SIM cards and internet in Georgia: staying connected 2026

Georgia is an easy place to stay online: mobile data is cheap and fast, 4G covers the cities and most populated areas, and home fibre is among the cheapest in the region - one reason remote workers love the country. Here’s how to get connected.

Mobile operators

There are three networks: Magti, Silknet and Cellfie. Coverage and prices are broadly similar; Magti and Silknet generally have the widest reach, including mountain areas. All sell prepaid SIMs with generous data bundles.

Buying a SIM

Buy from an official operator store or the airport kiosks, and bring your passport (SIMs are registered). Staff in city stores usually speak some English or Russian. If you’re staying a while, ask for a local monthly plan rather than a short tourist package - the bundles are far better value.

eSIM - connected before you land

If your phone supports eSIM, you can arrive already online and switch to a local SIM later. A travel eSIM is the simplest option for the first days - you can set one up through the box below.

Tourist in 2026: SIM or eSIM, and which operator?

For a short trip, the quickest route is an eSIM you set up before you fly - you land already online, with no queue and no passport paperwork. For a week or more, especially if you’re heading into the mountains, a physical local SIM from Magti, Silknet or Cellfie usually gives you more data for the money.

A simple way to decide:

• Weekend or city break (Tbilisi, Batumi): an eSIM, or grab a tourist SIM at the airport on arrival - either is fine for maps, calls and data.
• One to three weeks with day trips (Kazbegi, Svaneti, Kakheti): a local SIM from Magti or Silknet, which hold a signal best on mountain roads and in the gorges.
• Long stay or remote work: ask in an operator store for a local monthly plan rather than a tourist package - far better value (more on that above).

Cellfie is often the cheapest in the cities, while Magti and Silknet trade blows on coverage. Tourist-SIM and eSIM prices shift every season and with promotions, so check the current bundle in the operator’s app or site before you pay - and remember a physical SIM needs your passport to register.

Home internet

Home internet is fibre: fast and inexpensive, with Magti and Silknet the main providers. A rented flat often has a connection already - ask the landlord; otherwise setup takes a few days. Free Wi-Fi in cafés and coworking spaces is widespread.

What to keep in mind

• Plans and prices change - check the current bundles on the operator’s site or app before topping up.
• You’ll often need a local number for bank apps and deliveries, so sort the SIM out early; see the bank account guide.
• Coverage is good in towns and on main roads but can drop in remote gorges and high mountains.

More on settling in is in the relocation guide; for a place to stay, see long-term rental.