General information
Tbilisi
Tbilisi – capital of Georgia harmoniously integrated ancient and modern architecture and fascinates visitors at a first glance. Tbilisi is located on the embankments of the river Mtkvari. It was founded in the 5th century (AD). Tbilisi is rich in cultural highlights. The city is full with concert halls where one can choose between world class classical concerts or live performances by Georgian and International artists. Besides, each year various colorful festivals dedicated to national holidays and other events take part in the city.
Georgia
Georgia is located at the eastern shores of the Black Sea on the southern flanks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. It is bordered by Russia from the north and northeast, Azerbaijan from the east and southeast, and Armenia and Turkey from the south.
International business relations in Georgia's modern age also draws inspiration from the region’s earliest inhabitants. The famous trade route, the "Silk Road", connected Europe and Asia and crossed the territory of ancient Georgia, bringing contrasting civilizations and cultures in one place. In modern days, Georgia continues to build strong fundamentals for connecting east and west by establishing liberal free trade agreements with the E.U. and China, among others, and friendly taxation policies to foreign direct investments. It is worthy to note that, Georgia is ranked 7 among 190 economies in the ease of doing business, according to the latest World Bank annual ratings.
Georgia is also known for having a very rich culture. The country has its own, unique alphabet and language, spoken only in Georgia. Georgia is known to be the oldest wine region in the world, with the fertile valleys of the South Caucasus believed by many archaeologists to be the source of the world's first cultivated grapevines and Neolithic wine production, over 8,000 years ago.
VISA
Depending on the purpose of your travel to Georgia, there are different categories of visas that will apply to the occasion. Citizens of most countries do not require a visa, only an updated passport with at least six months of validity when entering the country.
Please check whether you need a visa to visit Georgia on the following link:
AIR CONNECTIVITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), also known as Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, is the main gateway for international air travel in Georgia. HThe airport is located about 17 kilometers southeast of Tbilisi city center.
- Taxi Service
- Municipal bus # 337
- Car rentals
- Tourist information desks
- 24/7 lounges
- Banks and Currency Exchange Offices
- Medical Point
- Free Wi-Fi
Getting to/ from the city center from/to the airport by taxi
Taxi service at Tbilisi International Airport is available outside the terminal, just at the curbside of the Arrival Hall and provides 24-hour service to the passengers. A trip from the airport to the city center takes 20-30 minutes dependent on traffic and costs from 40 to 60 GEL( Georgian Lari) or about 15 – 20 EUR. It’s advisable to agree on a fare beforehand or ensure the taxi meter is running.
Services like Bolt and Yandex.Taxi also operate in Tbilisi, offering a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis.
As for buses, the municipal bus stop is located in front of the Arrival hall and provides passenger transportation on route # 337 - Airport - Tbilisi city center - Airport. The operating hours are: 06:59 - 22:59.
By municipal bus
1 GEL (around 35 EUR cent) - 90 minutes unlimited free travel - payment is possible with a " Metro money" card, as well as with different bank cards.
3 GEL (around 1 EUR) – 1-day unlimited travel - package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
20 GEL (around 7 EUR) - 1- week unlimited travel - package purchase is possible only with a subscription card.
Purchase of subscription and “Metro money” card is possible to any payment office of metro stations of Tbilisi and at the express branches of the Bank of Georgia. The cost of a card is 2 GEL (please keep the receipt issued during the purchase of the card, as in case of loss or damage of the card it can be restored only through the receipt issued at the time of card purchase).
TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
- Voltage: The voltage in Georgia is 220 volts. If your electronic devices use 110 volts, we recommend that you bring a voltage adapter.
- Cellphones and laptops are usually adapted to both types of voltage. We recommend that you read the instruction manual of your device.
- Connection types: Type A and B plugs.
- Money exchange: We recommend that you exchange your money in authorized money exchange places.
WEATHER
Because Georgia has 12 different climate zones, this small country has a lot of diversity, from the high mountains to the subtropical Black Sea coast , influenced by its location in the South Caucasus region.
The seasons of the year are:
Winter (December - February) - from 0°C (32°F) - 9°C (48°F).
Spring (March - May) - around 10°C (50°F) in March to 20°C (68°F) by May.
Summer (June - August) - from 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F).
Autumn (September - November) - in September around 26°C (79°F) - 10°C (50°F) by November.
Tbilisi generally experiences low to moderate humidity throughout the year, with August being the least humid month . September can still be quite dry. The city is adorned with beautiful autumn colors, making it a picturesque season.