Mobile & Internet in Georgia

Staying connected in Georgia is easy, fast and cheap — one of the quiet advantages for remote workers, students and new arrivals. Getting set up usually takes minutes, and prices are low by international standards.

Getting a SIM

Three operators dominate the market: Magti, Silknet and Cellfie. You can buy a prepaid SIM with typically using your passport at the airport on arrival, at operator branches, or in many shops and kiosks. Activation is quick, and you can top up online or in shops. For a longer stay, compare the operators’ current data bundles, as plans and promotions change often. For a side-by-side comparison of the three — coverage, eSIM, home internet and how to choose — see mobile operators in Georgia.

Mobile data and coverage

Mobile data is inexpensive and bundles are generous. 4G coverage is strong in cities and along main routes, with service thinning in remote mountain areas. For most people a prepaid data plan is more than enough for work, navigation and streaming.

eSIM

All three major operators currently offer eSIM for compatible devices— you can sometimes set up a line without a physical SIM. Availability and plans vary, so confirm directly with the operator. An eSIM is also the usual answer for people who registered a business in Georgia before arriving and now need a local number to operate it — see the section below.

The number is your key to government and banking

Georgian government and financial services authenticate you with a one-time code sent by SMS to a Georgian number. Many government and banking services are designed to authenticate users through SMS sent to a Georgian mobile number. In practice, relying solely on a foreign number can make it difficult or impossible to use certain online services.

In practice, a local number is what gates:

• the Revenue Service (rs.ge) — activating your taxpayer account, applying for Small Business Status, and filing the declaration;
• Public Service Hall and government e-services;
• your bank account — authentication codes, transaction confirmations and security notifications.

The trap is specific to people who set things up remotely. You can register an Individual Entrepreneur from abroad through a Power of Attorney, and a representative can complete that registration for you. Although a representative can complete the registration process, they cannot permanently operate your personal banking or tax accounts on your behalf and each of them wants a Georgian number.

So if you are arriving to finish a business setup, get the SIM or eSIM first, before the bank and before the tax portal. It takes minutes and unblocks everything downstream.

If you later change your Georgian mobile number, remember to update it with your bank, the Revenue Service and any other government services that use SMS authentication.

Home internet

Fixed fibre broadband is widely available in cities, mainly through Magti and Silknet, at low monthly prices. Connecting an apartment is usually straightforward; if you rent, the property may already have a line you can transfer or reactivate — the renting a home guide covers the lease side. Reliable, fast home internet is part of why Georgia works well as a base for digital nomads.

Regulation and plans

The sector is overseen by the Georgian National Communications Commission (ComCom), while operators set their own retail tariffs. Because promotions and bundle sizes change frequently, treat any specific plan you read about as a snapshot and check the operator’s current offer when you buy.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a SIM card in Georgia?

Buy a prepaid SIM from one of the main operators — Magti, Silknet or Cellfie — at the airport, a branch or many shops. You generally just need your passport, and activation is quick.

Is mobile data expensive?

No. Prepaid mobile data is inexpensive by international standards, with generous bundles, and coverage including 4G is good in cities and along main roads.

Can I get home internet?

Yes. Fixed fibre broadband is widely available in cities at low prices, mainly through Magti and Silknet. Connection in an apartment is usually fast to arrange.

Is there eSIM support?

The main operators increasingly support eSIM, which is convenient for arriving travellers. Check current eSIM availability and plans directly with the operator.

Do I need a Georgian number to run a business or use government services?

In practice yes. Georgian government and financial services authenticate you with a one-time code sent by SMS to a Georgian number, and a foreign number is often not accepted. That means a local number gates the Revenue Service portal (rs.ge) — including the monthly declaration that is due even with no income — the Public Service Hall e-services, and your bank account. If you registered an Individual Entrepreneur remotely through a representative, they can complete the registration but cannot operate the tax account or bank access for you indefinitely. Get the SIM or eSIM before the bank and the tax portal, not after.

Who regulates telecoms in Georgia?

The Georgian National Communications Commission (ComCom) regulates the sector. Operators set their own retail plans, which change frequently.