church kept its autocephaly even under Persian, Ottoman and Russian occupations — liturgical language remains Old Georgian.

Languages

Georgian (ქართული Kartuli, official language, Kartvelian — unique language family with Megrelian, Svan and Laz, no link to Indo-European or Turkic languages. Written in the MKHEDRULI alphabet created in the 4th century, 33 round letters, UNESCO 2016) · English (spoken by ~30% of urban under-40s, in tourism and tech) · Russian (Soviet legacy, understood by over-40s, politically sensitive use since 2022) · Megrelian (1 million speakers in Megrelia, sister language) · Svan (~30,000 speakers in Svaneti, distinct language) · Azeri and Armenian (southern minorities)

Useful phrases

Gamarjoba (გამარჯობა) — Hello (lit. 'victory')
Madloba (მადლობა) — Thank you
Diakh / Ara — Yes / No
Ramdeni ghirs ? (რამდენი ღირს?) — How much?
Gaumarjos ! — Cheers! / To your health!

› MUST-SEE PLACES

Top iconic places

Tbilisi (Old Town and Abanotubani)

Georgian capital founded in the 5th century by King Vakhtang Gorgasali (~1.2 million inhabitants, 26% of the country's population), built on the banks of the Mtkvari (Kura) river. The OLD TOWN packs 1,500 years of history: cobbled lanes of Sololaki quarter with multicolored carved-wood balconied houses ('koris balkonebi'), NARIKALA FORTRESS (4th century, panoramic city view, cable car access from Rike Park for GEL 2.5), Peace Bridge (Renzo Piano 2010, glass-and-steel), Sameba Cathedral (Holy Trinity, built 2004, largest Georgian Orthodox church, 84 m tall). ABANOTUBANI: SULFUR BATH quarter with underground brick-domed baths (the legend of King Vakhtang's falcon falling into a hot spring — hence 'Tbilisi' from Georgian 'tbili' = warm). Bath fees GEL 20-60/h for shared pool, GEL 80-200 for private chamber. Modern art galleries along Rustaveli Avenue.

Tbilisi gets its NAME from the HOT sulfur water. The official legend: in 458, King Vakhtang Gorgasali was hunting in the wooded area when his FALCON struck down a pheasant that fell into a spring. The king found the pheasant already COOKED in the hot water. Marveling, he decreed his new capital be founded on the site and named it 'Tbilis-i' (from 'tbili' = warm, suffix -i = place). The new capital replaced Mtskheta (capital since the 3rd century BC) in 484. The Abanotubani sulfur baths have been in continuous operation for 1,500 years. Pushkin and Dumas raved about them after visiting in the 19th century. Pushkin declared: 'I have never encountered anything, in Russia or in Turkey, that surpasses the Tiflis baths.'

Wikipedia ↗

Gergeti Trinity Church (Kazbegi/Stepantsminda)

14th-century Georgian Orthodox church perched on a promontory at 2,170 m, facing MOUNT KAZBEK (5,047 m, 3rd-tallest peak in the Greater Caucasus, and the most iconic symbol of Georgian landscapes). Located above Stepantsminda village (formerly Kazbegi) on the GEORGIAN MILITARY ROAD (route 1 to the Russian border post Lars/Verkhny Lars). Reachable from Stepantsminda via: (1) 2-h one-way hike (4 km, +600 m elevation, beautiful but tough), (2) shared 4×4 ~GEL 60/person (40 min off-road), (3) horseback (~GEL 70 for 4-h round trip). UNFORGETTABLE VIEW of Kazbek (often cloud-covered — aim 6-9am or 5-7pm for clear). Among Georgia's most iconic photos worldwide. Classic excursion from Tbilisi: full day (3 h there + visit + 3 h back) by marshrutka (~GEL 25) or organized tour (~GEL 80-150).

Gergeti Trinity Church became Georgia's SYMBOL via a MYTHIC PHOTO taken in 2014 by Lithuanian photographer Vytautas Serys: church in the foreground, Kazbek backdrop, violet dawn sky, viral on National Geographic and Instagram. But the true story is deeper: the 14th-century church served as Georgia's NATIONAL TREASURE VAULT — whenever invasion threatened Tbilisi or Mtskheta (Persians, Mongols, Ottomans, Russians), the religious treasures of the whole country were hidden here, considered unreachable. The famous CROSS OF SAINT NINO (the vine cross, symbol of Georgian Christianity) was hidden at Gergeti during several invasions. It is also where Brezhnev had the building restored in 1970 in homage to his Ukrainian origins and Soviet love of Caucasian landscapes.

Wikipedia ↗

Svaneti and Mestia (UNESCO 1996)

Mountainous region in Georgia's far northwest (200 km from Tbilisi but 7-10 h drive via Zugdidi then winding road), isolated by Greater Caucasus peaks. CENTER: Mestia (1,500 m, ~2,600 inhabitants, historic capital of Svaneti). Inscribed UNESCO 1996 for the MEDIEVAL SVAN TOWERS ('koshki'): square stone towers 20-25 m tall built by Svan families between the 9th and 14th centuries to defend against avalanches, Arab/Turkish/Mongol invasions, and even family feuds. Some 175 remain in USHGULI village (also UNESCO, at 2,410 m — EUROPE'S HIGHEST YEAR-ROUND INHABITED village, ~70 people). The SVAN people speak their own language (Svan, Kartvelian but distinct from Georgian), maintain a unique polyphony tradition (3-voice songs), and preserved their Orthodox Christianity even through Ottoman invasions (terrain too rugged). Classic trek: Mestia → Ushguli (4 days, 60 km on foot, traditional Svan guesthouses, alpine landscapes surrounded by 4,500-5,200 m peaks).

The SVANS are one of Europe's most ENIGMATIC peoples: ~30,000 people, isolated for MILLENNIA in their high-altitude valleys (Upper Svaneti above 1,500 m, historically accessible on foot only 4-6 months/year before paving in 2000), they kept a DISTINCT LANGUAGE from Georgian (Svan, Kartvelian but not intelligible to a lowland Georgian), a BLOOD FEUD CULTURE (theoretically settled, with stories told into the 1990s), and a Christianity that ESCAPED all persecutions (Persian, Mongol, Ottoman, Soviet). During the 13th-century Mongol invasion, while the rest of Georgia collapsed, the Svans preserved a chunk of NATIONAL GEORGIAN CULTURAL TREASURES (icons, manuscripts, precious crosses) in their fortified towers — many are now exhibited at the Mestia Historical-Ethnographic Museum (1936, considered one of the richest province museums of former USSR). Leo Tolstoy wrote in 1864: 'The Svans are Georgians out of time.'

Wikipedia ↗

Kakheti and qvevri winemaking (UNESCO 2013)

Region east of Tbilisi (1-2 h drive), Georgia's BIG wine region — which claims to be the WORLD'S BIRTHPLACE OF WINEMAKING (8,000 years of unbroken continuity since ~6,000 BC, confirmed by archaeological finds at Gadachrili Gora in 2017). The QVEVRI method, UNESCO 2013: fermentation in ovoid CLAY jars (50-3,000 L) buried in the ground, which maintain a constant 14°C and impart a unique mineral and tannic taste. Vineyards to discover: SIGHNAGHI ('city of love', fortified village at 800 m, panoramic view over the Alazani plain and the Greater Caucasus in the background, ~2,500 inhabitants, romantic), TELAVI (regional capital), KVARELI (Kindzmarauli vineyards, semi-sweet wine favored by Stalin). Indigenous grapes: Saperavi (red, tannic structure), Rkatsiteli (white, mineral freshness), Mtsvane, Kisi. TASTINGS in family marani (traditional cellars): Pheasant's Tears, Schuchmann, Khareba (troglodyte cellar visit). Also: BODBE Monastery (tomb of Saint Nino, evangelizer of Georgia), Gremi Fortress.

GEORGIAN winemaking is officially the OLDEST CONTINUOUS WINE TRADITION IN THE WORLD. In 2017, an international archaeological team (University of Pennsylvania + Georgian National Museum) published in PNAS formal proof that Neolithic villages of Gadachrili Gora and Shulaveri Gora (southern Georgia) produced grape wine ~8,000 YEARS AGO (6,000 BC) — 600 YEARS before Iranian evidence (Hajji Firuz Tepe, 5,400 BC) which had been considered oldest. The proof: tartaric acid residue (unique grape signature) in clay jars (proto-qvevri). The qvevri method has been in UNBROKEN use since (one of humanity's longest technological continuities), UNESCO intangible heritage 2013. Practical consequence: if you taste a Saperavi in qvevri at Sighnaghi, you drink a wine made the same way as 8,000 years ago.

Wikipedia ↗

Mtskheta (UNESCO 1994)

Ancient capital of Georgia (from the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, before the transfer to Tbilisi), just 20 km from the modern capital (20 min by taxi for ~GEL 25). Inscribed UNESCO 1994 as 'Historical Monuments of Mtskheta'. Three major sites: (1) SVETITSKHOVELI CATHEDRAL ('Life-Giving Pillar') — 11th century, burial place of Georgian kings, the holiest Christian building in Georgia (per tradition, holds the TUNIC OF CHRIST, brought to Mtskheta by a Georgian Jew who witnessed the crucifixion in Jerusalem); (2) JVARI MONASTERY ('Cross') — 6th century, oldest intact in Georgia, perched on a hill overlooking the confluence of Mtkvari (Kura) and Aragvi rivers, spectacular view — where Saint Nino reportedly planted the first Christian cross in Georgia in 327; (3) SAMTAVRO Church (11th century, female monastery, tomb of Mirian III, first Christian king of Georgia). Half-day visit from Tbilisi, combinable with Shio-Mghvime Monastery and Bebristsikhe Fortress.

Georgian Orthodox tradition holds that Svetitskhoveli Cathedral houses the SEAMLESS TUNIC OF CHRIST (the one Roman soldiers cast lots for per John 19:23-24). The story: Elias, a Jew of Mtskheta, was in Jerusalem at the time of the Crucifixion (around AD 33) and bought Christ's tunic from a Roman soldier to bring home. His sister Sidonia, upon seeing the tunic, was so overcome with fervor she died on the spot clutching it — buried WITH the tunic. A miraculous cedar grew over her grave, healing the sick. When Saint Nino converted Georgia to Christianity (326), King Mirian III had the cedar felled to build the first cathedral, and a pillar of the cedar started floating in the air ('svetitskhoveli' = life-giving pillar). This legend is one of the most powerful in the Orthodox world, recognized by the Churches of Constantinople and Rome.

Wikipedia ↗

Vardzia (12th-century cave city)

TROGLODYTE complex built in the 12th century in a 500-m vertical cliff over the Mtkvari river, in southwestern Georgia (250 km from Tbilisi, near Akhaltsikhe). Commissioned by King Giorgi III in 1156, completed under his daughter QUEEN TAMAR (1184-1213, first woman to reign over Georgia under the title of 'king', height of the Georgian Kingdom). Cave-monastery city of 13 stories, 6,000 rooms originally planned (today ~500 visible), linked by 600 m of underground passages, with its main rock church (Church of the Dormition, 12th-century frescoes among the most important in the Georgian Orthodox world), baths supplied by an ingenious underground water system, monastic cells, cisterns, and a bakery. Vardzia served as monastery, defensive fortress against invasions, and popular shelter. In 1283, a major EARTHQUAKE collapsed the outer cliff face, exposing all the interior rooms (originally entirely hidden) — that's what makes the site spectacular and accessible today. 2-3 h visit.

Vardzia was completed by QUEEN TAMAR (1184-1213) who reigned under the masculine title of 'king' ('mepe') and NOT 'queen' ('dedopali') — unique case in medieval Christian history. Tamar remains the most beloved sovereign in Georgian history: her reign marked the KINGDOM'S APOGEE (territory from the Black Sea to the Caspian, political supremacy in Transcaucasia, literary patronage to poet Shota Rustaveli who dedicated 'The Knight in the Panther's Skin' to her). Tamar has been CANONIZED by the Georgian Orthodox Church (feast May 1). She is one of history's first FEMINIST figures: her religious motto 'if God is with me, who against me' inspired centuries of Georgian resistance. She had her portrait painted in the Vardzia church (still visible today on the frescoes) — one of the oldest individualized female portraits in medieval Christian art.

Wikipedia ↗

› OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH

Unique experiences to live

Join a SUPRA (Georgian family banquet) — tradition of ritual meal where a 'tamada' (toastmaster) offers 7 to 15 interlinked toasts (to family, homeland, ancestors, friendship, women, children, etc.) accompanied by homemade wine and vocal polyphony. Accessible to tourists via Airbnb Experience or Tbilisi Local in Tbilisi/Sighnaghi (~€50-80/person).
Sleep in a medieval SVAN TOWER in Mestia or Ushguli — a few Svan families rent their old 9th-14th-century fortified towers converted into guesthouses (~€30-50/night), out-of-time experience with local polyphony at dinner.
Ski at GUDAURI or BAKURIANI — Gudauri (2,000 m, on the Military Road to Kazbegi, modern resort with chairlifts, more accessible from Tbilisi, snow guaranteed Dec-April), Bakuriani (1,700 m, historic Soviet resort, family-friendly, snow Dec-March). Day passes ~GEL 50 (€15), gear rental ~GEL 80 (€25).
Tandem paraglide over BATUMI BAY (Black Sea coast) or the Kazbek valley — spectacular view of the Black Sea OR 5,000 m peaks. ~GEL 150-250 for 15 min.
Eat an Adjarian Khachapuri ('cheese-and-egg boat') in a traditional restaurant of BATUMI — capital of Adjara on the Black Sea, fusion of modern ultra-connected architecture + Ottoman old town + palm boulevards, Balkan-Caucasian seaside resort vibe.

› GASTRONOMY

Traditional dishes to try

Adjarian Khachapuri (ხაჭაპური აჭარული)

Georgia's NATIONAL dish par excellence — open oval boat-shaped bread (symbol of the Adjara Black Sea), filled with melted Georgian cheese (sulguni + imeruli blend) and topped with a raw egg cracked at the oven's exit, plus a knob of butter. Eat by tearing the edge crust and dipping it into the creamy center. ~GEL 15-25 (€5-8) at good spots like Retro in Tbilisi, OR2K, or Batumi bakeries. Variants: Imeruli khachapuri (closed round, imeruli cheese only, most common in Tbilisi), Megruli khachapuri (round with cheese ALSO on top).

Wikipedia ↗

Khinkali (ხინკალი)

Large Georgian dumplings (size of a tangerine), thick dough folded into 18-20 pleats at the top point, filled with spiced minced meat (pork + beef, or lamb, or mushrooms in vegetarian version) in broth. Eating technique: hold the khinkali by the upper POINT ('kudi', tail) in your mouth, sip the broth, then eat the dumpling — the thick dough tip is NOT eaten (leave it on the plate; the number of tips left = count of khinkali consumed). 5 khinkali for a normal meal, 10-15 for a post-drink meal. ~GEL 2 each (€0.70).

Wikipedia ↗

Lobio (ლობიო)

Red bean stew slow-cooked (3-4 h) with fresh cilantro, garlic, ground walnuts, onions and spices (notably khmeli suneli, the Georgian spice blend). Served hot in a clay pot ('kotani'), with cornbread MCHADI and sulguni brined cheese. Peasant dish par excellence, very high protein. Particularly good in winter. ~GEL 10-15 (€3-5) at a traditional canteen.

Wikipedia ↗

Churchkhela (ჩურჩხელა)

GEORGIAN long-keeping candy: nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds) threaded on a string, dipped into a thickened grape-juice-and-flour syrup ('tatara'), sun-dried for 3-4 days until it hardens into a brown stick. Keeps up to 6 months. INVENTED to provide durable energy bars for Georgian soldiers heading to war in the Middle Ages — the Georgian hiker's food. Sold at every market (Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi). ~GEL 3-5 each.

Wikipedia ↗

Mtsvadi (მწვადი) — Georgian BBQ

Charcoal-grilled meat skewers (traditionally pork, sometimes lamb), marinated only with salt and onions (Georgian tradition prefers pure meat without complex marinades). Served on flat 'shoti' or 'lavashi' bread that absorbs the juices, with sliced raw onions and 'tkemali' (green plum spicy sauce) or 'adjika' (red pepper and garlic paste). King of supra dishes. Best in KAKHETI or TUSHETI. ~GEL 25-50 for 6-8 skewers.

Wikipedia ↗

Pkhali (ფხალი)

Vegan veggie balls poached then mixed with ground walnut paste, garlic, vinegar, cilantro and khmeli suneli (Georgian spice blend). Served as a cold appetizer, garnished with pomegranate seeds and crushed walnuts. A plate of MIXED PKHALI (3 or 4 colors) is the quintessential supra starter. ~GEL 12-18 (€4-6).

Wikipedia ↗

Saperavi qvevri wine (ღვინო ქვევრიდან)

Georgia's flagship red wine, made with the SAPERAVI grape (indigenous, 'teinturier' = red flesh and skin = intense color) by the ancestral QVEVRI method (UNESCO 2013): whole grapes (with stems, pips, skins) crushed and fermented in a buried clay jar at constant 14°C, no added yeasts, no inputs. Structured tannic profile, notes of black cherry, ripe plum, clay minerality. Reference estates: Pheasant's Tears, Schuchmann, Vino Martville, Iago's Wine. ~GEL 20-50 per bottle (€7-18) at producer.

Wikipedia ↗

› INSTALLATION

How to install your eSIM

On iPhone

1.Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
2.Scan the Alosea QR received by email
3.Label it clearly ("Georgia")
4.On arrival at TBS, switch data to the Georgia line and enable roaming

On Android

1.Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add plan
2.Scan the Alosea QR
3.Confirm and switch to the Georgia line
4.Enable data roaming

Troubleshooting

No signal at TBS? Check that roaming is enabled on the Georgia line and the APN is configured (Alosea auto-push). 4G everywhere in Tbilisi, on the Georgian Military Road to Kazbegi, and in Kakheti. A phone restart fixes 90% of cases. Otherwise Alosea support 7 days a week.

› OUR TIPS

Tips for Georgia

Georgia NON-EU (candidate since Dec 2023) — without an eSIM, roaming explodes

1-YEAR visa-free for EU/UK/US — among the world's most generous policies, ideal for digital nomads

Avoid airport SIM at TBS: ~€10 just for the SIM card on top of the plan

Activate eSIM BEFORE boarding for Bolt + Maps on arrival

5G Magti in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi since 2022

GMT+4 year-round (+4h vs UK winter, +3h summer)

Type C/F plugs — IDENTICAL to EU, no adapter needed for EU travelers

Georgian lari (GEL) — 1€ ≈ GEL 3 (May 2026), cost of living ~60% below France/UK

Cards accepted in cities but cash recommended for villages (rural Svaneti, Kakheti)

Bolt (ride-hail) is EVERYWHERE in Tbilisi (~€0.40-0.80/km), much cheaper than traditional taxi

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› FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Georgia FAQ

Is Georgia in the EU?+

NO. Georgia is an official EU candidate since December 14, 2023, but currently OUTSIDE the EU and Schengen.

Do I need a visa for Georgia?+

NO. Visa-free stay up to 365 DAYS for EU/UK/US/Canadians/Australians, one of the world's most generous policies. Passport valid 6 months past departure.

What is the currency?+

Georgian lari (GEL, ₾). ~GEL 3 = €1 (May 2026). Cost of living ~60% below France/UK.

Does the Alosea eSIM work in Georgia?+

Yes. 4G everywhere, 5G in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi since 2022. Excellent coverage on the Military Road to Kazbegi.

How many GB for a week?+

7-10 GB are enough (Maps, Bolt, WhatsApp, photos). 15-20 GB if you do Svaneti or digital-nomad work.

Time difference with the UK?+

+4h in winter (GMT), +3h in summer (BST). No DST in Georgia.

What plugs?+

Type C and F. IDENTICAL to the EU — no adapter needed for EU travelers. 220 V / 50 Hz. UK travelers need a C/F adapter.

Is Russian still used in Georgia?+

Understood by over-40s (Soviet legacy) but its use has become politically sensitive since 2022. English is preferred among urban youth.