Language: Georgian is the official language but Russian and English are also spoken. In
Abkhazia, a region in west
Georgia, the Abkhazian language also has the status of an official language.
Currency: The official currency is the Lari (GEL), which is divided into 100 tetri. Cash is the preferred method of payment in Georgia but major credit cards are accepted in established restaurants, hotels and shops in
Tbilisi. Euros, Roubles or US Dollars can be exchanged at any of the widespread bureaux de change, but other currencies should be changed at the bank. Travelers cheques
in Euros or US Dollars are recommended and ATM machines can be found in the major cities. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.
Time: Local time is GMT +4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. The European round two-pin plugs are standard.
Communications: The international dialing code for Georgia is +995. The outgoing code is 8-10 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 8~1044 for the
UK). Area codes exist, such as 32 for Tbilisi. Mobile phone coverage is good in the capital and along coastal regions, but signal strength is not as good in other areas. Landlines are widely available and Internet access is available in the city and at major hotels.
Duty Free: Travelers are allowed to import 200 cigarettes; 3 liters of wine or 10 liters of beer and personal goods up to the weight of 100kg, without incurring a customs duty. If importing more than 20kg of goods, a tax of 1 lari per kilo will apply.
Tourist OfficeGeorgia Department of Tourism and Resorts, Tbilisi: +955 (32) 381 554 or www.tourism.gov.ge
EmergencyEmergencies: 022.
Embassies
Embassy of Georgia,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 387 2390.
Embassy of Georgia,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7603 7799.
United States Embassy, Tbilisi: +995 (32) 277 000.
British Embassy, Tbilisi: +995 (32) 274 747.
Canadian Embassy,
Ankara,
Turkey (also responsible for Georgia): +90 (0)312 409 2700.
South
African Embassy,
Kiev,
Ukraine (also responsible for Georgia): +380 (44) 287 7172.
