GENERAL INFORMATION
Tbilisi-Capital of Georgia; Location-Eastern Georgia; Height-380-600 m; Total area- 500 square kilometers; Population- about 1.5 million; Calling code-32
GETTING TO TBILISI
The most convenient means of travel to Tbilisi is airplane. A new and very modern Tbilisi International Airport terminal has been inaugurated on February 7, 2007 and is about 20 km from the city center. To date Tbilisi has a direct connection with many European cities. There are about 80 flights per week to the European countries.
VISA
For citizens of overwhelming majority of countries, all the more European countries, short stay in Georgia does not require a visa and entry is free of charge. For more information please visit the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia: www.mfa.gov.ge
CURRENCY & EXCHANGE
The basic Georgian currency unit is the Lari (GEL), made up of 100 Tetri. Foreign currency can be exchanged for local money at banks and exchange offices, according to the valid rates of exchange. Visit the Web for valid exchange rates.
CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are normally accepted throughout Georgia, as advertised at points of sale, such as: Master Card, Visa, American Express, Maestro cards. Traveler’s Cheques are also accepted. ATM is available in the entire territory of Georgia.
CLIMATE
Climate – moderately warm and humid. The coldest month is January, the hottest month is July. Average annual temperature is 12,7 °C. Average daily temperature in mid of November – 10 -15 ºC / 50 - 59 ºF)
ELECTRICITY
220 V, 50 Hz
GSM OPERATORS
Currently there are three GSM operators offering the GSM service in Georgia. Please contact your local GSM operator to check the availability and the costs of roaming services.
INTERNET CONNECTION
Internet connections are available in all hotels via wireless or dial-up network – please contact the reception desk of the hotel for Internet access upon arrival. Wi-Fi connection also available in the most of cafe and restaurants
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Country code: 995
Area code: 32
Patrol Police: 022
Emergency: 033; 009; 901
Local telephone Codes: 295 07 01
Airport Directory: 243 31 41; 243 32 21
Railway Station: 256 62 53; 256 47 60
Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia: 292 24 79; 299 08 36
Hot Line of Tbilisi City Hall: 272 22 22
Tbilisi Directory: 09
OPENING HOURS
Banks and post offices are normally open from 9.30 or 10:00 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. Governmental offices work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. Most grocery stores and department stores are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Sunday. Some stores work around o’clock.
CITY TRANSPORT
The city transport in Tbilisi is represented by buses, mini-buses and a subway. An average cost of travel is 0,5-1 GEL (20-30 Euro cents). Taxis are also readily available.
TIME ZONE
GET (Georgia Standard Time), GMT/UTC offset: +04:00 hours (winter)/ +03:00 hours (summer);
WATER
Tap water is drinkable in all parts of Georgia.