Before you start

Passport (registration is mandatory)
Unlocked phone or eSIM-capable device

Step-by-step

1
Pick an operator — Magti, Silknet or Cellfie
Magti (Magticom) has the widest coverage and the broadest 5G network (live since Oct 2024) — best for travel around Georgia. Silknet is a strong all-rounder and a major fibre provider. Cellfie Mobile is usually the cheapest for data-heavy plans. For a nomad who wants reliability everywhere, Magti is the safe default; for pure value in the city, Cellfie.
In personWho: AllChoose on arrivalSIM GEL 5-10
2
Buy and register the SIM with your passport
Visit any operator shop (the airport and every mall has them) with your passport — registration is mandatory and done on the spot. The SIM itself is GEL 5-10. You'll get a +995 number, which you'll also want for bank OTPs. Top-up is easy via the operator app, Pay Box machines, or bank apps.
In personWho: All10 minutesGEL 5-10
3
Add a data plan — unlimited is cheap
Data is one of Tbilisi's bargains: unlimited or large-bundle monthly plans run about GEL 32-35 (US$12-13). Smaller bundles cost less. Activate via the operator's app. 5G is available on Magti across much of the city. If you prefer not to visit a shop, all three operators sell eSIMs (around GEL 5-10) you can set up from your phone.
Mobile appWho: AllImmediateGEL 32-35/mo unlimited; eSIM GEL 5-10
4
Sort home internet (often already included)
Many furnished rentals already include Magti or Silknet fibre — confirm with the landlord before arranging your own. If you need to set it up, Magti and Silknet offer home fibre at roughly GEL 35-80/month depending on speed. Installation is usually quick. For short stays, a mobile unlimited plan plus tethering is often enough.
OnlineWho: Long-stay residentsA few days for installationGEL 35-80/mo (often included in rent)

Documents you’ll need

Passport (mandatory for SIM registration)
Unlocked or eSIM-capable phone

Things most newcomers don’t know

Mobile data here is among the cheapest in Europe — unlimited for ~US$12/month — so many nomads skip home internet entirely and just tether.

A competitive three-operator market and low costs keep prices very low.

Source: Magti / Silknet

You'll want a local +995 number not just for data but because Georgian banks increasingly require one for OTP and mobile-banking activation — set up the SIM before the bank visit.

Bank security and account activation are tied to a local mobile number.

Magti rolled out 5G from October 2024 and has the widest coverage; if you travel to the mountains or Kakheti for remote work, it's the most reliable choice.

Magti's network investment leads the market outside the city centre.

Source: ComCom (comcom.ge)

Common mistakes to avoid

Buying a SIM expecting anonymity — passport registration is mandatory and enforced
Setting up the bank account before getting a +995 number — you'll hit OTP/activation snags
Paying for separate home fibre when your furnished rental already includes it — always ask the landlord first
Assuming uniform 5G — it's strongest on Magti and concentrated in the city; coverage thins in the regions

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.