|
|
|
(Last updated: 4 June 2008)
Visas
Australians require a visa to visit Georgia.
Georgia does not have an embassy or consulates in Australia that have the authority to issue visas. Information on visa requirements, including costs, as well as the application forms, can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
|
 |
|
|
|
Georgia can be very hot in July and August. Evenings tend to be cool, even in the summer.
The climate varies considerably from east to west; in the eastern mountains, the weather is drier and more extreme. The western part of Georgia, near the Black Sea, has a more moderate climate. No matter when you go, be sure to take along a sweater for the cool evenings.
Cold spells do occur and low temperatures are frequent in winter, both on the high mountains and in the deep, enclosed valleys. The western part of the country is rather wet throughout the year. There are lowlands along the shores of the Black Sea. Here conditions are milder in winter and quite hot in summer.
For weather details in Tbilisi, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
|
|
|
|
|
Tbilisi is 18km east of Tbilisi city centre. Domestic flights operated by Airzena Georgian Airlines run between Tbilisi and Butani, Kutaisi and Senaki. |
|
|
|
|
Tbilisi is served by buses, trolleybuses, cable cars and a small underground system. The underground system has three lines and 16 stations. Tickets cost 20 Tetri. Regular big buses and trolleybuses cost 10-25 Tetri and minibuses cost 30-50 Tetri.
It is common practice to flag down official taxis, but fares should always be negotiated in advance, bearing in mind the likelihood that rates set for foreigners will be unreasonably high.
In view of the rising crime rate, foreigners should take precautions before getting into a car, and it is generally safer to use officially marked red taxis which should not be shared with strangers. It is inadvisable to take a ride if there is already more than one person in the car. |
|
|
|
|
|
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Georgia. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
Health
Medical care in Georgia, particularly outside Tbilisi, is limited. While medical supplies, both European and Russian, are available, the quality of medical services and facilities is poor.
Medical evacuation, at considerable cost, may be necessary in the event of a serious illness or injury.
Malaria is a risk in the south-eastern part of the country. We recommend that you consider the need for prophylaxis against malaria and use insect repellent at all times.
Water-borne, food-borne, and other infectious diseases (including tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis, brucellosis and rabies) occur with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling.
Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water.
Avoid ice cubes, unpasteurised dairy products, and raw and undercooked food.
|
|
|
|
|
For service in restaurants, cafes or taxis, the bill is usually rounded up. |
|
|
|
Time zones and time differences
Georgia is six hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time - from March to October and seven hours behind from November to February.
To find out the current time in Tbilisi, view the World Clock.
|
|
|
|
Dialling codes
Georgia's country code is 995.
For calls to Georgia from Australia dial: 0011 + 995 + area code + telephone number
For calls from Georgia to Australia dial: 810 + 61 + area code + telephone number
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
|
|
|
|
|
Although the business day runs from 9.00am to 6.00pm, the best contact time is 10.00am to 5.00pm.
|
|
|
|
Public holidays
January 1-2 – New Year’s Day
January 7 – Christmas (Orthodox Church)
January 19 – Epiphany (Orthodox Church)
March 3 – Mothers' Day
March 8 – International Women's Day
April 9 – Memorial Day
April 21 – Good Friday
April 24 – Easter Monday (Recollection of Deceased)
May 9 – Victory Day
May 12 – St Andrew's Day
May 26 – Independence Day
|
|
|
|
|
Electricity and water
Georgia's power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The two-pin plugs are used.
|
|
|
|
|
Tourist attractions
Experience the old town with its cafes, tea houses, mosques and synagogues. There are sulphur baths in the old town in Tbilisi, shopping at Rustaveli and Chavchavazade Ave, art shops and galleries at Vake and Vera districts, and Sioni Church.
In the summer, enjoy the ‘floating tables’ down the river Mtkvari when dining out.
There is also a 20-minute scenic drive out of downtown Tbilisi to Georgia's ancient capital, Mtskheta.
|
|
|
|