Shopping: how it works in Georgia — first-hand

From real experience

• When buying churchkhela in Georgia, prioritize products from Kakheti. Distinguish between safe sugar crystallization (white surface bloom) and actual mold (often found inside the walnut core). Store in paper, not plastic, to prevent moisture-induced spoilage.
• To order from Pinduoduo to Tbilisi, Georgia, register with a local international shipping service like Onex or Inex. Use the provided shipping address and your details when placing your order on Pinduoduo, and the service will handle the delivery from China to Tbilisi.
• Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Belarus may not be accepted in Georgia. While cards issued outside of Russia are generally preferred, it's important to verify acceptance of specific Belarusian bank cards. Russian bank cards are confirmed to be non-functional in Georgia. Carrying Georgian Lari (GEL) in cash is the most reliable payment method. Exchanging Russian Rubles to Lari is possible, but compare rates.
• Cilantro (kinza) is a common herb in Georgian cuisine. If you wish to avoid it, politely request dishes prepared without it. While some believe Georgian cilantro is milder or less prevalent than in other regions, it's advisable to check dish ingredients or inform your server. Specific dishes like Pkhali or Khinkali might be prepared with cilantro.
• Russian bank cards (Mir, Sberbank, Alfa-Bank, etc.) are generally not accepted in Georgia. Some Belarusian cards (specifically BNB Bank) may function, but this depends on the specific bank and payment system. It is highly recommended to carry cash (USD/EUR/RUB to exchange for GEL) as the primary payment method.
• In Georgia, payments can be made using Russian bank cards. For example, Alfa-Bank (Visa) is accepted in shops, pharmacies, and cafes without issues. However, it is advisable to have Georgian Lari in cash as there might be limitations, particularly for taxi services.

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