You must pay attention to this checklist to visit Georgia, if you are planning a travel there. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, will mostly be your entry and exit point to the country. Most regular tours of Georgia can be planned from Tbilisi, but it depends on what each person wants. Seasonally, the temperature in Tbilisi, Georgia, can vary significantly. During the summer, which normally lasts from June through September, temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher with high levels of humidity. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with snowfall and frost occurring occasionally. In January, the average temperature is about 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), and in July, it’s about 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Let us read the checklist to visit Georgia, so you will be prepared for the tour.
Also read – 5 Nights Georgia tour Package
Checklist to visit Georgia
- Passport and visa: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date, and check if you need a visa to enter Georgia.
- Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses or trip cancellations.
- Currency: Make sure you have enough Georgian Lari or US dollars for your trip, as well as a credit or debit card that will work in Georgia.
- Sim Cards : When buying a Georgian SIM card, you will need to present your physical passport/ID for registration.There are three main telco providers in Georgia:Magticom (Magti), Silknet (formerly Geocell) and Beeline.
- English is spoken by a significant number of individuals in Tbilisi, especially the younger people, but not as much as Georgian. Many hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots, as well as other businesses and public places, have staff who speak English. To talk to people who don’t speak English, it’s still a good idea to have a phrasebook or a translation app. Also, it’s helpful to know a few simple Georgian words so you can talk to locals and show respect for their culture. Few important phrases are –
- Gamarjoba (ga-mar-jo-ba) / Hello.
- Madloba (mad-lo-ba) / Thank You.
- Arapris (ara-pris) / You are Welcome.
- Ki / Ara (ki / ara) — Yes / No.
- Ukatsravad (u-kats-ra-vad) / Excuse Me.
- Tu Sheidzleba (tu she-id-zle-ba) / Please.
- Ver Gavige (ver ga-vi-ge) / I Don’t Understand.
- Nakhvamdis (na-khvam-dis) / Goodbye.
- Food : Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, boasts a rich and diversified cuisine culture. Here are some famous and typical foods to try if you visit Tbilisi:
- Khinkali are Georgian dumplings that are normally filled with meat (commonly beef or pork) and spices. They are called Georgia’s national dish.
- Khachapuri: A traditional Georgian bread dish stuffed with cheese, either Imeretian or Sulguni. It’s a popular street snack that’s available at practically every traditional restaurant.
- Kharcho is a substantial soup cooked with meat, rice, and spices including garlic, coriander, and cilantro.
- Churchkhela: A traditional Georgian confection produced from nuts wound onto a string, dipped repeatedly in a grape juice-based concoction, and then dried.
- Pkhali is a typical Georgian cuisine that consists of finely chopped vegetables (spinach, beet greens, chard, or nettle) mixed with ground walnuts, garlic, and spices and formed into little balls or patties.
- Georgian BBQ, also known as “shashlik” or “mtsvadi,” is a popular dish that consists of grilled meat (typically pork, cattle, or chicken) served with traditional Georgian bread.
- Wine: Georgia is well-known for its wine, so try some of the local kinds while you’re there.
- Checklist of Clothes to wear in Georgia during winters :
- To stay comfortable while visiting Georgia during the winter months, dress warmly. Here are some clothes items to think before packing:
- Insulated coats: Staying warm in the chilly winter weather necessitates the use of an insulated coat. Choose a coat that is waterproof, windproof, and filled with warm insulation such as down or synthetic fill.
- Winter boots: You’ll want to wear warm, waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry in the snow or mud. To avoid slips and falls, choose for boots with adequate traction.
- Hats, scarves, and gloves are essential for keeping your head, ears, neck, and hands warm.
- Thermal underwear: To keep you warm and dry, look for thermal underwear composed of a moisture-wicking fabric.
- Warm sweaters or sweatshirts: To be warm, layer your clothing, so bring a few warm sweaters or sweatshirts to wear under your coat.
- Warm pants: Pack a pair of warm pants to wear over thermal underwear, such as insulated or fleece-lined pants.
- Sunglasses: Even though it’s chilly and overcast outside, the snow reflects a lot of light, so you should wear them to protect your eyes.
- Don’t forget to bring warm woolen socks and slippers for indoor use.
- Checklist of Clothes to wear in Georgia during Summers :
- and humid weather. Here are some clothes items to think before packing:
- Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, such as cotton or linen, to help you stay cool in the heat. Synthetic textiles that retain heat and moisture should be avoided.
- Shorts, skirts, and dresses are ideal for the hot weather and may be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
- Lightweight sweaters or cardigans: Even though it’s hot during the day, it might get chilly in the nights, so bring a lightweight sweater or cardigan to wear if the weather cools down.
- Pack comfortable shoes that may be used for walking or touring, such as sandals, sneakers, or flats.
- Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen: It is critical to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.
- Swimwear: If you’re going to the beach or a swimming pool, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit.
- Pack a lightweight rain jacket or a tiny umbrella to protect yourself from the rain if you visit Georgia in the summer.
- Tap Water: In Tbilisi, Georgia, tap water is considered safe to drink, but it may contain minerals and impurities that can affect its taste. Some people may also prefer to drink bottled water because of the taste, or due to concerns about the water quality. It’s a good idea to check with your hotel or local authorities to confirm the safety of drinking tap water in the area you’ll be staying. Additionally, it’s also good to be aware that even if the water is safe to drink, it might still be treated differently in terms of mineral content and taste, so if you are sensitive to these issues, it’s better to stick to bottled water.
- Shopping : Things you can buy from Georgia :
- Wine: Georgia is known for its 8,000-year-old wine-making tradition, with many local varieties and styles of wine available, including Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Khvanchkara.
- Carpets and rugs: Georgian carpet weaving is an ancient and traditional craft, and you can find a wide range of hand-woven carpets and rugs with intricate designs and patterns in Tbilisi.
- Georgian pottery is famous for its distinctive designs, shapes, and colors.
- Georgian jewelry is distinguished by its intricate designs and the use of traditional techniques and materials such as enamel.
- Traditional Georgian clothing, such as chokhas, a type of men’s coat, and traditional headdresses known as papakhi, can be found.
- Churchkhela: A traditional Georgian candy made from nuts threaded onto a string, dipped repeatedly in a grape juice-based mixture, and then dried.
- Spices and herbs: Georgia is known for its rich and diverse cuisine, and local spices and herbs such as saffron, coriander, and marigold can be found.
- Souvenirs: A wide range of souvenirs are available, including keychains, magnets, postcards, and other items depicting Georgian culture and landmarks.
- Handicrafts: Woodcarvings, ceramics, and metalwork are all popular items to purchase in Georgia.
- Some amazing markets in Tbilisi:
- Dry Bridge Market: Located on Dry Bridge, the market is one of the most popular in the city, and is known for its wide variety of goods, including antiques, Soviet memorabilia, paintings, and other collectibles.
- Sololaki Market: Located in the Sololaki neighborhood, this market is known for its fresh produce and traditional Georgian spices, cheeses, and sweets.
- Tbilisi Flea Market: Located near the Old Town, this market is known for its wide variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, and handmade crafts.
- Mtatsminda Market: Located at the foot of the Mtatsminda mountain, this market is known for its souvenirs and traditional Georgian goods such as traditional clothing, pottery, and wooden crafts.
- Tamada Market: Located in the Avlabari district, this market is known for its fresh produce, meat, and dairy products.
- Saburtalo Market: Located in the Saburtalo district, this market is known for its fresh produce, meat, and dairy products.
- Famous Restaurants in Tbilisi :
- Supra: This restaurant is considered one of the best in Tbilisi and serves traditional Georgian dishes in a modern setting.
- Osteria Tbilisi: This Italian restaurant has a great reputation for its pasta and pizza.
- Chama: This restaurant is one of the most popular in Tbilisi and serves traditional Georgian dishes.
- Shavi Lomi: This restaurant is considered one of the best in Tbilisi and serves traditional Georgian dishes in a traditional setting.
- Shardeni Street: This street is known for its restaurants, cafes and bars, serving a wide variety of cuisines, from Georgian to Italian, Asian and more.
- Lopota Lake Resort & Spa: This restaurant is located in a beautiful location and serves delicious Georgian and European dishes, as well as a variety of seafood options.
- PurPur: This restaurant serves traditional Georgian cuisine in a modern setting, with a great selection of traditional dishes and wines.
- An international driving permit (IDP) is required for foreigners who wish to drive in Georgia. The IDP is a translation of your valid driver’s license, and it is recognized in many countries around the world. In Georgia, an IDP is valid for up to one year and is used in conjunction with your valid driver’s license from your home country. The IDP can be obtained from your home country’s automobile association before your trip. It’s important to note that the IDP is only valid if you are a tourist and not a resident of Georgia, and if your stay does not exceed one year.
