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Georgia

Safety

Safety in Georgia
What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?

People’s Opinions

  1. I was with a team in Kombinat, an area of the city of Tirana. We did have an incident of being harassed by a man who clearly did not like us Americans helping at the church we stayed at. Be aware at all times and watch out for pick-pocketers. Did have a few incidents of kids grabbing on and reaching for pockets and straps of backpacks.

Health

CDC Travelers Health | Georgia

Health in Albania
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

  1. Drank tap water, no issues.

Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | Georgia

Visa Info in Albania
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:

People’s Opinions

  1. No Visa needed. if you have $4,000 to put in a Georgian bank and a Georgian friend, you could get your Georgian residency in a week. 😀

Currency Info

Currency Info in Georgia
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?

People’s Opinions

  1. Currency: GEL Lari. exchange widely available in Tblisi, digital signs state exchange rates.

Communication

Language:  Albanian

Communication in Georgia
Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?

People’s Opinions

  1. Cell service for talk, text, and data is very inexpensive. We used a company called “Magti.” They have stores all over Tbilisi. If at all possible, purchase SIM cards outside of the airport (very expensive). Actually, if you wanted to go throughout the month by strictly using data for calls, messages, and regular internet access, then that’s completely feasible (I would recommend this). If you have a smartphone with virtually any carrier besides AT&T (this goes for any country, including the US) your phone is considered “unlocked.” This means that you can take out your carrier’s original SIM (don’t lose this btw) and use a SIM from a carrier of the country you’re in. If you do have a phone with AT&T a few hoops need to be jumped through before you can use an international SIM. If your phone’s hardware (not the contract) is completely paid off you can simply go to AT&T’s website, log in to your phone’s account and request an unlock. Data is EXTREMELY cheap in Georgia. You can also use the mobile hotspot on your phone for your team, as well. SIM card (hardware): 3 Lari ($1.20) 2 Gigs Data: 7 Lari ($2.80) 4 Gigs Data: 10 Lari ($4.00) 6 Gigs Data: 15 Lari ($6.00) 8 Gigs Data: 20 Lari ($8.00) Unlimited: 30 Lari ($12.00)

Transportation

Transportation in Georgia
What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.

People’s Opinions

  1. Metro pic

  2. TRANSPORT * Train tickets are available online here www.tkt.ge http://www.railway.ge/?web=0&action=0&lang=eng * Regular buses to Davit Gareji cave monasteries (25 lari both ways) https://www.facebook.com/gareji.line/?fref=ts * Regular comfortable buses to Batumihttp://geometro.ge/en/home * Transfer buses to Kutaisi airport http://www.georgianbus.com/?lang=_eng * Cheap local taxi services with set prices that charge about 20 lari to the airport from the city center and are reliable: 1) +995 322 200 200, 2) +995 322 60 60 60 (caution, not all of the operators speak English so sometimes you may need help from a local to book a car). * Taxi apps for smartphones that could be found at Google store are Taxi Maxim, Yandex Taxi and Taxify.

  3. Easiest navigation is Metro (picture attached). Second easiest is City bus. Yellow van/buses are more difficult to navigate, expect to use google translate or a local to confirm stops and route.Useful app includes: TTC Tblisi Transport Company.Metro runs until 1 AM. Buses run until 11:00 PMPurchase metro card (approx 0.80 USD) at metro station and load card. Able to use same card for bus and metro. Can use exact change or metro card on bus.Stand on public transportation to allow elderly to sit.

Culture

Culture in Georgia
Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?

People’s Opinions

  1. Georgians are very proud of their wine. Having meals together and toasting are valued. Appearance is somewhat important and everyone keeps their shoes clean. Let those who are older than you sit on the bus or metro if there are no other seats available. * I recommend taking the walking tour in Tbilisi for details about the history and culture from a local. (Just google for starting location and give a small donation to the guide.)

Shipping / Mailing

DHL | Georgia

Shipping / Mailing in Georgia
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?

Tips

People’s Opinions

  1. Comments

Additional Info

Additional Info in Georgia
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?

People’s Opinions

  1. * Online tickets for cultural events (opera, theatres, cinemas) https://biletebi.ge/  www.tkt.ge
  2. If in Tblisi, take a walking tour to get your bearings and learn about the culture of Georgia. Tours are free, but you should tip generously. Here is the link to the tour company that we used.https://www.facebook.com/TbilisiHackFreeTours/