Mountain town in Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia
Kazbegi
Stepantsminda, the village below Gergeti Trinity Church and Mount Kazbek, is Georgia's easiest mountain trip: a three-hour ride from Tbilisi, good hiking and guesthouses. It is small and weather-exposed.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,150–1,730Comfortable, one person · ₾3,000–4,500Details
- Value for money60/100Better value than 59% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Aug, 23°CDetails
- Internet52 MbpsFixed broadband, Georgia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilVillage tap water is usually drunk locally, but visitors should prefer bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Getting aroundMarshrutka from Tbilisi DidubeWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work at larger guesthouses and restaurants; ATMs are limited, so bring cash for smaller guesthouses, shops and taxis.Details
Where to stay in Kazbegi
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Stepantsminda center | Guesthouses, cafés and the marshrutka stop |
| Gergeti side | Quieter stays on the way to the church trailhead |
Apps that work in Kazbegi
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram
- Taxis: No ride apps; negotiate with local taxi drivers or ask your guesthouse to arrange transfers and Gergeti trips.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Georgia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work at larger guesthouses and restaurants; ATMs are limited, so bring cash for smaller guesthouses, shops and taxis.
- Currency: Lari (GEL). US$1 ≈ ₾2.60 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank of Georgia and TBC ATMs are everywhere in towns; fees vary by bank. Decline dynamic currency conversion.
- Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10–15% service charge, so check the bill; otherwise about 10%. Round up taxi fares.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless foreign cards work widely, including on Tbilisi metro and buses.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Health and accident insurance covering at least 30,000 GEL for the whole stay is mandatory since January 2026; airlines and border guards may check.
- Many nationalities can stay a full year visa-free, which makes Georgia a long-stay nomad base; others apply on the e-visa portal.
- Since March 2026 foreigners need a work permit for local jobs; remote work for foreign employers or clients is exempt (April 2026 amendment).
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Magti, Silknet and Cellfie sell prepaid SIMs at Tbilisi and Kutaisi airports and city shops; bring your passport. Data packs are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Georgia
Going to Kazbegi solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.