Understanding Your Budget and Currency
The first step to an efficient trip is understanding the local currency and setting a realistic budget. Georgia uses the Georgian Lari (GEL). As of August 2026, 1 GEL is approximately ₹36. For a backpacker, a daily budget of 80-120 GEL (around ₹2,900–₹4,400)
is a comfortable range, covering a dorm bed, local meals, and transport. While cards are accepted in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, carrying cash is essential, especially for guesthouses, markets, and transport in smaller towns. ATMs are widely available, but it's wise to inform your Indian bank before you travel to avoid blocked cards.
Savvy Accommodation: Guesthouses and Hostels
Your biggest daily expense can be easily managed in Georgia. Instead of hotels, opt for the network of friendly guesthouses and modern hostels. In cities, a dorm bed in a well-regarded hostel like Fabrika or Envoy in Tbilisi can cost between 25-40 GEL (₹900-₹1,500). In mountain regions like Kazbegi or Svaneti, family-run guesthouses are the way to go. For about 50-70 GEL, you often get a private room and a home-cooked breakfast, offering incredible value and a chance to experience Georgian hospitality firsthand. Booking platforms are useful, but sometimes walking in or calling ahead can get you a better deal.
Eating Like a King on a Backpacker's Budget
Georgian food is a highlight, and you don’t need to spend much to enjoy it. The secret is to eat where the locals do. Start your day with a freshly baked Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) from a neighbourhood bakery for just a few Lari. For lunch and dinner, seek out small local restaurants for Khinkali (soup dumplings), which cost about 1-2 GEL per piece; five or six make for a very filling meal. For Indian travellers seeking vegetarian options, Georgian cuisine is surprisingly accommodating with dishes like Lobio (bean stew), Pkhali (vegetable pâté), and Badrijani Nigvzit (eggplant with walnut paste). Self-catering by shopping at local markets is another great way to save.
Smart Transportation: Marshrutkas and Metro
Getting around Georgia efficiently is key to managing your budget. For inter-city travel, the marshrutka (shared minibus) is your best friend. These vans connect all major towns and villages, are incredibly cheap, and offer a truly local experience. A trip from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, for instance, is a fraction of the cost of a private taxi. Within Tbilisi, the metro system is fast, efficient, and costs only 1 GEL per ride after you purchase a Metromoney card for 2 GEL. For other journeys, ride-hailing apps like Bolt are prevalent and offer prices far cheaper than street taxis, protecting you from getting overcharged.
Visa and Other Practicalities
Indian passport holders generally need an e-visa for Georgia, which can be applied for online through the official government portal. The process is straightforward, typically requiring your passport, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and mandatory travel insurance. However, if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries like the USA, UK, or Schengen states, you may be able to enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the latest regulations on the official Georgian e-visa portal before booking your travel, as rules can change.
