Getting a local SIM card is just one of the first steps to settling comfortably in Georgia. Once you’re connected, you’ll want to plan your everyday life and understand the real costs of living. If you’re comparing different parts of the country, check this detailed Cost of Living in Georgia’s Top Cities 2025 breakdown to see how Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi differ in rent, food, and utilities. For those considering the seaside lifestyle, our complete guide on the Cost of Living in Batumi 2025 will help you budget realistically. Getting around is also easy — discover all transport options and the Batumi Card system in the Public Transportation in Batumi guide. And if you’re planning to work remotely from Georgia, don’t miss our Digital Nomad in Tbilisi Ultimate Guide to learn how to make the most of your stay in one of the region’s fastest-growing remote work hubs.
- ⚡ Fast setup: buy at airport or in-city shops; activation takes minutes.
- 📶 Good coverage: especially around Tbilisi/Batumi; Magti solid in rural/mountain areas.
- 💸 Budget-friendly: typical expat spend ~ 10–40 GEL/month (depends on data).
- 📲 eSIM available: Magti & Silknet widely support it; easy to switch phones.
- 🪪 Passport required to register SIM (standard KYC).
- 📅 Promotions change often → check current bundles in-app or in-store.
- 🌄 Remote areas: speeds can drop; choose provider with stronger rural coverage.
Main providers & coverage
| Provider | Strengths | Coverage snapshot | eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magti (MagtiCom) | Strong nationwide coverage; good speeds; frequent data promos. | Urban: Excellent · Rural/Mountain: Very good | Yes |
| Silknet (formerly Geocell) | Competitive city performance; solid 4G; bundled offers (home internet). | Urban: Very good · Rural: Good | Yes |
| Beeline | Often sharp pricing; simple prepaid; good for budget users. | Urban: Good · Rural: Fair–Good | Varies |
Rule of thumb: if you plan mountain trips or remote work outside major cities, start with Magti. For city-based stays, Silknet and Beeline are also strong value picks.
SIM Card in Georgia: Popular prepaid & eSIM options (typical ranges)
Bundles change often, but this is a realistic snapshot of what travelers/expats typically pick in 2025:
| Use case | What to ask for | Typical data | Validity | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short stay (tourist) | Tourist/weekly data pack | 3–10 GB | 7–14 days | 5–20 GEL |
| Remote worker (light) | Monthly data bundle | 10–20 GB | 30 days | 10–25 GEL |
| Remote worker (heavy) | High/Max data bundle | 25–50+ GB | 30 days | 20–40 GEL |
| eSIM convenience | Convert to eSIM in-store | Same as above | As plan | eSIM fee may apply |
Where to buy: airport vs city
✈️ Airport kiosks
- Fastest option after landing; English usually spoken.
- Occasional tourist bundles; slightly fewer choices than city shops.
- Bring your passport for registration.
🏙 Carrier stores (city)
- Full range of plans & eSIM conversions.
- Staff can help set APN, apps and auto-top-up.
- Good for long stays or special requests (multi-SIM, routers).
🟦 PayBox/retail partners
- Convenience stores & PayBox terminals sell SIMs/top-ups.
- English support may be limited; still straightforward.
- Always keep the purchase receipt until your SIM is active.
Activation, APN & setup
- Bring your passport to register the SIM (required).
- Choose a number & plan (ask for current promos in English).
- Insert SIM / load eSIM (QR code scan for eSIM; physical SIM for dual-SIM phones).
- APN settings (usually auto):
- Magti APN: internet
- Silknet APN: internet
- Beeline APN: internet
- Download the carrier app to manage bundles in English.
If data doesn’t start immediately, toggle Airplane mode, or power-cycle your phone. Ensure Data Roaming is ON if you’re using an eSIM set as secondary line.
How to top up & manage your number
- 📱 Carrier apps: Magti, Silknet, Beeline (English UI on most devices). Add a bank card and renew bundles in seconds.
- 🟦 PayBox terminals: Ubiquitous in cities; cash top-ups; keep the printed slip.
- 🏪 Shops & supermarkets: Ask for “top-up + your number,” then activate a bundle in the app or via short code.
- 🌐 Online top-ups: Some carriers allow foreign cards on web/app; if it fails, PayBox is the fastest backup.
Roaming vs buying local SIM/eSIM
International roaming is convenient but usually pricier than a local SIM. A local Georgian SIM/eSIM gives you:
- Much lower data cost for everyday use.
- Local number for deliveries, taxis and banking SMS.
- Better speeds/latency on local networks.
If your home carrier offers a truly competitive roaming day-pass, you can use it for the first 24–48h and switch to a local SIM once settled.
Practical tips & safety
- 🔒 Register to your passport and keep the SIM packaging until fully active.
- 📶 Coverage for trips: for mountains and remote valleys, Magti tends to be the safe bet.
- 📵 Spam calls: Rare but possible — block numbers from within your phone dialer.
- 🔁 Dual-SIM strategy: keep your original SIM for banking codes; put the Georgian line as primary data.
- 🧾 Keep receipts for top-ups, especially from PayBox, until balance shows in app.
FAQ
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM?
Yes. SIM registration is required. The shop will scan or note your passport details.
Can I get an eSIM instead of a physical SIM?
Yes. Magti and Silknet widely support eSIM on prepaid lines. Ask staff to convert your line to eSIM if you prefer it.
How much should I budget per month?
Most expats spend 10–40 GEL/month depending on usage. Heavy remote workers who tether laptops may need larger bundles.
Which provider is best for Tbilisi? For Batumi? For mountains?
In major cities, all three are competitive. For mountains/remote areas, Magti tends to have stronger reach.
Where can I check current promotions?
Inside each carrier’s app (or at their stores). Promo bundles rotate frequently, so ask before topping up.
Plan the rest of your setup in Georgia
- 📦 Moving to Georgia: step-by-step checklist for 2025 (visas, docs, housing).
- 🚍 Public transportation in Batumi: Batumi Card, routes, fares & tips.
- 💰 Cost of Living: realistic monthly budgets for Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi.
- 🏦 Open a bank account as a foreigner: requirements, banks & timelines.