Tbilisi-Capital of Georgia; Location-Eastern Georgia; Height-380-600 m; Total area- 500 square kilometers; Population- about 1.5 million; Calling code-32

The most convenient means of travel to Tbilisi is airplane. A new and very modern Tbilisi International Airport terminal has been inaugurated on February 7, 2007 and is about 20 km from the city centre. To date Tbilisi has a direct connection with 20 European cities (London, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Milan, Köln /Bonn, Frankfurt, Thessaloniki, Athens, Amsterdam, Vienna, Riga, Istanbul, Kiev, Tel-Aviv, Zürich, etc). There are about 80 flights per week to the European countries.

For citizens of overwhelming majority of countries short stay in Georgia does not require a visa and entry is free of charge. For more information please visit the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia: www.mfa.gov.ge

The basic Georgian currency unit is the Lari (GEL), made up of 100 Tetri. Foreign currency can be exchanged for local money at banks and exchange offices, according to the valid rates of exchange. Visit the exchange office on the Web for valid exchange rates.

All major credit cards are normally accepted throughout Georgia, as advertised at points of sale, such as: Master Card, Visa, American Express, Cirrus and Maestro cards. Traveler's Cheques are also accepted. ATM is also

Climate - moderately warm and humid. The coldest month is January, the hottest month is July. Average annual temperature is 12,7 °C. Average temperature in September - 20-25 ºC / 68-71.6 ºF)

220 V, 50 Hz

Currently there are three GSM operators offering the GSM service in Georgia. Please contact your local GSM operator to check the availability and the costs of roaming services.

Internet connections are available in all hotels via wireless or dial-up network - please contact the reception desk of the hotel for Internet access upon arrival.

Country code: 995
Area code: 32
Patrol Police: 022
Emergency: 03; 009; 901
Local telephone Codes: 95 07 01
Airport Directory: 43 31 41; 43 32 21
Railway Station: 56 62 53; 56 47 60
Public Defender (Ombudsman ) of Georgia: 92 24 79; 99 08 36
Hot Line of Tbilisi City Hall: 994
Tbilisi Directory: 09

Banks and post offices are normally open from 9 or 9:30 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. Governmental offices work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Most grocery stores and department stores are open from 9 a.m. to 7-8 p.m. Monday to Sunday. Some stores works around o'clock.

The city transport in Tbilisi is represented by buses, mini-buses and a subway An average cost of travel is 40-50 Tetri (15-20 Euro cents). Taxis are also readily available.

GET (Georgia Standard Time), GMT/UTC offset: +04:00 hours (winter)/ +03:00 hours (summer);

Tap water is drinkable in all parts of Georgia.