More info

Road Quality:

Georgia has approximately 20,000km (12,428 miles) of asphalted roads, and there is an ambitious project to construct a motorway connecting the Black Sea ports to the border with Azerbaijan, passing through Tbilisi.

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 hertz. Wall sockets are the round, two pin European type (though for some strange reason the socket holes are often too narrow to accept European plugs). Bring adapter plugs and transformers if necessary.

Shopping

Georgian ceramics, embroidery and jewellery are all distinctive, and may be bought in art salons or special tourist shops. Visitors may also develop a liking for locally produced wines and brandies. Antiques such as rugs and icons attract a heavy export duty and must be licensed for export by the Ministry of Culture. Goods acquired in markets or from private individuals will not come with an export licence, whereas official tourist shops usually take responsibility for certification. Most shops are open Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00, some open on Sundays. The main shopping streets are Rustaveli and Chavchavadze Avenue.

Georgia Custom Regulations:

The following goods may be imported into Georgia without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes.
• 3L of wine or 10L of beer.
• Personal goods up to the weight of 100kg.

Note: If importing more than 20kg of a good, the good will be taxed at GEL1 per kilo. On entering the country, tourists are advised to complete a customs declaration form, which they should retain until departure. This allows for the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables (such as jewellery, cameras and computers) which must be registered on the declaration form. Customs inspections are detailed.

Prohibitive exports:

Works of art and antiques (unless permission has been granted by the Ministry of Culture). In this case, the passenger should also hold a photo of the work of art or antique.

Prohibitive imports:

Military weapons and ammunition, narcotics and drug paraphernalia, pornography, loose pearls and anything owned by a third party that is to be carried in for that third party.