SIM & Internet
15 questions from travelers about SIM & Internet in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Questions
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How much do home broadband and unlimited mobile data cost in Tbilisi, Georgia?
Based on the discussion, mobile unlimited data in Tbilisi/Georgia tends to cost more than GEL 15 in Russia, while gigabit home internet for GEL 25–30 is not typically available on the same terms.
1 source · 11 days ago
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Best SIM card or eSIM for mobile data and calls in Tbilisi and road trips around Georgia
For a short trip, travelers reported that a Trip.com eSIM works without issues, while a Cellfie SIM/eSIM can be ordered online using a passport. Cellfie was reported to offer a weekly bundle with unlimited calls, SMS and data; a Russian Tele2 plan may also cover calls to Russia within its included minutes.
2 sources · 35 days ago
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Which Georgian SIM card works for Google SMS verification in Tbilisi?
Google verification codes may not work with Silknet numbers. Travelers suggest trying a Cellfie SIM or eSIM, and waiting a few days before retrying if too many codes have been requested.
1 source · 45 days ago
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Why am I not receiving SMS on my Georgian SIM card (Magti) while abroad, and how to fix it?
If SMS to a Georgian Magti number stop arriving while roaming, participants in August 2026 advised connecting to a single operator's network and staying put so the phone stays on one tower: in their experience, delivery restores itself after about 24 hours. There can be several causes, from a frozen number to roaming-provider quirks and the connection type. In October 2026 another tip for Android was to turn off mobile data.
1 source · 7 days ago
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How can I avoid MegaFon roaming charges in Tbilisi when an unanswered incoming call goes to voicemail?
Disable voicemail before your trip and decline unwanted calls before they connect to an automated service. In one reported case, a robo-call reaching voicemail triggered MegaFon’s ₽500 daily roaming package.
1 source · 71 days ago
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Do you need a local SIM card in Tbilisi, Georgia and how to keep the number active
For trips longer than 1-2 weeks travelers usually get a local SIM (Magti, Beeline or Geocell) from any carrier shop, while for short 5-7 day trips an eSIM is often enough; to keep a Georgian number active while abroad, topping up about 1 GEL per month is generally sufficient.
1 source · 52 days ago
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Does a Georgian SIM card (Magti/Silknet) work abroad for SMS and data when you travel to a neighboring country?
Based on travelers' experience in summer 2026, a Georgian SIM card roaming in Russia did not receive SMS: in June one traveler complained that messages did not arrive at all, and in July another said everything had worked in Georgia, but bank SMS stopped arriving after returning to Russia. If you need the number for bank codes, arrange another number in advance. In the other direction, an Armenian SIM roaming in Georgia worked well in June 2026: 1 GB of data lasted 5 days.
1 source · 75 days ago
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Which eSIM is best for mobile data in Tbilisi and mountain trips in Georgia, including for a late-night airport arrival?
For coverage in Tbilisi and on mountain routes, Magti is usually the safest local choice. You can get an eSIM with your passport at an official store or, if supported, through the operator’s app; for a late-night arrival, install a travel eSIM before flying and buy a local plan the next morning.
1 source · 79 days ago
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Does a Georgian Magti SIM card work abroad, and how to receive SMS verification codes while roaming?
Magti roaming abroad (e.g. in Russia) may not activate immediately — there's a known ~24-hour wait after activating roaming in the app. SMS verification codes for the online account sometimes fail to arrive both abroad and even inside Georgia — a recurring complaint among Magti users.
1 source · 67 days ago
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Where to buy a SIM card with internet in Georgia, and can you still receive SMS verification codes from Russian services on it?
Physical SIM cards with data are available at the border and in Tbilisi from operators like Magti, Geocell, and Beeline; connectivity kicks in automatically right after landing at the airport. Receiving Russian SMS codes on a Georgian SIM is often unreliable due to a 'cooling period' — the safer fix is a notarized power of attorney for someone in Georgia to reissue the SIM.
3 sources · 12 days ago
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Should travelers buy an eSIM for Tbilisi online before arrival or get one locally in Georgia?
Yes, you can buy a Georgia eSIM online before landing using apps like Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly if your phone supports eSIM. If you also want a local number or in-person help, it’s often better to get an eSIM or regular SIM from Magti, Silknet, or Cellfie after arriving in Tbilisi.
2 sources · 91 days ago
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Which mobile operator is best in Tbilisi for mobile data, and what SIM plan should travelers choose?
If you mainly need mobile data in Tbilisi, Magti is usually the top pick for coverage and stability. For a cheaper option, travelers often compare Silknet and Cellfie, and it makes sense to choose a data-heavy plan rather than one focused on calls or SMS.
1 source · 91 days ago
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Which SIM card in Tbilisi is best for cheap mobile data, and how do you set up hotspot and roaming?
The operators mentioned most often are Magti and Georgian Beeline. If you also need data in Armenia, it’s practical to enable roaming and buy a package in the Magti app while still in Tbilisi; if Personal Hotspot is missing on iPhone with Beeline, you usually need to check and enter the carrier APN settings.
2 sources · 72 days ago
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Can you buy a SIM card at Tbilisi Airport, and is it cheaper than using an eSIM or buying one in the city?
Yes, travelers often look at buying a SIM card right at Tbilisi Airport, including Magti. Based on the discussion, a typical eSIM reference point for non-residents is about €11 for 15 days with 10–15 GB, and the airport’s free Wi‑Fi can be enough initially, so you may not need a local SIM immediately after landing.
1 source · 4 days ago
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Where can travelers buy a tourist SIM card in Tbilisi, including at the airport, and how much do Magti or Silknet tourist packages cost?
According to the chat, both Magti and Silknet offer tourist SIM packages for 7 or 15 days, and their network quality is considered similar. A Magti option mentioned was 15 GEL for 5,000 MB valid for 15 days, but the chat did not confirm whether the SIM itself is included, whether it is sold at the airport, or how much more airport pricing may be.
1 source · 101 days ago