Important information and FAQs

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Georgia is overall considered to be a very safe country to visit. Being on the ‘wild east’ of Europe means somewhat different attitudes to health and safety. Driving is much more 'active' than perhaps you might be used to, but if you've been to pretty much any African or SE Asian country, Georgia will seem relatively tame. 

Tbilisi is known for being one of the safest cities in Europe. 

Large predators like bears and wolves are extant in Georgia, but they tend to stay well clear of humans – the ones bold enough have largely been hunted and now proudly adorn the walls of various village homes. One very reliable factor is that in case of any difficulties, even in remote mountain regions, shepherds and farmers won’t be too far away and can lend a hand. Mobile phone signal is very good through almost all of the country. I have only once found myself with no signal at all, and only quite briefly. 

In my experience, the main danger has been the enthusiastic offers of home-made brandy. 40% alcohol would be considered fairly soft.

For many, the last time we heard about Georgia in the news may have been the 2008 invasion by Russia, or maybe the anti-LGBTQ riots that occurred in 2022 and 2023. The invasion and occupation have caused real tragedy and heartache for many families and communities, a lot of my close friends included. The current situation is very stable however. The lines of occupation are  clear and easily avoided, and any place away from here is no more dangerous than any similar place in another European country. Tbilisi is considered very safe.

For LGBTQ+ travellers, it is important to know that although there is legal protection against discrimination against LGBTQ folks, society at large remains homophobic by western standards, though attitudes are shifting significantly. Overwhelmingly people are civil and will not seek reasons for conflict. Without evidence to the contrary, same-sex pairs will be assumed to be friends. With my own experience, I am not well-placed to dig deep into these issues, so a more in-depth discussion can be found here.

British and EU citizens get their passport stamped on arrival for free, which entitles them to stay for up to one year at a time. 

Our job is to make sure you have the best holiday possible, and included in that is our duty of care. Most large towns have a hospital, and regional cities always have a modern hospital with up to date diagnostic equipment. In Tbilisi you will find hospitals that compare well with any in Ireland. Do make sure you have full travel insurance before you embark on your trip.

Roads connecting towns and cities are generally in very good condition by any standards, even if there are a lot more cows than someone from Western Europe might be used to. Increasingly, mountain roads are being surfaced. Those that are not are usually passable by ordinary cars. 

You may have heard about Georgians' more relaxed approach to driving laws. Georgians will generally pass one another far more than most Western Europeans, and some seem to enjoy driving very quickly. Luckily, everyone seems to understand what others are doing, and accommodate accordingly. We only use drivers we trust, in well-maintained minibuses. If you have been to Africa or South-East Asia, Georgian driving will seem eminently sensible. 

There are very few restrictions on the Georgian end which are mostly on certain kinds of antiques and of course any illegal items – there is a large display case in Tbilisi Airport showing confiscated hunting trophies for example. The main restriction I think about is the official limit on bringing wine into the EU, and whether my suitcase can handle the amount of wine I want to bring. If you are particularly ambitious about the quantity you want to carry, I would advise not using the cheapest suitcase you can find in TK Maxx. I can tell you it’s not very fun carrying a well-laden suitcase along the road after a wheel has broken. 

Euros, Pounds and Dollars are very easy to exchange, ATMs are available in any medium-sized or larger town. Card payment is widely accepted, though generally you can only barter when paying with cash.

Georgian food is heavy on bread, and many dishes feature meat, but there are plenty of tasty options for vegetarians, vegans and those avoiding gluten. 

As for any allergens or other dietary needs, just let us know in advance and we can ensure that the cook is clear about what you need. 

Nothing more than what makes your life easy and comfortable. Our tours involve travelling around a lot, so a portable wash bag would be useful. Beyond that, there really is no need to buy anti-pickpocket wallets or special backpacks and the like. Georgia isn't a wild as many are lead to believe. You can exist in the city or countryside much as you would in Western Europe.  

Don't bother buying travel adaptors at home unless you really need to. You can buy them far cheaper in Tbilisi.

Though Tbilisi is cheaper in general than most of Europe, imported goods are often the same price or more expensive than in Georgia, and the range is less than in another European capital. Specialist goods are particularly expensive. A par of ski-touring boots that would cost €300 in Germany could be more than €500 equivalent in Tbilisi. 

Food and drink are considerably cheaper. When eating in a restaurant in Tbilisi, you will pay the same amount of Lari as you would pay Pounds or Euros at home. A nice dinner with wine in an upmarket restaurant would be around 110 Lari. 

With a warm climate and decent amounts of rainfall, fresh ingredients of excellent quality abound in Georgia. Soft fruits are particularly abundant and delicious. In Tbilisi you will find many excellent restaurants serving Georgian food with modern influences, a lot of international-style restaurants, wine bars both fancy and relaxed, and lots of party spots. 

Book: If you are curious, I can recommend the Bradt travel guide, available here, but it isn't strictly necessary, especially if you are taking a guided tour. 

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Wander Lush is one of the best and most up-to-date travel websites I have seen.