SIM Card in Georgia: Best Options for Tourists & Expats

Georgia offers some of the cheapest mobile data in Europe, making it easy to stay connected whether you're visiting for a week or relocating long-term. Three providers dominate the market: Magti, Silknet (formerly Geocell), and Cellfie (formerly Beeline). Each sells prepaid SIM cards at airports and city stores, with plans starting around 15 GEL ($5.50 USD). Here's everything you need to know before you land.

Quick Summary:

• Magti has the best coverage across Georgia, especially in rural and mountainous areas

• SIM cards cost 10 GEL ($3.70 USD), with tourist packages starting at 15 GEL ($5.50 USD)

• You need your passport to register a SIM card at any provider

• Unlimited monthly data costs around 32 GEL ($12 USD) - great for expats

• eSIMs work in Georgia but cost more than local prepaid SIMs

How to Get a SIM Card in Georgia

Getting a SIM card in Georgia takes about 10 minutes. All three major providers - Magti, Silknet, and Cellfie - have kiosks at Tbilisi International Airport in the arrivals hall. You can also buy SIM cards at Batumi and Kutaisi airports.

You will need your passport to register. No exceptions. The staff will ask you to choose a phone number from a printed sheet, then set everything up for you on the spot.

If you skip the airport, every provider has stores throughout Tbilisi, particularly along Rustaveli Avenue. Supermarkets like Carrefour and Goodwill also sell SIM cards, though staff may not speak English.

A quick note on providers: Magti has the strongest 4G/5G network and works best if you plan to travel outside major cities. Silknet comes in second with solid coverage. Cellfie offers the cheapest plans but has weaker coverage in rural areas and mountains - skip it if you're heading to Svaneti or Kazbegi.

The SIM card itself costs 10 GEL at Magti and Silknet. Cellfie sells theirs for around 5 GEL. From there, you add whatever data package you need.

Best SIM Card Plans for Tourists

Tourist packages are designed for short stays of 7 to 30 days. Here's what each provider offers:

Magti sells two main tourist packages at the airport. The first gives you 5 GB of data plus free texting for 15 days at 15 GEL ($5.50 USD). The second includes 3 GB of data, unlimited calls and texts within Georgia, plus 30 minutes of international calls for 15 days at 30 GEL ($11 USD).

Silknet (Geocell) has a Tourist Pack with 4 GB of data, 30 minutes of local calls, unlimited SMS, and 15 minutes of international calls for 15 days at 15 GEL. They also offer unlimited data for 7 days at 15 GEL or 15 days at 30 GEL with full call and text packages.

Cellfie gives you the most data for the price - 30 GB for 25 GEL ($9 USD) valid for 30 days. The catch is their network coverage drops significantly outside Tbilisi and Batumi.

For most tourists, the Magti 15 GEL package with 5 GB works well. If you need more data, buy the basic SIM card and add a separate data package through the MyMagti app - you can get 20 GB for 30 GEL with 30-day validity.

Best SIM Card Plans for Long-Term Expats

If you're staying in Georgia for months rather than weeks, avoid tourist packages entirely. Buy a regular SIM card (10 GEL at Magti) and add monthly data packages as needed.

Magti offers unlimited data for 32 GEL per month ($12 USD). Silknet matches this price. Cellfie undercuts both with 100 GB for 20 GEL, though again, their coverage suffers outside cities.

For data-only needs, Magti has flexible options: 5 GB for 12 GEL (30 days), 9 GB for 3 GEL (7 days during promotions), or weekly unlimited data for 9-10 GEL. The weekly unlimited option is popular among digital nomads who top up as needed.

If you need to make calls, purchase a separate minutes package. Magti offers 60 minutes for 5 GEL with 30-day validity. Most expats skip this since WhatsApp and Viber are standard in Georgia.

One important detail: to keep your number active, you must top up or use the SIM at least once every 60 days. The minimum top-up is just 1 GEL.

Spam texts were a problem until March 2024, when Georgia passed privacy laws restricting marketing messages. If you still receive them on Magti, dial *182# to opt out.

eSIM Options for Georgia

eSIMs offer convenience - install before you land and connect the moment your plane touches down. But they cost more than local SIMs.

Airalo sells Georgia eSIMs starting at $5.50 for 1 GB (7 days) up to $35 for 10 GB (30 days). Their plans use the Cellfie network, which means weaker coverage in mountains and rural areas.

Holafly offers unlimited data eSIMs starting around $19 for 5 days, scaling up to $35 for 10 days. Good if you hate tracking data usage, but expensive compared to local options.

Saily and GigSky provide similar pricing to Airalo with comparable coverage.

Here's the reality: a local Magti SIM with 20 GB costs $11, while an eSIM with 10 GB runs $28-35. If your phone supports dual SIM, you can keep your home number active while using a cheap Georgian physical SIM for data.

Magti does offer eSIMs at the same price as physical SIMs (10 GEL), but you still need to visit a store with your passport to register. This defeats the main convenience of eSIMs.

Bottom line: eSIMs make sense if you want connectivity the second you land or your phone lacks a physical SIM slot. Otherwise, save money with a local prepaid SIM.

FAQ

Can I buy a SIM card at Tbilisi Airport?

Yes. Magti, Silknet, and Cellfie all have kiosks in the arrivals hall at Tbilisi International Airport. They operate during flight arrivals, though hours can be limited for very early or late flights. Bring your passport - you cannot register a SIM without it.

Which provider has the best coverage in Georgia?

Magti has the best overall coverage, especially in mountainous regions like Svaneti, Kazbegi, and Vardzia. Silknet comes second with decent coverage in most tourist areas. Cellfie has the weakest network and should be avoided if you plan to travel outside major cities.

How much does a tourist SIM card cost in Georgia?

Tourist packages range from 15-30 GEL ($5.50-$11 USD). The SIM card itself costs 10 GEL at Magti and Silknet. Budget around 25-40 GEL total for a SIM with a solid data package for a two-week trip.

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card?

Yes, always. Georgian law requires ID registration for all SIM purchases. Staff will scan your passport and link it to your new number. No passport, no SIM - no exceptions at official stores.

Is it cheaper to buy a SIM card in the city or at the airport?

City stores sometimes offer slightly better deals on data packages, but the difference is minimal. Airport convenience usually outweighs saving a few GEL. If you arrive late at night when airport kiosks are closed, head to a city store the next day.

Can I use my Georgian SIM card in Armenia or Azerbaijan?

Georgian SIMs do not include coverage in neighboring countries. You will need to buy a local SIM in Armenia or Azerbaijan, or activate roaming packages which are expensive. Most travelers just buy a new SIM at each border.

How do I top up my Georgian SIM card?

Download the provider's app - MyMagti, MySilknet, or Cellfie. You can top up with international credit cards through the app or website. Alternatively, buy top-up vouchers (called Mono Cards) at supermarkets and kiosks throughout Georgia.

Will my phone work with Georgian SIM cards?

Your phone must be unlocked to use a Georgian SIM. Check with your home carrier before traveling. Georgian networks use standard GSM frequencies (900/1800 MHz for 2G, 900/2100 MHz for 3G, and bands 1, 3, 8, 20 for 4G), which work with most international phones.

How do I stop spam messages on my Georgian SIM?

Dial *182# on Magti and follow the prompts to opt out of marketing messages. Since March 2024, Georgian law restricts unsolicited advertising, but some messages may still slip through. You can also dial *297# to block ads from specific companies.

Is there 5G in Georgia?

Yes. Magti launched 5G across Georgia in October 2024, covering Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and other populated areas. Cellfie and Silknet also offer 5G in limited zones. You need a 5G-compatible phone and a plan that supports it.

Conclusion

Getting connected in Georgia is simple and cheap. Grab a Magti SIM at the airport for the best coverage, or go with Cellfie if you're staying in Tbilisi and want maximum data for minimum cost. Expats can enjoy unlimited monthly data for around $12 - hard to beat anywhere in Europe. Skip the international eSIMs unless convenience matters more than cost. Your passport and 15-30 GEL is all you need to stay online throughout your trip.