Practical information
Letter of Invitation
For workshop attendees requiring an official invitation letter, contact organizers after completing registration and payment.
Official Language
The official language of the workshop will be English. While the national language of Georgia is Georgian, travelers in Tbilisi will find that English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. Additionally, many Georgians—especially older generations—are fluent in Russian, so visitors who speak Russian may also use it for communication. However, English remains the most convenient language for most international visitors.
Time
Georgia operates on Georgia Standard Time (GET), which is UTC+04:00 year-round. Unlike many countries, Georgia does not observe daylight saving time.
Credit Cards
Major credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Tbilisi. However, smaller businesses and markets may prefer cash. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.
Electrical Appliances
The standard voltage in Georgia is 220 volts, with a frequency of 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type C and F (European standard, two round pins). Travelers from countries with different plug types will need an adapter.
The Climate
Tbilisi has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and relatively mild winters.
Spring (March–May): Mild, with occasional rain.
Summer (June–August): Hot, with temperatures often reaching 30–35°C (86–95°F).
Autumn (September–November): Pleasant and mild, with colorful foliage.
Winter (December–February): Cool, averaging around 2–5°C (36–41°F), with occasional snowfall.
Currency
The official currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL).
Exchange rate (approx.): 1 EUR ≈ 3.00 GEL / 1 USD ≈ 2.70 GEL (rates may fluctuate).
Currency exchange offices and banks are widely available.
Important Telephone Numbers
Country code for calling Georgia: +995
Emergency number (unified): 112 (for police, ambulance, fire brigade)
Police: 122
Ambulance: 113
Fire Brigade: 111
Getting Around Tbilisi
Tbilisi has a well-developed public transport system, including:
Metro (Subway): Two lines (red and green) operating from 6:00 AM to midnight.
Buses & Minibuses (Marshrutkas): Cover most areas of the city.
Taxis: Affordable, with apps like Bolt and Yandex Taxi widely used.
Tickets & Fares
Metro & Buses: 0.50 GEL per ride with a MetroMoney card (reloadable card available at metro stations).
Single paper ticket (without card): 1 GEL.
Daily unlimited travel pass: 3 GEL.
Free for children under 6.
Visa Information
Entry Documents Required
Visa-free entry for citizens of EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, UAE, and many others (up to 365 days for some nationalities).
Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
Visa Application
eVisa available for nationals of countries not eligible for visa-free entry (apply at www.evisa.gov.ge).
Processing time: Usually 5 working days.
COVID-19 Information & Recommendations
As of 2025, Georgia has lifted most COVID-19 restrictions, but travelers should check updates at:
www.moh.gov.ge