Your first week in Tbilisi

11 steps

1. Buy entry insurance before you fly

   The rule comes from Government Decree No 602 of 26 December 2025 under the Law on Tourism. A Georgian or foreign insurer can issue the policy, on paper or electronic, in Georgian or English.

   Visa and stay guide

   Sources: gov.uk, Revera Legal, Tbilisi Blog (2025-12-30), Georgia Today (2025-12-16).

2. Buy a SIM in the city, not at the airport

   Airport packages are poorer value than city shops. Bring your passport. A Cellfie package of 40 GB for 30 days costs 20 GEL, and Magti unlimited data for 30 days costs 35 GEL on promotion.

   Internet and SIM cards

   Sources: Wander-Lush, Cellfie, Magti.

3. Take bus 337 from the airport

   Bus 337 leaves from in front of arrivals and goes via Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square to Station Square (central railway station). It runs about 7 am to 11 pm, every 15 minutes or so on weekdays, with no night bus. Tap a card; no cash.

   Getting around

   Sources: Tbilisi International Airport, Red Fedora Diary (2026-01-03).

4. Or use a taxi app, not a street taxi

   The FCDO says not to flag taxis in the street. Book through an app and check that the seatbelts work.

   Getting around

   Source: gov.uk (2026-09-15).

5. Get a transport card or use your bank card

   The Metromoney card costs 2 GEL at metro station cash desks or Bank of Georgia express branches. Keep the receipt. You can also tap many bank cards. Guides say foreign cards are charged about 1.50 GEL a ride.

   Getting around

   Sources: Tbilisi International Airport, Wander-Lush (2026-10-21), Red Fedora Diary (2026-01-03).

6. Pay in lari

   Prices may be shown in dollars or euros, but you must pay in lari. Carry cash in rural areas.

   Banking and money

   Source: gov.uk (2026-09-15).

7. Save the emergency number

   112 covers ambulance, fire and police. Canada says the 112 Georgia app offers help in English.

   Health and safety

   Sources: gov.uk, Government of Canada (2026-08-27).

8. Find a desk for tomorrow morning

   Find a work spot near you

9. Know when your work needs a permit

   Visa-free entry does not give the right to work.

   Work permit guide

   Sources: gov.uk, KPMG GMS Flash Alert 2026-117 (2026-04-29).

10. Count your days for tax

    You are a Georgian tax resident if you are in Georgia for 183 days or more in any continuous 12-month period ending in the tax year.

    Tax guide

    Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (reviewed 2026-09-02).

11. Learn a few Georgian words, then join a group

    Hello: gamarjoba (გამარჯობა). Thank you: gmadlobt (გმადლობთ). Yes: diakh (დიახ). No: ara (არა). Please: tu sheidzleba (თუ შეიძლება). Sorry: bodishi (ბოდიში). Goodbye: nakhvamdis (ნახვამდის). How much?: ramdeni (რამდენი).

    Groups and meetups

    Source: Wikivoyage.