DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following goods can be imported into Georgia duty-free from EU countries:
400 cigarettes or 50 cigars / cigarillos;
4 l alcoholic beverages.
The following goods can be imported into Georgia duty-free from non-EU countries:
200 cigarettes,
3 liters of wine or 10 liters of beer.
Due to the free trade agreement between the EU and Georgia since autumn 2014, no more customs duties are levied on the import of products from the EU into Georgia, apart from tobacco products and alcoholic beverages (see above).
Prohibited imports
Weapons, ammunition, narcotics, drugs and anything that can be considered accessories for drug use, pornographic, immoral or subversive products, loose pearls and third party items intended to be imported for these people.
Export regulations
Cultural goods such as works of art, manuscripts, furniture, jewelry, musical instruments, coins, archaeological finds and carpets can only be exported with an export permit.
SHOP
Overview
Galleries and specialty shops for tourists sell beautiful pottery, embroidery and jewelry. A bottle of Georgian wine or brandy is also a nice souvenir. Antiques (carpets and icons) may only be exported with the approval of the Ministry of Culture, and high export duties are levied. Articles that are for sale in tourist shops generally already have this export permit. Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm.
MONEY
Currency
1 Lari = 100 Tetri. Currency abbreviations: Glr, GEL (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation to the value of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Glr. There are coins in the nominal amounts 2 and 1 Glr as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Tetri.
Credit cards
Only accepted in some international hotels and some banks, details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Usually Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm.
Foreign exchange regulations
Obligation to declare the import and export of local currency and foreign currencies from a sum equivalent to Glr 30,000. The import and export of the local currency is unlimited. Unrestricted import of foreign currencies. Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus the exchange amounts (but may not exceed the equivalent of US $ 500, keep receipts).
Currency Exchange
US dollars and euros are widely accepted. It is advisable to take only small amounts of undamaged banknotes with you, as there is hardly any change. You should only exchange as needed. Invoices must always be paid in cash, and payment in US dollars is often required.
There are now many ATMs in Tbilisi.
ECONOMY
Opening hours
Business hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Private shops are also open on Saturdays.
Economy
Federation of German Industries
(Eastern Committee of German Business)
Breite Strasse 29, D-10178 Berlin
Tel: (030) 20 28 14 52.
Internet: www.ostausschuss.de
Austrian
Chamber of Commerce (Eastern Europe Department)
Stubenring 8-10, A-1010 Vienna
Tel: (01) 514 50.
Internet: http://portal.wko.at
United Economic
Chambers Sonnenbergstrasse 48, CH-8032 Zurich
Tel: (044) 268 43 00.
Internet: www.jointchambers.ch
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Republic of Georgia
Prospect Chavchavadze 11, GE-380079 Tbilisi
Tel: (032) 29 33 75.
Business contacts
Federation of German Industries
(Eastern Committee of German Business)
Breite Strasse 29, D-10178 Berlin
Tel: (030) 20 28 14 52.
Internet: www.ostausschuss.de
Austrian
Chamber of Commerce (Eastern Europe Department)
Stubenring 8-10, A-1010 Vienna
Tel: (01) 514 50.
Internet: http://portal.wko.at
United Economic
Chambers Sonnenbergstrasse 48, CH-8032 Zurich
Tel: (044) 268 43 00.
Internet: www.jointchambers.ch
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Republic of Georgia
Prospect Chavchavadze 11, GE-380079 Tbilisi
Tel: (032) 29 33 75.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
The country code is 00995 and the area code for Tbilisi is 8832. For international calls, an 8 must be dialed in advance. International calls and long-distance calls can only be made in the fixed network from telephone centers. The Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel (Tel: (32) 772020; Internet: www.sheratonmetechipalace.com) is equipped with its own satellite telephones. Public payphones are suitable for making local calls.
Cellphone
GSM 900/1800. Cellular companies include Geocell Limited (Internet: geocell.ge) and Magti GSM (Internet: www.magtigsm.com). Roaming agreements exist. The reception and transmission range covers Georgia – apart from the north-west of the country – well.
Internet
There are some internet cafes in Tbilisi and other large cities, otherwise internet access is hardly widespread in Georgia, a country located in Europe according to usprivateschoolsfinder.
Post Office
International mail traffic is interrupted again and again, long delays are the rule. Registered mail usually takes longer, but is considered safer. It is best to post letters directly to central post offices.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
