Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended. Consider a rabies vaccine if you’ll be in rural areas or around animals. Make sure your routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus) are up-to-date. Always check with a healthcare provider for the latest advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Georgia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for GeorgiaCulture & Customs
Georgians value hospitality, so expect to be invited for a meal. Remember to bring a small gift like chocolates or wine. At the dinner table, wait for the host to make the first toast; it’s a big deal here. Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches—cover shoulders and knees.
Smoking is common, but always ask first if it’s okay to light up. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially outside Tbilisi.
Traveling as a gay couple might require discretion, especially in rural areas. For women, dress modestly and be cautious when alone at night, as occasional catcalling can occur.
Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or conflicts, and always show respect for their language and traditions.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Georgia.
- Khinkali: Think of these as Georgian dumplings. They’re usually stuffed with spiced meat, though you’ll find cheese or mushroom versions too. The trick is to eat them without spilling the broth inside—it’s all about the technique!
- Khachapuri: This is a cheese-filled bread that’s like a warm, gooey hug. The most famous version, Adjarian khachapuri, comes with an egg on top. It’s a staple comfort food and a must-try for any carb-lover.
- Badrijani Nigvzit: Thin slices of eggplant are rolled with a walnut paste, seasoned with garlic and herbs. It’s a flavor-packed appetizer that showcases their love for nuts and fresh ingredients.
- Chakapuli: A spring stew made with lamb or beef, tarragon, and green plums. It’s a seasonal favorite that highlights local herbs and the Georgian love for tangy flavors.
- Churchkhela: Often called ”Georgian Snickers,” these are strings of nuts dipped in grape must and left to dry. They’re a sweet snack and a classic example of how Georgians make the most of their grape harvests.
Tap water in Georgia is generally safe to drink, and locals do consume it regularly. However, tourists might prefer to stick to bottled or filtered water, especially if they have a sensitive stomach or are in rural areas. When in doubt, opt for bottled water, which is affordable and widely available.
The main language in Georgia is
Georgian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Georgian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Georgia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Georgia,
English is increasingly spoken, especially among younger generations and in urban areas like Tbilisi. Many Georgians in the tourism sector, including hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant employees, have a good command of English, making it relatively easy for travelers to communicate. However, in rural areas, English proficiency may be limited, with many locals speaking only Georgian and Russian.
The country’s educational system has been incorporating English language instruction more widely, leading to a growing number of bilingual individuals. Additionally, many Georgians are enthusiastic about learning English, viewing it as a valuable skill for international opportunities.
While you may encounter some language barriers, particularly in less touristy regions, basic phrases in Georgian can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture. Overall, while English is not universally spoken, it is becoming more prevalent, making travel in Georgia increasingly accessible for English-speaking visitors.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Georgia is GEL (₾).
In Georgia, ATMs are widely available in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, so you’ll usually find one without much hassle. However, in remote areas, ATMs can be scarce, so carry some cash. Georgian Lari (GEL) is the local currency, and smaller shops or markets might not accept cards, so having cash is handy.
When it comes to foreign currency, both US dollars and euros are generally accepted at exchange offices, which are plentiful in urban centers. The rates can vary, so it’s worth shopping around a bit. Avoid exchanging money at airports as the rates are usually less favorable.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but always have some cash for smaller vendors or rural areas where card machines might not be available. Also, keep some small denominations of GEL for marshrutkas (minibuses) and local markets. If you’re planning to use a card, Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than American Express.
In Georgia, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard; in taxis, rounding up the fare is courteous. Always check your bill, as some places include a service charge.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.