How to Get Internet and a SIM Card in Georgia 2026

Physical SIM or eSIM options for mobile internet in Georgia, operators, package durations, common mistakes, and a pre-departure checklist.

How to get internet and a SIM card in Georgia: you can buy a physical SIM with your passport at an operator shop at the airport upon arrival, or purchase an eSIM online. Shops at Tbilisi Airport are open 24/7. Turkish citizens can enter without a visa; check your phone's eSIM support and carrier lock before you travel.

In brief

A passport is required for a physical SIM; shops at Tbilisi Airport are open 24/7.
Magti eSIM is purchased from Magticom.ge; online verification requires a passport and a face photo.
The tourist SIM is valid for 15 days; most Magti packages are valid for 30 days.
Magti's welcome package is for Tbilisi and Kutaisi; verify its validity if entering elsewhere.
Check your phone's carrier lock and eSIM support before you travel.

The gist of it: there are two ways

There are two practical ways to get mobile internet in Georgia: a physical SIM card and an eSIM. You can get a physical SIM at the airport or at an operator shop in the city. For this, you need to present your passport; keep it in your carry-on bag.

Turkish citizens enter Georgia without a visa, and the permitted stay period is 1 year. For current entry requirements, see the Georgia visa page. For a short holiday, your length of stay won't affect your SIM choice; what matters is the package's validity period.

There are three main operators: Magticom (Magti), Silknet, and Cellfie. Silknet's former name is Geocell, and Cellfie's former name is Beeline. If you come across ads or reviews referring to the old names, know that they refer to the same operators.

If this is your first time going, the least troublesome option is to stop by the shop in the arrivals hall when you land in Tbilisi. Since the shops are open even for late-night arrivals, the risk of being without internet is low. Prices and package content may change; ask about the operator's current rates before purchasing.

Buying a SIM card at the airport

In the arrivals hall of Tbilisi Airport, there are Magti, Silknet, and Cellfie shops, and all three are open 24/7. You can complete the process while waiting for your luggage or on your way out.

Magti tourist package

Magti offers tourists a free SIM card and welcome package at Tbilisi and Kutaisi airports. The welcome package's validity period is 15 days. This information may be outdated; verify the package content on Magti's official website before you travel.

What happens at the shop?

You give your passport to the staff member.
Your SIM card is registered with your passport details.
You choose a package and insert the card into your phone.
You test that the connection works before leaving the shop.

A pin is needed to open the SIM tray. Staff usually help, but it's good to carry your own pin as well.

If you're arriving at a different city

Magti's free welcome package is stated to apply only at Tbilisi and Kutaisi airports. If you're entering through another point, such as Batumi, don't assume this package applies there. A passport is also required when getting a physical SIM from a local shop; check the details with the operator.

eSIM: setup and verification

If your phone supports eSIM, you can complete your internet preparations before going to Georgia. You can buy a Magti eSIM at a shop or online via Magticom.ge. Check the current price on the website.

Online purchase requires verification with a passport and a face photo. This step is done via phone camera, so prepare in a well-lit environment where you can clearly photograph your passport's photo page.

The advantage of eSIM

No need to queue or search for a shop at the airport.
No risk of inserting, removing, or losing a physical card.
You can keep your Turkish line as a second line on the same phone.

The limit of eSIM

This option won't work if your phone is carrier-locked or doesn't support eSIM. Check your device settings for an option to add an eSIM before you travel. Internet is needed to download the profile, so it's safer to do the setup in Turkey or on a trusted Wi-Fi network.

After setup

Magti eSIM is a local profile. After setup, check in your phone settings that this profile is selected for mobile data. Verify whether roaming settings are needed from Magti's setup instructions; your Turkish line's roaming is a separate matter, and it's recommended to keep it off while abroad.

Operators and package durations

All three operators meet tourist needs; differences appear in coverage area, package type, and shop density. There is no verified data comparing coverage between operators; ask the operator about the region you'll be visiting (mountain, rural, coastal).

Magti (Magticom): Offers tourists a free SIM and welcome package at Tbilisi and Kutaisi airports. The tourist SIM card is valid for 15 days. Most packages are valid for 30 days.
Silknet: Formerly known as Geocell. Has a 24/7 shop in the arrivals hall of Tbilisi Airport.
Cellfie: Formerly known as Beeline. Has a 24/7 shop in the arrivals hall of Tbilisi Airport.

Choose the duration based on your trip

If your trip is shorter than 15 days, the tourist SIM's duration should be sufficient. If you're staying longer, look at the 30-day packages. Whether the line closes after the package ends or the renewal conditions vary by operator; ask about the details when purchasing.

For those travelling on a tour

If you're going on a tour, ask your guide or hotel about Wi-Fi availability. Dolu Dolu Georgia Tour: Batumi and Tbilisi Route V3 is a 5-day program. If your entry point isn't Tbilisi or Kutaisi, don't rely on the Magti welcome package; clarify your internet plan before you go, and get an eSIM in advance if necessary.

Common mistakes

There are well-known mistakes travellers often make when getting internet in Georgia:

Putting the passport in the suitcase. A passport is required for a physical SIM; if it stays in the suitcase, the process can't be completed.
Not realizing the phone is locked. Carrier-locked devices may not accept a foreign SIM. Find out the lock status from your operator in Turkey.
Relying on outdated information. The content and conditions of the welcome package may change. Even the Magti page may be outdated; verify before purchasing a package.
Leaving the eSIM to the last minute. Online verification requires a passport and a face photo; this is difficult to complete at the airport without a connection.
Forgetting to turn off the Turkish line's data roaming. If roaming stays on, unexpected charges may occur. Turn off your Turkish line's data roaming once you start using a local SIM or eSIM.

What about the Turkish line?

If you insert a physical local SIM, you may not be able to receive calls and SMS verification codes sent to your Turkish number. It's safer to use the eSIM as a second line or keep your Turkish SIM with you for banking and app verification.

Step by step: what to do

The following order is arranged for those going to Georgia for the first time.

Check your phone. Find out if it supports eSIM and whether the device is carrier-locked.
Make your choice. If you want eSIM, get it via Magticom.ge; if you want a physical SIM, plan to get it at the airport.
If getting an eSIM, complete verification with your passport and a face photo before you travel.
Put your passport in your carry-on bag. You'll need to present it at the shop.
Go to the shop upon arrival. Magti, Silknet, and Cellfie shops in Tbilisi Airport's arrivals hall are open 24/7.
Choose a package. The tourist SIM is valid for 15 days, and most Magti packages for 30 days; decide based on your trip.
Test the connection. Make sure internet and calls work before leaving the shop.
Turn off your Turkish line's data roaming.

You can browse Georgia tours to see programs going to Batumi or Tbilisi. If you'll be changing regions on your tour route, ask your guide or the operator about line coverage.

Pre-departure checklist

Check off the following items before your flight to Georgia.

Your passport is valid and in your carry-on bag.
Your phone's eSIM support and carrier lock status have been checked.
A choice has been made among Magti, Silknet, or Cellfie.
If getting an eSIM, verification with a passport and face photo has been completed.
The content of Magti's welcome package has been verified on the official site; whether it applies at your entry point has been checked.
The package duration has been chosen for your trip length: tourist SIM 15 days, most Magti packages 30 days.
A SIM tray pin is with you.
The Turkish line's data roaming will be turned off; a backup plan for verification codes is ready.
Offline maps and reservation documents have been downloaded to your phone.

Also before the flight

Cabin rules matter when packing your suitcase too; for liquid and cosmetic limits, see rules on bringing makeup items on a plane. For dates and programs, check the current options on the international tours page.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a SIM card in Georgia?

You can get one from the Magti, Silknet, or Cellfie shops in the arrivals hall of Tbilisi Airport, or from an operator shop in the city. Airport shops are open 24/7. You need to present your passport for a physical SIM.

Do I need a passport to get a SIM card in Georgia?

Yes. A passport is presented when getting a physical SIM card at the airport or a local shop. If you buy an eSIM online, verification is done with a passport and a face photo.

Is eSIM used in Georgia?

Yes, Magti offers eSIM. You can get it at a shop or via Magticom.ge. Your phone needs to support eSIM and not be carrier-locked.

How many days is the Magti tourist SIM card valid?

Magti's tourist SIM card is valid for 15 days. Most Magti packages are valid for 30 days. Verify the package content on Magti's website before purchasing.