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Georgia

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Georgia, the country, remains relatively unknown. This is entirely unjustified because it’s so beautiful. Nestled between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia sits at an ancient crossroads where Europe meets Asia, with Russia to the north and Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan embracing its southern borders. The landscape is diverse, the history is turbulent and super interesting, the food is fantastic, and the capital, Tbilisi, is hip and happening.

💰CurrencyThe Georgian lari (GEL). In October 2026, €1 got you about 2.9 lari and $1 about 2.6, but the rate changes fast. In Tbilisi, you can pay by card almost everywhere. For markets, marshrutkas (minibuses) and guesthouses in the mountains, you’ll need cash. Always choose to pay or withdraw in lari, not in your own currency: it’s cheaper.
🗣️LanguageGeorgian, with its own alphabet you won’t be able to read. Many older Georgians speak Russian, and more and more young people speak English. “Gamarjoba” (hello) and “gmadlobt” (thank you) make a great first impression.
⛪ReligionMore than 83 percent of Georgians are Georgian Orthodox, and about 11 percent are Muslim. Visiting a church? Women cover their head, shoulders and knees. Men wear long pants and take off their hats.
🕒Time zoneGeorgia is on UTC+4, with no daylight saving time. That’s 8 hours ahead of New York and 11 ahead of Los Angeles during US daylight saving time (add one hour in winter), and 2 hours ahead of Amsterdam in summer (3 in winter).
🛂VisaTravelers from the US, Canada, the UK, the EU and many other countries can stay up to a year without a visa. EU citizens can even travel on their ID card. Since January 1, 2026, you do need travel insurance with at least 30,000 lari (about $11,000) in coverage for medical costs and accidents. Your policy must be in English or Georgian, and you show it on arrival. Don’t travel to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Russian-occupied regions, and avoid protests in Tbilisi.
☀️Best time to goMay, June and September. In July and August, Tbilisi is often above 86°F (30°C). Heading to the mountains, like Kazbegi or Svaneti? Go from June through September. September and October bring the grape harvest, with wine festivals everywhere.
🔌Power outletsGeorgia runs on 220 volts with European round two-pin plugs. Coming from the US? Bring an adapter and check that your devices handle 220V (most phone and laptop chargers do).
🚗TrafficGeorgians drive on the right, and pretty assertively. In the mountains, cows wander onto the road, so only drive in daylight. In Tbilisi, you don’t need a car: the Bolt app gets you anywhere cheaply. Marshrutkas run between towns. Many mountain roads close from late October to May.
Georgia
In Georgia

Sighnaghi in Georgia: city of love and wine

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The town is called either Sighnaghi or Signagi – take your pick. But it’s also known as the City of Love. That’s because you can get married here 24/7. A Georgian Las Vegas, you ask? Not even close! The town is actually super charming and peaceful. And I haven’t spotted a single bride. But I’m here on wet, windy winter days – that probably doesn’t add to romance.

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