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Georgia
Georgia is a small country with an ancient history and rich cultural heritage. It is situated on crossroads of Europe and Asia where east meets west, between the Black and Caspian Sea, to the south of the Great Caucasus Range. It shares borders with the Russian Federation to the north, Turkey and Armenia in the south and Azerbaijan in the east. Georgia has a population of 4.6 million and occupies an area of 69.7 thousand sq/km, which is distinguished by diverse climates and geography.
Climate
Climatic zones range from the heat of the subtropics to the eternal snow peaks of the mountains, from a moderately humid Mediterranean-type climate to a dry continental climate. In the lowlands, the summers are hot and winters are moderate. The most comfortable times to visit Georgia are spring and autumn. However, summer is the best time to travel to the mountainous highlands since roads are often closed from early autumn until late spring.
Time zone:
GMT + 4:00
Language
The official language is Georgian, which has its own alphabet. The Georgian alphabet is one of the 14 existing alphabets in the world. All signs and makers along the main road are written in both Georgian and Latin letters.
Religion
The majority of Georgians belong to the Georgian Orthodox Church: Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity, which was spread already in the 1st century AD, but became the official religion in the 4st century AD. However the country is also known for its tolerance for other religions; other faiths practiced in Georgia include Roman Catholicism, Armenian Gregorian, Protestantism, Judaism and Islam.
Travel documents
To travel to Georgia the residents of the European Union, United States, Canada, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Israel, Kuwaiti and South Korea need a passport valid for at least six months. Visitors from other countries may need to apply for visa before traveling to Georgia.
In some cases visas might be issued while crossing land boarders or upon arrival at Tbilisi or Batumi international airports. Find detailed information: www.mfa.gov.ge
Traveling to Georgia
Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Czech Airlines, Air Baltic, Turkish Airlines, and BMI operate regular weekly flights to Georgia. It's also possible to reach the country by train from Armenia and Azerbaijan; by boat via Batumi Port or by crossing land borders with Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Traveling within Georgia
It's possible to travel in the regions of the country by public transport: buses, minibuses and trains are all inexpensive and relatively easy to use. There are a few scheduled minibuses that provide transportation to almost all the large and middle size villages. However to reach some mountainous areas, such as Tusheti, Svaneti, Racha –Lechkhumi, 4WD vehicles are recommended.
Currency:
On the territory of Georgia payment can only be made in Georgian Lari (GEL).
1 Lari (GEL) = 100 tetri. Most payments are made in cash. Foreign currency can be changed at currency exchange points available only in large cities.
1 EURO is roughly 1, 80 GEL; 1 USD is 1, 4 Gel. (Date 11/2008). Plastic cards are not commonly accepted outside of Tbilisi and can only be used in a few places in some large towns.
Power Supply
220 volts AC, 50 Hz. European-type, two-pin plugs are used.
Communication
When calling Georgia, the country code is 995; area code for Tbilisi is 32.
Many hotels/guesthouses provide international communication facilities. However, if you would like to utilize one of the public phones located at the airport, post offices, city center or on the main streets, you should purchase telephone cards.
Mobile telephone: GSM 900 and 1800 network. Coverage extends throughout most of the country, with the notable exception of some high mountain regions.
Useful telephone numbers: Ambulance 033; Police 022; Information service 09.
Emergencies
We hope you will have safe and enjoyable vacations in Georgia. However, it is comforting to know that if you run into problems, help is not far away. In case of an emergency, host families will contact the nearest ambulance service or medical care centers.
Tel: (+995 32) 92 09 28/ 92 16 70; Gudushauri National Medical Center (NMC) at 18/20 Lubliana Str. in Tbilisi; Tel:
(+995 32) 51 58 74
Water
Tap water is safe to drink in most areas. The spring water in the mountains is even safer. Bottled carbonated mineral water “Borjomi”, “Nabeglavi”, “Likani” or still water is a good alternative to tap water, and is widely available in cities and small towns.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Georgian jewelry, ceramics and embroidery are all distinctive and may be bought in art salons or special tourist shops. Shops are usually open from 10:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday. Some are open on Sunday. The most popular gifts in the region are local products like wine, honey, cheese and traditional homemade sweets which can be purchased from local farmers. |
