Georgian Holidays » Useful Infos

	35a Al. Kazbegi Ave. 0177, Tbilisi, Georgia Tel/Fax: +995 32 39 52 59; Cellular: +995 93 52 96 85

Time zone: GMT +4 hours

Visa Requirements: A passport valid for at least 6 months is required for visitors of all nationalities.

There is no visa requirement for: Nationals of Israel, Japan, Canada, United States of America and members of European Union countries. For CIS nationals except of the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan do not require a visa. All these nationals are allowed to stay for 90 days. for more information contact the Consular section at the Georgian Embassy: http://www.mfa.gov.ge

Telephone: Country code: 995. The area code for Tbilisi is 32. Mobile telephone: GSM 900 and 1800 networks.

Vaccinations: There are no mandatory vaccinations. No risk of inflectional diseases in tourist areas.

Power supply: 220 V, 50 Hz. EU standard plugs work across Georgia.

Currency: 1 Lari (GEL) = 100 tetri. Notes of GEL 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins of 50, 20, 10 and 5 tetri.

Currency exchange: the exchange points are available everywhere in the city and open until midnight, operate at weekends and on public holidays. US Dollars are the most widely recognized. There is no limitation on the amount of money exchanged.

Credit & debit cards are accepted in hotels, numerous restaurant and shops just in Tbilisi.

Transport: Georgia uses the right - side movement. Principle transportation in Tbilisi: bus, subway, taxi and mini-buses.

Emergency Numbers: 01 - Fire Emergency, 03 - Ambulance, 04 - Gas Escape, 022 – Police

Working hours & days: State organizations work from 09:00 - 17:30 (18:00). Banks are open weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00, Weekend: Saturday and Sunday. Shops are open from 10:00 -11:00 to 19:00 even 20:00, most of them without day-offs.

Shopping: Georgian ceramics, embroidery and jewelry are all distinctive, and may be bought in art salons or special tourist shops. Also, you can visit flee market area, where you’ll find various of handicrafts, souvenirs and some antique or jewelry right from the local families.

Visitors may also develop a liking for locally produced wines and brandies. Antiques such as rugs and icons attract a heavy export duty and must be licensed for export by the Ministry of Culture. Goods, acquired in markets or from private individuals will not come with an export license, whereas official tourist shops usually take responsibility for certification.

Clothing/Gear: Days are often warm but can also be quite cool while evenings are usually cool in the villages or mountain areas. Bring a sweater and a light waterproof jacket with hood. Good walking shoes are essential. Shorts and tank tops are inappropriate for visiting Georgian monasteries and churches.

Travel independently: Current economic conditions make it difficult to travel independently in Georgia because there is no well developed tourist infrastructure. Unless you speak Georgian or Russian, traveling throughout Georgia is challenging at best. Restaurants and hotels are non-existent in the small towns. All visits to Georgia should start in the capital of Tbilisi or Batumi, capital of Ajara Autonomous Republic, where it is more likely that you will be able to find someone who can help you to make the necessary arrangements for visiting the outlying areas of the country.

The easiest way to visit Georgia is with a group organized by a local agencies or organizations. They will make all arrangements for your stay and will usually provide visits to Georgia's more important places of interest. It is possible to travel semi-independently if you hire a personal guide and driver, who will act as a translator, make arrangements for lodging, food and transportation, and help you with your itinerary.

It is the lack of a tourist infrastructure that makes a visit to Georgia such a fascinating and adventurous experience. It forces an intimacy with her people and their culture and unlike many other travel destinations, one is required to live as local Georgians do. In spite of the many challenges involved, a visit to Georgia is an unforgettable experience that gives you the opportunity to discover the essence of a people that is often hidden when tourism is promoted in traditional ways.

Trip Planning:

** Acquaint yourself with the history and geography of Georgia before you leave home. It will promote a better understanding of Georgians who claim to belong to one of the oldest races of the world.

** Accept the advice of Georgians relative to safe travel in their country. Changes in the former Soviet Republics occur so rapidly that no guide book can stay current with local events.

** There is a very limited tourist infrastructure in Georgia. Any visit to Georgia should be considered "roughing it." Maps and guidebooks sometimes are outdated.

** Most important is to travel with an open mind and to respect the customs of your hosts – it will add enjoyment to your travel.