Expatriates Forums in Georgia

Travelling to Georgia: some questions

Writer-Ukraine — Fri Sep 11, 2009 2:28 pm

Author: Writer-Ukraine

Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 2:28 pm

Hi,

I’m a 24 year-old British translator and editor, currently working in Kyiv, Ukraine. I’ve been planning a journey through the Caucasus and Central Asia for a couple of years – I’m writing a collection of travel stories - and it looks as if next spring I’ll finally have the time and money to make it happen.

I have a degree in Russian, and studied in Russia before moving to Ukraine, but I have always been captivated by the culture in the satellite states. I have read a fair amount about Georgia, but haven’t found much information that is helpful for planning a journey.

So, my questions are:

- How easy/safe is it to move across the country, and across borders? How expensive/reliable are trains and marshrutki?

- What are the visa requirements for short-term, tourist stays?

- How widely is Russian spoken in towns and cities? Do people react to foreigners positively or negatively?

- How many expats are there, generally?

- What are Georgia’s landmarks? – (not necessarily the biggest tourist attractions, but the places that best represent the country and its people).

- What is a realistic daily budget (two meals, transport and accommodation)?

Apologies if I’ve asked any questions that appear a hundred times on the forum. I’d be very grateful for any advice, ideas and information.

Thanks,

Jon

DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN GEORGIA / EMBASSIES IN GEORGIA

Georgia Info — Wed May 09, 2007 3:29 am

Author: Georgia Info

Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 3:29 am

DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN GEORGIA

ARMENIA
Embassy of Armenia
4 Tetelashvili Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 951-723/ 964-286
Fax: (+995 32) 990-126
E-mail: armemb@caucasus.net

AZERBAIJAN
Embassy of Azerbaijan
Nutsubidze Street 47,
Vacke-Saburtalo District,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 252-639/ 253-526/ 7/ 250-014
Fax: (+995 32) 250-013
E-mail: azembassy@internet.ge

BULGARIA
Embassy of Bulgaria
61, D. Agmashenebeli Avenue,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 910-194/ 5
Fax: (+995 32) 910-270
E-mail: bgembassy.georgia@gol.ge
Website: www.bulgaria.bg/Asia/Tbilisi/

CHINA
Embassy of China
52, Barnov Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 252-175
Fax: (+995 32) 252-283
E-mail: yfarm@access.sanet.ge

CZECH REPUBLIC
Embassy of Czech Republic
Chavchavadze Avenue,
37, Block VI,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 916-740/ 41/ 42
Fax: (+995 32) 916-744
E-mail: tbilisi@embassy.mzv.cz
Website: www.mzv.cz/tbilisi

FRANCE
Embassy of France
15, Goguebachvili Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 999-976
Fax: (+995 32) 953-375
Website: www.ambafrance-ge.org

GERMANY
Embassy of Germany
20, Telavi Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 447-300
Fax: (+995 32) 911-521
E-mail: info@tiflis.diplo.de
Website: www.tiflis.diplo.de

GREECE
Embassy of Greece
Tician Tabldze Street 37,
Vake,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 445-600
E-mail: grembgeo@access.sanet.ge

ISRAEL
Embassy of Israel
61, D. Aghmashenebeli,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 942-705/ 964-457
Fax: (+995 32) 955-209
E-mail: info@tbilisi.mfa.gov.il

ITALY
Embassy of Italy
Chitadze 3a,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 996-418
Fax: (+995 32) 996-415
E-mail: ambita.tbilisi@access.sanet.ge
Website: www.ambtbilisi.esteri.it

KAZAKHSTAN
Embassy of Kazakhstan
27, Orbeliani Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 920-448
E-mail: dmkazaida@inbox.ru

LATVIA
Embassy of Latvia
17, Rezo Tabukashvili Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 936-564
Fax: (+995 32) 936-564
E-mail: embassy.georgia@mfa.gov.lv

LITHUANIA
Embassy of Lithuania
27, Tengiz Abuladze Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 912-933
Fax: (+995 32) 221-793
E-mail: amb.ge@urm.lt

NETHERLANDS
Royal Embassy of the Netherlands
20, Telavi Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 276-200
Fax: (+995 32) 276-232
E-mail: tbi@minbuza.nl , nlgovtbi@access.sanet.ge

POLAND
Embassy of Poland
Zubałaszwili 19,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 920-398
Fax: (+995 32) 920-397
E-mail: ambpolgruzja@access.sanet.ge , konspolgruzja@internet.ge

ROMANIA
Embassy of Romania
Lvov, No.7,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 385-310/ 210
Fax: (+995 32) 385-210
E-mail: ambasada@caucasus.net

RUSSIA
Embassy of Russia
Chavchavadze 51,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 912-406/ 645
Fax: (+995 32) 912-738
E-mail: russianembassy@Caucasus.net , georgia-mid@yandex.ru
Website: www.georgia.mid.ru

SWITZERLAND
Embassy of Switzerland
Krtsanisi 11,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 753-001/ 02
Fax: (+995 32) 753-006
E-mail: vertretung@tif.rep.admin.ch

TURKEY
Embassy of Turkey
61, D. Aghmashenebeli,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 252-072/ 3/ 4/ 6/ 952-014
Fax: (+995 32) 951-810
E-mail: tiblisbe@mfa.gov.tr , tiflisbe@dsl.ge

UKRAINE
Embassy of Ukraine
75, Oniashvili Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 311-161
Fax: (+995 32) 311-181
E-mail: emb_ge@mfa.gov.ua , ukraina@access.sanet.ge
Website: www.uaembassy.ge

UK
British Embassy
GMT Plaza,
4, Freedom Square,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 274-747
Fax: (+995 32) 274-792
E-mail: british.embassy.tbilisi@fco.gov.uk
Website: www.britishembassy.gov.uk/georgia

USA
Embassy of the United States
11, George Balanchine Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 277-000
Fax: (+995 32) 532-310
Website: www.georgia.usembassy.gov

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN GEORGIA / GEORGIA HOTEL GUIDE

Georgia Info — Tue May 08, 2007 12:30 pm

Author: Georgia Info

Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 12:30 pm

HOTELS DIRECTORY IN GEORGIA

British House
32 Belinski Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 988-783/ 923-998
Fax: (+995 32) 982-937
Email: british-house@internet.ge
Website: www.british-house.ge

Courtyard Tbilisi
Freedom Square 4,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 779-200
Website: www.courtyard.com

Marriott Hotel Tbilisi
13 Rustaveli Avenue,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 779-200
Website: www.marriott.com

Primavera Hotel
8 Kuchishvili Street,
Tbilis
Phone: (+995 32) 251-146
Fax: (+995 32) 251-147
Email: primavera@primavera.ge
Website: www.primavera.ge

Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel
20 Telavi Ulitsa,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 946-444
Website: www.sheraton.com

Villa Berika Hotel
9 Dzotsenidze Street,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 942-506
Website: www.villaberika.com.ge

Vip Victoria Hotel
Arakishvili 1st al. 3,
Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 291-877
Fax: (+995 32) 251-651
Email: victoria@global-erty.net
Website: www.victoria.com.ge

GETTING AROUND IN GEORGIA / GEORGIA TRANSPORTATION GUIDE

Georgia Info — Tue May 08, 2007 12:16 pm

Author: Georgia Info

Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 12:16 pm

GETTING AROUND IN GEORGIA

BY AIR

Domestic flights operated by Airzena Georgian Airlines (website: www.airzena.com) run between Tbilisi and Butani, Kutaisi and Senaki.

BY RAIL

In total, Georgia has almost 1600km (987 miles) of railway. The Government has now restored order on the railway, which had suffered from fuel shortages, armed attacks on trains, sabotage of track and bridges, and there is now a fundamentally sound infrastructure. However, rail travel through the Russian border in the north and west is not possible owing to the conflict in Abkhazia and visitors are advised not to undertake long-distance rail travel. Rail passengers are advised to store their valuables in the compartment under the seat/bed and not to leave the compartment unattended. It is also a good idea to ensure the compartment door is secure from the inside by tying it closed with wire or strong cord. Reservations are required for all trains. There are two classes of trains, primarily distinguished by the comfort of the seats. Children under five years of age travel free and children from five to nine years of age pay half fare.

BY ROAD

Traffic drives on the right. Georgia has approximately 20,000km (12,428 miles) of asphalted roads, and there is an ambitious project to construct a motorway connecting the Black Sea ports to the border with Azerbaijan, passing through Tbilisi.

Bus

Buses are in poor condition and timetables change often and can not be relied upon.

Car

Travellers attempting to drive around Georgia independently should be aware that it is difficult to buy fuel without highly specialised local knowledge and that an adequate supply of fuel should be obtained in Tbilisi beforehand. Also, reliable road maps or signposts do not exist.

Documentation: It is possible for holders of an EU license to drive in Georgia but an International Driving Permit is required to hire a vehicle.

URBAN TRANSPORTATION

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.

GEORGIA TOURISM GUIDE / TOURISM IN GEORGIA

Georgia Info — Tue May 08, 2007 11:20 am

Author: Georgia Info

Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 11:20 am

GEORGIA TOURISM GUIDE

TBILISI

The capital of Georgia stands on the banks of the River Mtkvari, in a valley surrounded by hills. The name for the city derives from the word tbili (warm). It is best seen from the top of Mount Mtatsminda. With its warm climate, stone houses built around vine-draped courtyards, and winding streets, the city has a lively, Mediterranean atmosphere which was even present during the Soviet period. The old city, spreading out from the south bank of the river, has numerous frescoed churches (the most noteworthy being the sixth-century Sioni Cathedral), 19th-century houses with arcaded open galleries on the upper floors, a castle and a surprising number of cafes and enticing tourist shops selling locally produced arts and crafts. Prospekt Rustaveli, Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, features an assortment of stylish public buildings testifying to the city’s prosperity at the turn of the century. The Georgian State Museum on Prospekt Rustaveli houses a collection of icons, frescoes and porcelain, as well as an outstanding display of jewellery discovered in pre-Christian Georgian tombs. The Georgian Museum of Arts, in the centre of town, includes many works by the much-loved 19th-century ‘primitive’ artist, Niko Pirosmani.

The Narikala Fortress, first established by the Persians in the fourth century AD and most recently rebuilt in the 17th century, is a good vantage point for views over the old city. Visitors can still experiment with health-giving sulphur baths in a domed, oriental-style 19th-century bath house just north of the Metekhi Bridge. Popular with visitors today, Georgian sulphur baths were also frequented by writers such as Pushkin and Tolstoy. The open-air Museum of Ethnography, located in a western suburb, has interesting examples of rural buildings and artifacts. Davit Aghmashenebeli Prospekt is the base for the Georgian State Philharmonic Orchestra and the internationally known Georgian National Dance Troupe.

THE CAUCASUS

Mtskheta

Located 20km (12 miles) to the northwest of Tbilisi, this town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, predated Tbilisi as the capital of Ibera until the fifth century AD, and remained the center of Georgian Christianity until the 12th century. The 15th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Pillar of Life), standing at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, was the holiest place in old Georgia. According to legend, the church is built on the spot where Christ’s crucifixion robe was dropped to the ground in AD 328, having been brought from Jerusalem by a local Jew, and fragments of the robe are said to be kept inside the cathedral. The existing church has some impressive royal tombs, a fine icon stand and distinctive carved decoration, including bulls’ heads and semi-pagan fertility symbols. Also of interest are the Samtavro Monastery (still functioning although founded in the 11th century, it is famous as the burial place for the first Christian king, Mirian and his wife Nana) and the sixth-century Jvari Cathedral, the design of which became a prototype for Georgian ecclesiastical architecture.

Georgian Military Highway

Leading 220km (137 miles) from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz (formerly Ordzhonikidze) in North Ossetia (now part of the Russian Federation), this route was built by the Russians in the 19th century to help them control their conquered Georgian territories. The road winds through the dramatic mountain scenery of the high Caucasus, apparently little changed since the 19th-century novelist Lermontov described the route in A Hero of our Time. Sites of interest along the road include the 14th-century Tsminda Sameba Church (Holy Trinity), overlooking the mountain town of Kazbegi, and the city of Mtskheta.

Gori

The birthplace of Iosif Dzhugashvili, better known to the world as Stalin, lies 95km (59 miles) west of Tbilisi. The town has the last surviving public statue of Stalin in the former USSR, as well as a park and a museum devoted to Stalinist hagiography. The latter has been ‘temporarily’ closed for several years, ostensibly for renovation, but more probably to give the curators pause to decide how to display their exhibition in view of prevailing attitudes to the local hero. It also contains the ruins of a 12th-century fortress and a 16th-century church dedicated to St George.

Some 10km (6 miles) east of Gori is Uplistsikhe (Fortress of God), a large complex of natural caves. Inhabited from the sixth century BC to the 14th century AD, the caves were gradually transformed into increasingly sophisticated dwellings, shops and public buildings, including the most ancient theater in Georgia, dungeons and enormous wine cellars. The Ateni Sioni Church, 10km (6 miles) south of Gori, stands in a beautiful setting and is highly prized for its 11th-century stonecarvings and frescoes.

Tori

The spa town of Bordzhomi, 150km (93 miles) west of Tbilisi in the Tori region, produces much acclaimed mineral water. It is possible to hike in the surrounding hills. Bakuriani is located 29km (18 miles) southeast of Bordzhomi at an altitude of 1700m (5580ft). Before the current breakdown of order, Georgian tourist authorities were working to promote the studarui on the Georgian Military Highway as an international ski resort, proclaiming its clean air, uncrowded slopes and marvelous setting. There is a luxury hotel complex run by the same company that owns the Metekhi Palace in Tbilisi. 10km (6 miles) from Bakuriani, heading towards Bordzhomi, is the 12th-century Daba Monastery, and nearby a 60m (197ft) waterfall. During the summer it is also possible to visit Lake Tabatskuri, sunk into a hollow high in the mountains.

BLACK SEA COAST

Batumi

A seaside resort and port in the southwest of the republic, Batumi is the capital of the Ajarian Autonomous Republic. Close to the Turkish border (20km/12.5 miles), the town has a decidedly Turkish character, with a mosque and 19th-century bath house. However, its charm lies less in any particular sights than in its lush, subtropical setting, among citrus groves and tea plantations, with mountains rising up from the edge of the sea. The Ajarian Museum (with its superb national costume collection), the circus, park, Botanical Garden and the theater are also well worth visiting.

Sukhumi

The capital of Abkhazia, in the far northwest of Georgia, was until recently a relaxed, sunny port/resort, renowned for its beaches fringed with palms and eucalyptus trees, lively open-air cafes and cosmopolitan population. The ruined 11th-century Castle of the Georgian Bagratid King, the Botanical Gardens, Shroma Cave with its amazing stalactites and stalagmites, and the monkey-breeding farm were particular favourites among visitors. Abkhaz, Georgians, Greeks, Russians, Turks and others lived here in apparent harmony until recent years when the city was overtaken by civil war and thousands of refugees fled.

GEORGIA TRAVEL INFORMATION / GEORGIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Georgia Info — Tue May 08, 2007 11:12 am

Author: Georgia Info

Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 11:12 am

GEORGIA TRAVEL INFORMATION

Full Name

Georgia

Capital City

T'bilisi

Area

69,700 sq km
26,911 sq miles

Population

4,700,000

Time Zone

GMT/UTC +4

Languages

Georgian (official)

Belongs to the Kartvelian language family, which is related to the Caucasian languages - it has no linguistic connection to Russian.

Russian (other)

Most Georgians also speak Russian.

Armenian (other)

Azeri (other)

Religion

Georgian Orthodox (84%), Muslim (10%), Armenian Apostolic (4%)

Currency

Lari (GEL)

Electricity

220V 50HzHz

Electric Plug Details

European plug with two circular metal pins

Country Dialing Code

995