What is the currency in Georgia?
Lari is the currency of Georgia. One lari is divided into 100 tetri. Currently, banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 lari are in circulation. 100 and 200 bills are harder to spend except in bigger supermarkets so try to break these if you can.
What is the rate to the Georgian lari at the moment?
The Georgian lari is weak at the moment and changes daily. The pound is also variable but at the moment you can exchange 1GBP and get 3.61 GEL (approximately)
Exchanging Money
You can exchange US dollars, Euro, Russian rubles in banks and exchange shops and banks. You can also change GBP but some places do not change GBP or have a poor exchange rate. Exchange shops usually have a better rate than the banks. We can advise the best place to change GBP.
Can I take money out of the bank?
You can use a British bank card to take money out of an ATM for a small commission charge. You will receive money in Georgian lari. Lloyds have high commission rates, HSBC are decent, not sure about the others you may be able to enquire at your banks.
When are banks open?
Banks are usually open on weekdays from 9:00-9:30 until 17:30-19:00.
When are Currency exchange offices open?
Exchange offices work extended hours and they are open daily including on Saturday and Sunday.
Are credit cards accepted in Georgia?
VISA, MasterCard cards are accepted in Georgia in many hotels, bars, restaurants and shops (albeit I have found that Mastercard is less widely accepted than VISA). I would still recommend asking first as especially in restaurants many places prefer cash and you can find that suddenly the card machine is “out of order” especially outside of the capital, Tbilisi!
Is it possible to exchange Georgian lari (GEL) back into Euro or US Dollars at departure?
Yes, lari can be exchanged in Tbilisi international airport, as well as at any other international airports or train stations in Georgia, or at any currency exchange booths throughout the country. Exchange booths mostly operate with the following currencies: US dollar, Euro, Turkish lira, UK pound, Russian ruble. Depending on the amount to be exchanged you may be required to present your ID.
Clothing
What’s the weather like in October?
In summer and autumn the temperature is warmer than the UK, in some cases a lot warmer. During your visit the daytime temperature is likely to be 17/18˚C with night time temperatures about 9 ˚C. It might feel warmer during the day as it’s still a sunny time of year. There could be some rain although there is none forecast at the moment.
Are there any dress-code rules in Georgia?
There is no general dress-code or any other clothing limitations in Georgia, except for when you visit religious places like Church or Monastery. Women have to cover their legs, head, and shoulders. Men are required to cover their legs so on Wednesday when we go to the old capital, Mskheta if you want to go in the 2 main churches please don’t wear shorts.
Food
Is Georgian food suitable for vegetarians?
There are a number of vegetarian friendly dishes in traditional Georgian cuisine. Among the most popular dishes are Khachapuri (cheese filled pies or cheese filled breads that vary depending on the region), Khinkali (Georgian dumplings; make sure you order them with either cheese, mushrooms or vegetables), Lobio or Lobiani (bean stew served in a clay jar), baked mushrooms with Sulguni cheese (traditionally served in a clay pot), Churchkhella (Georgian candy made from grape jelly and nut), Jonjoli (pickled shrub flowers), a variety of vegetables (peppers, aubergines, beetroot, spinach) with walnut paste and many more.
What if I have a nut allergy?
Georgian food contains a lot of nuts (in particular walnuts), even if the food doesn’t contain nuts they will have been prepared in a place where they ofen prepare food with nuts, therefore if you have a nut allergy please let us know asap.
Can you drink tap water?
In Tbilisi the tap water is safe to drink however, outside Tbilisi I would be inclined to drink bottled water which is widely available. As your visit is quite short I would recommend sticking to bottled water as different people’s stomachs can take time to get used to the water although it’s fine for brushing teeth, etc. Bottled water will be provided at the games and Zura will ensure there is a good supply on the bus and at the hotel when he meets you. Bottled water in glass and plastic bottles is widely available.
Communication
Which mobile operators work in Georgia?
In Georgia the following mobile operators provide communication services:
MAGTI
GeoCell
Beeline
Can a tourist subscribe to a Georgian mobile operator?
Yes, foreign citizens can subscribe to any of the Georgian mobile operators. You will need ID or your passport for subscription. If necessary we can get a couple of “pay as you go” sim cards before your arrival which can be used to keep in contact with the UK.
Internet
A lot of places (cafes, restaurants) have wifi and so you will be able to use Whatsapp/viber/etc. The hotels will also have wifi. I wouldn’t recommend keeping a UK mobile on using mobile data unless you have to as it will work out expensive. If necessary we can get a couple of pay as you go sim cards which can be used to keep in contact with the UK.