Georgia / საქართველო – Let’s explore here

What’s it like in Georgia?

Georgia is a transcontinental country – it is located both in Europe and in Asia. Because of this, the information on the country is located both in our European and in our Asian travel destination sections. Don’t worry though, all the information for this amazing country is captured on this page.

Georgia is a stunning, mainly mountainous country that is part of the Caucasus. The highest point is Mount Shkhara in the north of the country, at 17,070 ft (5,203 m) above sea level.

The population of Georgia is around 4 million people (2022), about 1 ½ million of whom live in the metropolitan area of the capital, Tbilisi.

Its neighbours include Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. There are several disputed regions in the north of the country- Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It also operates a digital nomad visa scheme, which you may find of interest.

A bit about the history of Georgia

Georgia has a rich and complex history, marked by its strategic position and cultural heritage.

Ancient and Medieval Period

The history of Georgia dates back to ancient times, with evidence of early human settlements as far back as the Paleolithic era. By the 6th century BC, the Kingdom of Colchis (in modern-day western Georgia) and the Kingdom of Iberia (in eastern Georgia) emerged. Colchis is famously known in Greek mythology as the land of the Golden Fleece. Over time, the two kingdoms united and became the Kingdom of Georgia in the 11th century under King David IV, a golden era marked by cultural flourishing and territorial expansion.

Mongol Invasion and Division

In the 13th century, Georgia faced Mongol invasions, weakening the kingdom. By the 16th century, Georgia was divided into several smaller kingdoms, with constant threats from Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and Russia. The division made it difficult for Georgia to maintain its independence.

Russian Empire and Soviet Period

In the 19th century, Georgia was annexed by the Russian Empire, which effectively ended its sovereignty. In 1918, following the Russian Revolution, Georgia declared independence, but this was short lived as it was occupied by Soviet Russia in 1921. Georgia became part of the Soviet Union, suffering from purges and repression during Joseph Stalin’s rule, as Stalin was of Georgian origin.

Independence and Modern Era

Georgia regained its independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, it faced internal conflicts, including separatist wars in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which remain unresolved. In the 2000s, Georgia pursued closer ties with the West, especially NATO and the European Union, but tensions with Russia, particularly over the status of the separatist regions, escalated into a brief war in 2008.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Georgia has focused on political and economic reforms, democratisation, and strengthening its Western ties. The country faces challenges related to its territorial integrity, economic development, and relations with Russia but remains a key player in regional geopolitics.

Georgia road trip

Our Georgian road trip was part of a much larger European road trip. Unfortunately the weather was cold, wet and miserable almost the whole time we were in Georgia first time around, and the mountains were full of snow.

The coast

For the first part of our Georgian road trip we travelled from Turkey to the tourist resort of Batumi, on the Black Sea coast. Batumi is a really interesting place with lots to see and do, and the people are really friendly. On arrival, we were immediately met by two taxi drivers that were blown away that we had driven from the UK to Georgia, and were only too keen to help us find our accommodation.

The mountains to the north

Having spent some days in Batumi, we travelled up to Mestia in the mountains. The journey was great apart from being stopped four times in four hours by the police, which was annoying!

Central Georgia

We took a risk and travelled across the mountains to Kutaisi, as snow was on the horizon. We checked weather forecasts and local webcams regularly, as our car is only 2WD. Having eventually reached Kutaisi, we met some really friendly locals who took us to some restaurants that served great food, and we ended up staying for quite some time. We also found that loads of Georgians spoke English in Kutaisi.

The capital

From there, we drove on to the lovely capital, Tbilisi. The capital is a great city, and it was only of the only places in Georgia that the police didn’t hassle us! there’s loads to see and do, and we really liked the juxtaposition of old and new throughout the city. People were really friendly, especially the younger generations, and we found it easy to strike up conversations wherever we went.

After a long time waiting for the rain to clear, we then travelled south into magnificent Armenia. On our return journey, due to border closures between Armenia and Turkey, we hopped into Georgia and back into Turkey.

Map of our road trip through Georgia

Our favourite places in Georgia

These are some of the best places that we explored on our road trip through Georgia. We’ve put them in alphabetical order.

Batumi

Located on the Black Sea coast, Batumi is often the first city that overlanders from Europe visit. As the second largest city in Georgia, after the capital Tbilisi, it has a population of c. 183,000 (2024). Because of the casinos, it is nicknamed “The Las Vegas of the Black Sea”.

Khobi

Kutaisi

Kutaisi is a small city west of central Georgia; its population is c. 126,000 (2024). It is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

The road to Sadakhlo

Sadakhlo is one of the border points with Armenia. It links the two capitals Tbilisi and Yerevan. The two countries are separated by mountains, providing some great views.

Tbilisi

Tbilisi is the capital and largest city in Georgia; its population is c. 1.25 million people (2024). Its is an amazing city with some incredible restaurants. People are very friendly and value for money is good.

What’s it like to drive in Georgia?

They drive on the right hand side of the road in Georgia.

Driving in Georgia is a very hectic affair. In the main, Georgian driving is extremely poor. The state of cars on the roads is also very poor, with many cars having no bumpers at all, for example. Georgian driving is also very aggressive, in particular in all of the cities and larger towns.

Road conditions in Georgia

Whilst many of the major roads are in good condition, in the villages and towns and more remote areas, the roads can be in an appalling state, with lots of large potholes or no remaining road at all. That said, we never found any roads that required a 4×4 vehicle, rather it’s ground clearance that is required.

Traffic police are everywhere in Georgia

There are also many, many police cars. We were stopped four times in four hours one day! In our view the police are passively aggressive and actively looking to give out traffic infringement fines for little to no reason.

Do you require an international driving permit in Georgia?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Georgia?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Georgia?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

What are the speed limits in Georgia?

The speed limits for cars in Georgia are:

• 30 mph (50 km/h) for urban driving
• 35 mph (60 km/h) outside of built up areas
• 50 mph (80 km/h) on dual carriageways
• 70 mph (110 km/h) on motorways

What currency do they use in Georgia?

In Georgia they use the Georgian Lari. Use of cash is still prevalent outside of the cities. The use of credit / debit cards is now widespread in then capital, Tbilisi, although not elsewhere. Travellers cheques are not accepted in general. There are lots of ATMs. 

You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

What language do they speak in Georgia?

They speak many languages in Georgia, the main one being Georgian. People speak many other languages including English, Russian, Assyrian, Svan, and Urum, among other languages.

What time zone is Georgia in?

Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.

Do I need a visa to visit Georgia?

We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!

Is wild camping legal in Georgia?

Yes, wild camping is fine in Georgia, although you should avoid national parks and natural reserves.

What plug / socket type do they use in Georgia?

In Georgia they use plug / socket types C and F.

Health issues in Georgia

Is it safe to drink water in Georgia?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Georgia, although in our experience much of it has an unusual taste. Bottled water is readily available across the country. There are also many natural springs throughout the mountains that can also provide water – most of these springs have road signs indicating their locality.

What vaccinations are required for Georgia?

This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Georgia.

Phones in Georgia

What is the country calling code for Georgia?

The country calling code for Georgia is +995

What are the emergency phone numbers in Georgia?

• The emergency number for police in Georgia is: 112
• In Georgia, the emergency number for ambulance is: 112
• The emergency number for fire in Georgia is: 112

Georgia Sim card

If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know! 

Don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!