Mobile operators in Georgia: which to choose
Georgia has three main mobile operators. Each offers tourist packages, but coverage and pricing differ significantly.
Magti — market leader
Magti is the largest operator with 1.8 million subscribers and 4G/5G coverage across 99% of populated territory. This is my personal choice — signal holds even on the Georgian Military Highway and in the Kazbegi mountains. Tourist package "Welcome to Georgia": 5 GB for 15 GEL (~$5.50) or 3 GB + calls for 30 GEL (~$11). Valid for 15 days.
Silknet
Silknet is the second largest operator. Unlimited data for 7 days at 10 GEL (~$3.70) — the cheapest option. Coverage in mountain areas is weaker than Magti, but works perfectly in Tbilisi, Batumi, and on main highways.
Cellfie
Cellfie is the budget operator. Lowest prices but coverage limited to major cities. Not suitable for mountain excursions. If you're only visiting Tbilisi and Batumi — it works.
| Operator | Plan | Data | Price | Duration | Mountain coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magti | Welcome 15 | 5 GB | 15 GEL ($5.50) | 15 days | Excellent |
| Magti | Welcome 30 | 3 GB + calls | 30 GEL ($11) | 15 days | Excellent |
| Silknet | Tourist | Unlimited | 10 GEL ($3.70) | 7 days | Medium |
| Silknet | Tourist+ | Unlimited | 30 GEL ($11) | 30 days | Medium |
| Cellfie | Prepaid | 3 GB | 8 GEL ($3) | 30 days | Weak |
How to buy a SIM card as a tourist
At Tbilisi Airport
Right after passport control at Tbilisi Airport, you'll find Magti and Silknet desks. Open 24/7. You need only your passport. The whole process takes 5 minutes. Same prices as in town.
Kutaisi and Batumi airports also have desks, but they may be closed on late-night flights. If arriving late — buy an eSIM beforehand.
At operator stores
Magti and Silknet stores are on every other street in Tbilisi. Main locations: Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square, Vera district. Staff speak English. Full range of plans available, including monthly packages for longer stays.
eSIM for Georgia — the best option in 2026
If your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS and later, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+), this is the easiest way to get internet in Georgia. No store visits, no queues, no physical SIM swap.
What is eSIM
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card downloaded to your phone via QR code. Buy a plan online, scan the QR — and within 2 minutes you have working internet. Your home SIM stays in place for calls and SMS.
Compare eSIM plans for Georgia
Get eSIM before your flight — instant internet on arrival
No SIM swap. Activates in 2 minutes. Type "Georgia" below and click "Find".
Some links are affiliate. By purchasing eSIM through us, you get a discount.
How to activate eSIM: step by step
- Visit the eSIM provider website or download the app
- Select country "Georgia" and your preferred data plan
- Pay with card (Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay)
- Receive QR code via email
- On your phone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR
- Enable the eSIM after landing in Georgia — internet activates automatically
SIM vs eSIM vs roaming comparison
| Criteria | Local SIM | eSIM | Roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for 7 days | $3.70–5.50 | $4.50–9.00 | $15–80+ |
| Activation | 5 min at store | 2 min online | Automatic |
| Passport needed | Yes | No | No |
| Local number | Yes | No | No |
| Mountain coverage | Depends on operator | Via Magti/Silknet | Via Magti |
| Speed | 4G/5G | 4G | 4G (throttled) |
| Convenience | Need to find store | Buy → fly | Nothing needed |
Verdict: for most tourists, eSIM is the optimal choice. If you need a local number for calls (restaurant reservations, taxis) — get a local SIM as well. Roaming is the most expensive option — details in our separate guide.
Mountain coverage: Kazbegi, Svaneti, Truso
This is the key question. I take tourists on mountain routes every week and know exactly where signal exists and where it doesn't.
Kazbegi and Stepantsminda
On the Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi, Magti signal works on 90% of the route. In Stepantsminda itself — stable 4G. On the trek to Gergeti Trinity Church — signal weakens but WhatsApp works. At Jvari Pass — full 4G.
Svaneti (Mestia, Ushguli)
In Mestia, Magti coverage is available (3G/4G). In Ushguli — weak 2G, internet unreliable. On the Mestia–Ushguli road — expect 30–40 minute stretches without signal.
Truso Valley
In Truso Valley, Magti works until Ketrisi village, then drops out. On the trek to Abano mineral lakes — no signal for 2-3 hours. Download offline maps.
WiFi in Georgia: cafes, hotels, coworking
Georgia is excellent for remote work. WiFi is virtually everywhere and it's fast.
- Hotels and guesthouses — free WiFi in 95% of places. Speed 20–50 Mbps in Tbilisi, 10–20 in regions
- Cafes — free WiFi in most places. Best for work: Stamba, Fabrika, Erti Kava, The Curator
- Coworking — Impact Hub Tbilisi (from 25 GEL/day), Terminal (from 20 GEL/day), Lokal (from 15 GEL/day)
- Public — free WiFi in Tbilisi metro, Freedom Square, some parks
7 tips from a local guide
- Buy eSIM before your flight — you'll have internet from the first minute at the airport
- Download offline maps — Google Maps lets you save all of Georgia (~300 MB). Do it on home WiFi
- Keep your home SIM active — you'll need it for bank SMS codes. Just disable mobile data on it
- Magti for mountains, Silknet for cities — if only visiting Tbilisi and Batumi, Silknet at 10 GEL is perfect
- Top up via app — Magti and Silknet apps accept card payments. No need to find a terminal
- Save an offline translator — download Georgian language in Google Translate for offline use
- Save the guide's number — my WhatsApp is +995511272623. If connectivity fails, reach me through hotel WiFi
Don't forget to get travel insurance — mandatory for entering Georgia since 2026.
Need a guide in Tbilisi?
Timur — private guide, 500+ tours, rating 4.9. Tours across Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Kakheti.