Real experience of people from chats on «Transport» in Georgia — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Road trip statistics from St. Petersburg to Batumi: route via Moscow-Volgograd-Elista-Vladikavkaz-Kutaisi. Duration: 4 days. Fuel consumption: ~160 liters. Border crossing time (RU side): 40 minutes. Insurance cost: 7,400 RUB for 4 people/20 days. Important: Fuel availability issues reported in Budyonnovsk.
For obtaining a Georgian SIM card, Magti is a recommended provider, with offices located in city centers. To facilitate communication and currency exchange upon arrival, purchase a small amount of Georgian Lari (GEL) at the airport. For better exchange rates, exchange your Russian Rubles (RUB) in the city center. It is advisable to compare rates at multiple exchange offices. Consider using virtual bank cards for initial taxi payments if Russian physical cards are not accepted.
Automatically extended Russian driver licenses are not recognized in Georgia. Drivers must hold a current, non-expired license. It is recommended to have a valid document to avoid being denied entry or turned back at the border.
In Georgia, CNG (compressed natural gas) stations were more widespread than LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) stations until recently. Check local availability.
For a car registered in Georgia, third-party liability insurance (автогражданская) is issued for the vehicle itself, not for specific drivers. If you need multiple individuals to drive the car, ensure the policy covers all potential drivers or is structured to allow for different drivers. It is advisable to confirm if and when this insurance is typically checked by authorities.
Long-distance taxi services are available and common in Georgia (e.g., Kutaisi to Tbilisi, Kobuleti to Tbilisi). Services like Gotrip are recommended for booking such trips.
Traffic safety and weapons: Keeping kitchen knives or other sharp objects in the vehicle cabin can be classified as possession of a weapon and result in police fines. Such items must be kept in the trunk. Unpaid traffic fines can sometimes be addressed at bank branches in airports or major cities; however, local authorities are often lenient with tourists regarding immediate payment upon entry.
Child seats are rarely available in standard Georgian taxi apps like Yandex Go. Drivers frequently ignore requests for seats or lack them entirely. To avoid cancellations, specify that you are traveling with children in the order comments. Note that strict adherence to child restraint laws is low in practice.
Car rental in Georgia offers flexibility for various travel needs (city, mountains, coast). Starting from 50 GEL per day, services include no deposit, no prepayment, unlimited mileage, and full CASCO insurance. Free city delivery, airport pickup, in-car Wi-Fi, and child seats/boosters are often available. Over 100 vehicles in the fleet. Contact directly for personalized selection based on dates and budget.
When exchanging money in Batumi, look for places offering a favorable exchange rate. If unsure, ask locals or check multiple exchange points to compare rates. For car rentals, research reputable companies in advance or ask for recommendations from locals or fellow travelers.
It is possible to enter Georgia by car, leave the vehicle, and then fly out, including to a third country. To do this legally, submit a written statement to the customs office (Gümrük) indicating the address where the car will be stored. This procedure differs from some other countries, like Turkey.
User reports on gasoline availability, noting queues at gas stations along M1. A 30-liter limit on 95 octane gasoline was observed at 95 RUB per liter. Diesel fuel was available even in locations where gasoline was scarce.
Traveler driving a car to Georgia asks if medical insurance is mandatory and checked. Confirms car insurance can be obtained post-customs. Requests information on necessary documents if the car isn't registered to them and on criteria for medical insurance, including whether the cheapest option is acceptable.
Yandex Taxi operates in Georgia, but direct payment with Russian bank cards within the app is not possible. Payment is typically made in Georgian Lari (GEL) in cash. Uber and Bolt are also available as alternative ride-sharing services.
Road trip tips for Russia-Georgia route: avoid refueling directly at Vladikavkaz/Chmi to skip queues and fuel limits. Use apps like 'GdeBENZ' to track real-time fuel availability along the M4/Vladikavkaz route. Major fuel chains like Lukoil are reported to have better availability. Do not transport full fuel cans as it is prohibited; empty containers are generally accepted.
When paying for car rentals in Georgia, consider the exchange rates for different currencies. Paying directly in USD might be an option, but it's essential to compare the effective exchange rate against purchasing Russian Rubles (RUB), converting them to Georgian Lari (GEL), and then paying. Carrying RUB and exchanging them upon arrival in Georgia is generally recommended, as the exchange rates for USD obtained in Russia can be unfavorable. Always compare rates offered by different exchange offices.
Road trip costs Russia-Georgia (St. Petersburg to Batumi). Total for 3 adults and 1 child: 165,000 RUB. Breakdown: entertainment/dining 100,000 RUB; road expenses (accommodation, food, tolls) 40,000 RUB; fuel 25,000 RUB. Fuel prices for diesel: 77-87 RUB/liter. Suggestion: Volgograd route is preferred over M4 for return trips.