SIM Сards in Georgia: How to Buy if You Are a Tourist

From this article you will learn where a tourist can buy a SIM card in Georgia, what documents are required to make the purchase. We will compare offers of international and local providers, will let you know how to find retail outlets that will help you choose a suitable tariff and activate the starter package.

You will also learn whether you can use eSIM technology in Georgia and why it is convenient.

Georgia: SIM cards for travelers

The most popular SIM cards in Georgia for travelers are prepaid starter packs:

• physical SIM cards of local mobile operators;
• virtual eSIM cards.

Physical SIM cards are offered by three mobile operators in the country. Communication l quality is excellent, with 3G working even in remote mountainous areas. And in major cities, everyone uses 4G at a comfortable speed. There are official points of sale in Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi, where salespeople speak English and will help you choose a data plan.

But it is not necessary to understand the terms and conditions of Georgian mobile operators, because there is a more innovative solution for communication — eSIM technology. The main condition is that your gadget must support the virtual chip. You can check it, for example, on a special page of Yesim provider.

The main conveniences of using a virtual eSIM card are:

• eSIM virtual chip cannot be damaged or lost — it cannot be removed from the smartphone;
• you can switch between data plans of different providers;
• suitable for smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart watches;
• supports nano-SIM in a smartphone.

Where to buy a SIM card in Georgia

It is convenient to buy a tourist SIM card in Georgia immediately upon arrival in the country. There are points of sale at the airports of Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi and in the central part of the cities. For example, in Tbilisi the flagship stores of all local Georgian operators are located on Rustaveli Avenue. You can also buy a SIM card in Georgia at supermarkets or petrol stations.

You can buy a physical Georgian SIM card beforehand. To do this, you need to make a purchase online at Amazon or eBay. The cost will be slightly higher than buying in Georgia. Also consider the international shipping terms.

If you prefer a virtual eSIM card, you can activate it both before you arrive in the country and immediately after crossing the Georgian border. For example, if you have installed the Yesim provider application, the activation and connection procedure will take only a few minutes. Therefore, from this point of view, using eSIM technology is an easier and more convenient way than purchasing physical SIM cards.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card in Georgia

Before looking for where to buy a SIM card in Tbilisi, be sure to have your ID card ready — you will be asked to show it when purchasing. No other confirmation such as an open bank account or any proof of official residence is needed.

Using eSIM technology is even easier. The virtual chip is already embedded in your smartphone, so you only need to select and activate a suitable tariff on the operator's website. This is enough to use mobile Internet with good speed throughout the territory of Georgia.

Read also: What is eSIM and how does it work

The best prepaid SIM cards in Georgia

Let's take a look at the terms and conditions of data plans for tourists offered by international providers and Georgian mobile operators.

Yesim

To connect mobile internet in Georgia with high quality connection, download Yesim app. This international provider has a wide range of data plans, favorable referral programs, and you can connect a virtual number. In addition, Yesim profile can be a point for exchanging mobile data with other devices — there is no additional charge for this service. The application is suitable for both iOS and Android.

Actual data plans for Georgia are:

• 3 GB for 7 days — 10 EUR;
• 5 GB for 15 days — 13.50 EUR;
• 10 GB for 30 days — 20 EUR;
• 20 GB for 30 days — 28 EUR.

There are also offers for unlimited internet:

• 7 days — 21 EUR;
• 15 days — 41 EUR;
• 30 days — 55 EUR.

Read also: eSIM vs SIM: what's the difference

Geosell

The Georgian operator offers tourists physical SIM cards and the following data plans:

• Tourist start — 30 minutes of calls within the country and 15 minutes abroad, unlimited number of SMS,4000 MB traffic, valid for 15 days, cost is approximately 5 EUR.
• Tourist — 30 minutes of calls within the country, unlimited internet and SMS, valid for 7 days, cost is approximately 5 EUR.
• Tourist unlimited — unlimited in-network calls, 30 minutes for international calls, unlimited number of SMS and traffic, valid for 15 days, cost is approximately 10 EUR.

Cellfie

This mobile operator offers tourists the following data plans for physical SIM cards in Georgia:

• Start — 1 EUR for 30 days, 500 MB, unlimited on-net, 50 minutes to other networks, unlimited number of SMS messages.
• Optimum — 2.75 EUR for 30 days, 3 GB, unlimited on-net and SMS, 300 minutes on other networks.
• Optimum+ — 4 EUR for 30 days, 10 GB, unlimited in-network and SMS.
• Platinum — 8.59 EUR, 30 days, 20 GB, unlimited for all destinations and unlimited number of SMS messages.

Magti

Magti has the following data plans for physical SIM cards:

• 5000 MB, unlimited number of in-network SMS and MMS for 15 days — 5 EUR.
• 3000 MB, 30 minutes to foreign destinations, unlimited in-network calls, SMS and MMS for 15 days — 10 EUR.

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