[2024 Update] The Best Georgian SIM Card for Tourists (original) (raw)

Your complete guide to choosing, buying and activating a Georgian SIM card in 2024 in Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi. Includes a comparison of the best mobile providers, instructions for topping up, useful hacks, and recommended apps for Georgia.

It’s easy to stay connected when visiting Georgia thanks to affordable data packages and good coverage, even in faraway mountain areas.

Whether you’re travelling around for a short period and need to use maps and ride-booking apps, or you’re working remotely from Georgia and need a reliable home connection, I always recommend picking up a local Georgian SIM card.

If you’re arriving in Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi, the process is the same.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to buy, activate and use a Georgian SIM card.

I’ll also detail my favourite mobile provider, explain how to top up, provide some info about using an eSIM, and share a few useful hacks I’ve picked up whilst living in Georgia.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Travel Georgia Like a Pro

Planning a trip to Georgia? Here are 5 essential resources that I recommend you check out.

  1. For private transfers in Georgia: GoTrip.ge. Find a professional, English-speaking driver. Prices are locked in when you book & you can stop wherever you want.
  2. For hiring a car in Georgia: Local Rent. Save money when you rent directly from a local agent. Pick-up & drop-off are available from any address in Georgia.
  3. For finding accommodations: Booking.com. This website has the biggest selection of properties in Georgia, including guesthouses in rural areas.
  4. For Tbilisi tours & day trips: Friendly.ge. Friendly.ge has knowledgeable guides, safe drivers & creative itineraries. I especially like their off-road tour to David Gareja.
  5. For tailored advice: Book a call with me! My Georgia Travel Consultation service is perfect if you need feedback on your itinerary or personalised travel tips.

Do I need a SIM card for Georgia?

The short answer is yes, you do.

Getting online is absolutely essential when travelling in Georgia, if for no other reason than you must use an app to book taxis in the bigger cities.

It’s handy to have access to Google/Yandex Translate on the go, and if you’re driving in Georgia, you will need data for navigating.

It also helps to have a local number in some situations, for example when reserving a room at the Tbilisi sulfur baths.

Having purchased somewhere in the neighbourhood of 35 different SIM cards over the years, I can confidently say that in my experience, Georgia is one of the easiest places in the world to buy and register a local SIM.

The process is quick and painless.

Given that it’s so affordable, there is really no reason not to pick up a Georgian SIM card when you arrive.

An old telephone inside a cute cafe in Kutaisi, Georgia.

An old telephone inside a cable car station in Chiatura, Georgia.

Can’t I just use WIFI / roaming?

WIFI is ubiquitous in Georgia. You’ll find free connections available at all hotels, guesthouses, shopping malls, cafes and restaurants – even in mountain regions and small villages.

Fun fact: Starlink launched in Georgia in November 2023, which should hopefully improve coverage in some remote areas over time.

In the capital, there’s a free public network, Tbilisi Loves You, available in the centre of the city. It can come in handy for emergencies, but it’s notoriously sketchy (and insecure).

Power outages are not uncommon in Tbilisi (especially in older buildings) so if you’re working remotely or you need a stable connection, it’s a good idea to have a SIM data package to tether off as a back-up in case your home WIFI network goes down.

Can you use an EU SIM card in Georgia? You can – but you may face exorbitantly high charges. Some EU carriers charge up to £6 per MB, making Georgia one of the priciest countries for data roaming.

For these reasons, I highly recommend buying a local SIM card in Georgia.

Important things to know before you buy a Georgian SIM card

Different SIM cards in Georgia

There are three main telco providers in Georgia: Magticom (Magti), Silknet (formerly Geocell) and Cellfie (formerly Beeline). All three have stores in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and smaller cities such as Telavi and Zugdidi.

Instead of providing a detailed comparison, I will cut to the chase: Magti is the best operator on the market.

I have been using Magti for three years with zero issues. In fact, every expat I know (and 99% of locals I’m friends with) use Magti.

While Cellfie (Beeline) is cheaper and may suffice for a Tbilisi trip, network coverage is poor outside the cities. Silknet has done a lot to improve their network over the past 12 months, but coverage is still nowhere near as good as Magti.

As an example – Cellfie (Beeline) and Silknet both have spotty coverage in locations such as Upper Svaneti and Vardzia.

Magti, on the other hand, worked well enough for me to make a video call from the Georgia-Russia border in Diklo in Tusheti, one of the highest and most remote villages in the country!

So far, the only place where my Magti SIM has failed me is Vashlovani Nature Reserve.

Mountain village of Dilko in Tusheti, Georgia.

Diklo in Tusheti – my Magti SIM worked perfectly here!

One area where Silknet is ahead of the curve is eSIMs. As of summer 2023, they have a newly launched eSIM that is easy to buy online and very cost-effective. More on that later.

Why Magti is my preferred provider

Magti is still my preferred mobile carrier for several reasons:

Superior coverage: Magti is known to have the best network coverage in Georgia (99% of the country’s populated areas, according to the website), including in remote and rural areas. Magti works well underground, so you can use your phone in metro stations in Tbilisi (though not on the metro itself) and in most cellar restaurants.

Fast speeds: Magti is currently on the ‘4.5G’ network. Speeds of up to 50 Mbps up/down are possible. My connection averages 25 up/down most days. Downtime is rare.

Fun fact: Speedtest.net currently ranks Georgia #59 in the world for mobile internet, with a median download speed of 33.67 Mbps and 22 milliseconds latency. In Georgia, all operators use LTE or Long-Term Evolution – AKA 4.5G.

Competitive prices: Magti offers some incredibly good deals on both data and calls/texts. I also love their promotion packages – I often buy unlimited data for 7 days for 9 GEL (3.35 USD). Magti ‘Cocktail’ packages allow you to mix and match data, calls and SMS for a great price. My only complaint is that the cost of the SIM card itself is quite high – currently 10 GEL for a physical or eSIM.

A complete guide to buying & activating a Georgian sim card. Includes a comparison of the best Georgian mobile providers plus instructions for topping up.

Magti SIM card.

Monthly packages: Most Magti packages have 30 days validity, which is great if you’re spending longer in Georgia than the 15 days a tourist SIM card allows.

Easy activation & friendly service: Magti is extremely simple to activate – no codes or validation means you can be in and out of the store in a matter of minutes. I always find Magti staff are polite and helpful, which is another huge plus.

Easy top up using the MyMagti App: Magti has a user-friendly mobile app for checking your balance and purchasing new packages with cash or an international debit card.

Tether-friendly: Magti (like all Georgian SIMs) allows hot spotting/tethering, meaning you can easily share your connection with other devices. Magti also offers its own MiFi device.

eSIM compatible: If you’re using the iPhone 14 or you just prefer to go card-free, you can buy and activate a Magti eSIM in-store or before you leave home. More details below.

Magti prices for 2024

Magti SIM card prices

* This price is for the SIM only. It includes 1 GEL of credit to put towards data, calls or SMS messages.

Magti data prices

Pure data packages can be purchased through the MyMagti app.

Note that if you top-up within 7 days, any remaining data you have left from the previous 30 days automatically rolls over.

Data prices (all 30 days validity) are as follows:

Standard tarifs

I always buy a pure data package and keep a few extra GEL on my balance for the rare occasion when I need to make a call or send an SMS.

Note that for most these prepaid bundles, any unused data or call credit will rollover as long as you top up within 7 days.

Check the Magti website for other Cocktail options and price updates.

Should you take the tourist SIM?

All telco providers sell preset data/call bundles at the airport. At Magti, they are called ‘Welcome Packages’.

It can be tempting to purchase one of these packages when you first arrive, but it might not be the best choice for you.

Magti’s airport offerings are constantly changing, and might differ between Tbilisi and Kutaisi. In Kutaisi, there are currently three unlimited data packages available, all of which include a SIM:

While the 7-day package is the same price as data purchased through the app, the second two packages are significantly more expensive.

In Tbilisi, Magti currently offers four packages, all of which include a SIM card and are valid for 30 days:

Consider that the first Welcome Package gives you 3 GB of data for 40 GEL, while a pure data package purchased through the app gets you 500%-plus more data – 23GB – for the same price.

The other packages are slightly better value. But consider that unlimited data for 30 days costs just 32 GEL when purchased through the app.

Also consider that most visitors will only need data, not call or SMS credit. Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and other messaging apps are popular in Georgia, and it’s likely your Airbnb/guesthouse host/tour guide/driver uses at least one of them. If I ever need to make a call in Georgia, I do it through WhatsApp or just draw from my cash balance on Magti.

For better value, I recommend waiting until you get into the city to buy a SIM card rather than buying one at the airport.

Tip: If you want to take a taxi to the city from the airport, you can use Bolt app on the airport WIFI. Just make sure you download and validate the app before you leave home – and use a VPN.

Where to buy a Georgian SIM card

Buying a SIM card at the airport

Magti has shops inside the arrivals hall at both Tbilisi Airport and Kutaisi Airport. They are open 24/7 (as long as flights are landing, there will be staff there.)

Magti shop at Tbilisi International Airport.

The red Magti kiosk at Tbilisi International Airport.

However, as mentioned above, these kiosks only sell tourist SIMs which are not necessarily the best value for money. Occasionally they might allow you to buy a regular SIM and top up with a minimum of 30-40 GEL – but not always.

If possible, I recommend you wait until you get into the city to visit a regular Magti store.

The only time you might need to buy a SIM at the airport is if you’re going straight to a location where there is no Magti store – for example Kazbegi or Mestia.

Tip: If you book an airport transfer with GoTrip, you can ask the driver to stop at a Magti store on the way to your destination for no extra charge.

Buying a SIM card in-store

Magti has dozens of offices all over Georgia, including in all major cities and most towns. There are two notable exceptions: There are no Magti stores in Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) or in Mestia.

See a full list of locations here.

A Magti sim card shop in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The Magti store on Aghmashenebeli Avenue in Tbilisi.

Note that most Magti stores are closed on Sundays. In Tbilisi, only a select few branches are open 7 days (including the one on Rustaveli Avenue). All branches are closed on national holidays.

There are more than 15 Magti locations in Tbilisi. The most convenient locations to downtown are:

In Kutaisi, you’ll find a Magti office on Saint Nino Street at the north-west corner of the park (open 9am-6pm Mon-Fri & 10am-5pm Sat-Sun).

And in Batumi, there is an office on Abashidze Street near the Old Town (open 9am-6pm Mon-Fri & 10am-5pm Sat-Sun).

If you are entering Georgia by land, there are Magti offices in Sadakhlo (after the Armenian border) and in Kabali and Gardabani (after the Azerbaijani border). The closest stores to the Turkish border crossing at Sarpi are in Batumi.

Buying an eSIM online

In 2021, Magti launched Georgia’s first eSIM. It costs the same as a regular SIM, 10 GEL, and can be purchased either in store or online from outside of Georgia.

For detailed instructions, see below in the eSIM section.

How to buy a Georgian SIM card at Magti: Step by step guide

Once you’ve decided which package or bundle you want to buy (and I do recommend deciding before you arrive at the store), it’s time to visit a Magti shop and get set up.

The process is quick and painless. Every Magti branch has at least one staff member who can speak fluent English.

Tip: Remember to bring your passport with you.

A shopfront in Tbilisi with Magti sim card company branding.

Magti shops are easily recognisable because of the bright-red signage.

  1. Take a number from the electronic ticket dispenser and wait to be called. (You can switch the language to English or just hit the big red button on the screen.)
  2. Ask the staff member for a new SIM card and your desired package. At this point, you can either choose your phone number (extra charges apply) or let the system select one randomly.
  3. Hand over your passport to register the SIM. If you’re buying multiple SIM cards, you only need one passport.
  4. The staff member will then install your SIM. Make sure you check that it’s working. There’s usually no set up required with Magti, but it might take a minute to kick into gear. If it doesn’t appear to be working, ask for assistance right away (don’t leave the store without checking).
  5. The clerk will write your phone number in marker pen on the plastic card your SIM popped out of. Hold onto this because you need your number to activate the MyMagti app. It also has your PUC code, which you’ll need if you swap the SIM to another phone.
  6. Sign the contract. There will be two copies, one for you and one for Magti. It’s in English so you can read it if you want – but it’s pretty standard. It’s a good idea to hold onto your copy.
  7. Make payment using cash or card.

How to buy an eSIM for Georgia

Depending on your needs, you might choose an eSIM (embedded SIM) over a traditional SIM card. I highly recommend going with a local provider – ideally Magti – so that A) you can get a local phone number, and B) you can connect to the country’s best data network.

Most ‘global’ eSIMs that you can buy online use an inferior network in Georgia. They are also unnecessarily expensive in my opinion.

Option 1: Magti eSIM (Georgia only)

As mentioned, Magti also offers an eSIM for 10 GEL that can be purchased in store or online.

To buy the eSIM online, you will first need to create an account on Magticom.ge using your email address in the place of a customer ID. Complete the verification process by providing a photo of your passport and face.

To buy an eSIM:

  1. Navigate to the online order page (here is a direct link)
  2. Select ‘purchase a number’ and set the price minimum and maximum to 0 GEL
  3. Pick a number, then copy it down somewhere handy
  4. Select ‘no promotional offer’ and proceed to the next step, where you should select ‘eSIM’
  5. Make payment with a card or using Google Pay

Important note: Sometimes foreign-issued cards will not work on the Magti website. I recently tried to buy an eSIM with my Wise card, and even though the payment was processed it showed as declined. If this happens, contact Magti’s customer support through the chat (quoting the phone number you just tried to purchase) and they will assist you to complete the transaction.

Until this issue is resolved, it is better to buy an eSIM in-store when you arrive in Georgia.

How to buy a Magti eSIM online for Georgia.

How to buy a Magti eSIM via the website.

Option 2: Silknet eSIM (Georgia only)

As an alternative, Silknet has a newly launched eSIM that offers competitive pricing. It’s also much easier to purchase online.

As with Magti, you get a local phone number that you can use for taxi apps etc.

A Silknet eSIM costs 5 GEL plus there is a 4 GEL new number fee. Packages start from 8 GEL. The ‘Tourist Unlimited’ package for 30 GEL (15 days validity) is a great option if you need unlimited data and uncapped local calls.

Buy a Silknet eSIM online here.

Option 3: Airalo Discover Global eSIM (multi-country)

If you plan on visiting other countries in the region before or after Georgia, a multi-country eSIM such as Discover Global might be worth investigating. It operates in 84 countries, including Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey (but not Armenia).

There are a couple of options available, including a 5GB plan for 30 days (priced at 35)anda10GBplanfor180days(pricedat35) and a 10GB plan for 180 days (priced at 35)anda10GBplanfor180days(pricedat59).

If you’re satisfied with a Georgian-only SIM, Airalo has a local eSIM for Georgia priced at 5.50 USD/1GB (7 days), 10 USD/2 GB (15 days), or up to 35 USD/10 GB. Note that this eSIM uses the Cellfie network, which is far from the most reliable. If you are spending time in the mountains you may experience difficulties getting online with this eSIM.

As I mentioned above, prices are quite high, and one downside with this type of eSIM is that it does not come with a local number.

Compare plans and order an eSIM via the Airalo website.

How to use the MyMagti App

One of the best things about Magti is the MyMagti App. I find it very user-friendly and easy to navigate (it’s all in English). I recommend downloading it as soon as you have your SIM card installed.

Use these links to download the app for iPhone or for Android.

Once you’ve installed the app, toggle to English in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Hit the registration button at the very bottom, then enter your phone number (it will be written on the plastic card you took home from the store).

You’ll then receive a 4-digit text message code to validate.

Set up a password (I used a six-letter word, no numbers or special characters are required) then you will be redirected to your account.

After that, it will keep you logged in, so you don’t have to sign on every time.

A complete guide to buying & activating a Georgian sim card. Includes a comparison of the best Georgian mobile providers plus instructions for topping up.

The MyMagti app (this is an older version of the interface).

There are a couple of things you can do with the app. Firstly, you can monitor your data and call balance. You can also use the app to purchase extra data and new packages.

If you have a Georgian bank account, you can set an auto top up to reload credit when your balance reaches a certain threshold – although I personally never turn these on because I’d rather have control over when I’m charged.

If you’re using an international card, you will need to put your details into the app each time you make a purchase.

Screenshots from MyMagti. Topping up your data balance is very easy using the app.

Screenshots from MyMagti. Renewing your data balance is very easy using the app.

You can also access promotions through the app, including very affordable unlimited data bundles.

These unlimited packages are a lifesaver if/when your home network drops out (depending on which Tbilisi neighbourhood you stay in, power outages can be quite common).

How to top up using cash or card

There are three ways to add credit to your Magti account:

  1. Go into a Magti store and top up with cash or card
  2. Top up with cash via a pay box
  3. Pay for any package separately via the app with a Visa/Mastercard/AMEX card

The first two options will add credit to your balance, which you then deduct from over time. If you prefer to top up with cash, using a 24/7 pay box is more convenient than going into a store, but it does incur a 4% fee.

If you want to top up with an international debit or credit card, you will need to choose your package first, then select card as your payment method and enter your details into the app. Payment is secure and protected by TBC Bank.

If you have a TBC or Bank of Georgia account, you easily can top up using internet banking.

How to block spam SMS messages

On March 1, 2024, Georgia enacted new privacy laws that make it illegal for businesses to send unsolicited advertising messages. If you are still receiving unwanted spam messages, try following the steps below.

To disable SMS spam on Magti, dial *182# and enter 1 into the dialogue box when prompted. You should also dial *297# to turn off ads from a specific company called MS Group.

This might not get rid of all the ads, but it will help.

Tip: If you receive an SMS message in phonetic Georgian, use this website to convert the Latin script into Georgian characters before running it through Google Translate. You can also use this website to write in Georgian using a Latin keyboard.

It’s also worth mentioning that expired phone numbers regularly get recycled in Georgia. So don’t be surprised if you get a phone call from someone expecting a friend or family member to answer. Some people are very persistent, too!

If this happens, you can say: ‘Inglisuri itsi?’ (do you know English?), or ‘Ar vitsi’ (I don’t know).

How can I check my balance?

If you need to check your data or credit balance on the go, you can either log into the MyMagti App and check the ticker, or dial *111*1# to receive a text message with your stats.

Why is my balance in the red?

If you’re wondering why your balance suddenly goes down, it’s because all mobile users are automatically deducted 0.5 GEL per month to subsidise the country’s 112 emergency hotline.

My balance often sits in the negative – it has never had any repercussions on my service.

Why isn’t my data working?

One common problem with SIM cards in Georgia is related to APN settings. If your data isn’t working, see this page for guidance.

Another issue I sometimes have is the network failing to connect after my data balance expires. To fix it, I top up my balance then toggle my network preferences from 4G to 2G and back again.

For any other issues, I recommend heading into a Magti store for assistance.

How long before my SIM card expires?

If you’re making multiple visits to Georgia and you want to keep using the same SIM, you can keep your Magti number active with a zero balance for up to 60 days.

There’s an option to pay 1 GEL to keep your number active for 180 days. Info here.

Will my SIM card work in Abkhazia?

No, Abkhazia and South Ossetia (Tskhinvali/Samachablo) have separate mobile networks. A regular Georgian SIM card will not work in these areas.

Will my Georgian SIM card work in Armenia?

As long as you activate roaming before you leave Georgia, your Magti SIM will work in Armenia (and in many other countries). Magti roaming starts from 5 GEL/25 MB.

I recommend buying a separate SIM card for Armenia when you arrive to save money and hassle. In Armenia, I recommend using Team Telecom.

Will my SIM card work in Azerbaijan?

Yes. But as with Armenia, you need to activate data roaming before you leave Georgia. Buying a SIM in Baku used to be harrowing process (on my first trip, it took us an entire morning to find a store that would sell us a SIM card) but the process has since been streamlined for foreigners.

Data prices in Azerbaijan are just as (if not more) affordable as Georgia. I use and recommend Azercell.

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