City in Imereti, Georgia
Kutaisi
A small, friendly city that Wizz Air and Ryanair flights make Georgia's budget gateway. Easy base for Prometheus Cave, Martvili Canyon and Gelati; a quiet day or two in town itself.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$922–1,380Comfortable, one person · ₾2,400–3,600Details
- Value for money78/100Better value than 77% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 33°CDetails
- Internet52 MbpsFixed broadband, Georgia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilLocals drink tap water, but quality varies by building; bottled water is cheap and safer for short stays.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$23–58Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in restaurants and chains; carry lari for markets, marshrutkas, small guesthouses and caves.Details
Where to stay in Kutaisi
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| City center (Rustaveli) | Walkable cafés, markets, Colchis Fountain and the Bagrati hill |
| Gora area | Quieter residential streets with views over the Rioni |
| Near the airport | Only for late or early flights; few services |
Apps that work in Kutaisi
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bolt | Works well in town and from the airport |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram
- Taxis: Taxis rarely use meters, so agree the fare. Many visitors book airport transfers ahead.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Georgia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in restaurants and chains; carry lari for markets, marshrutkas, small guesthouses and caves.
- 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 Kutaisi solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kutaisi meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.