Georgia

Georgian cuisine is a soulful reflection of its history, blending Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences into something entirely unique. No visit is complete without trying Khachapuri Adjaruli, a boat-shaped bread filled with molten sulguni cheese, butter, and a raw egg. For a classic experience, head to Puri Guliani in Tbilisi. Another staple is Khinkali, spiced meat dumplings; remember to hold them by the doughy 'handle,' bite a small hole to slurp the broth first, and leave the handle on your plate. A hearty meal with wine usually costs between 30 GEL and 50 GEL ($11–$19 USD) per person.

Because Georgian meals are often communal affairs involving dozens of small plates, keeping track of who ordered what can get complicated. You can use the Hello app’s expense splitting feature to divide the bill easily among your group after a long evening at a traditional Supra (feast). To ensure you don't overindulge your wallet while indulging your palate, the budget tracking tool allows you to log your spending in Georgian Lari in real-time, helping you stay on top of your travel finances while you explore the vineyards of Kakheti.

Getting around Georgia is an adventure in itself. In Tbilisi, the metro is efficient and incredibly affordable at just 1 GEL ($0.38 USD) per ride using a Metromoney card. For intercity travel, the Marshrutka (minibus) is the local way to go. These depart from stations like Didube and can take you to the mountain vistas of Kazbegi or the wine regions for roughly 15–25 GEL ($6–$10 USD).

Reliable navigation is essential when navigating these bustling bus stations or driving the winding roads of the Georgian Military Highway. It is highly recommended to buy and activate a Hello eSIM before you land at Shota Rustaveli Airport. This ensures you have immediate access to high-speed data for maps and translation apps without hunting for a local SIM kiosk or facing unexpected roaming charges. Whether you are trekking in Svaneti or exploring the cave cities of Vardzia, staying connected allows you to use the Hello trip planning feature to keep your itinerary organized and adjust your route on the fly based on local weather or transport schedules.

Georgians are world-renowned for their hospitality, often stating that 'a guest is a gift from God.' If you are invited into a local home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as chocolates or flowers (ensure it is an odd number of flowers, as even numbers are for funerals). When visiting the many stunning Orthodox churches, such as the Gergeti Trinity Church, dress modestly: women should cover their heads and wear long skirts (often provided at the entrance), and men should avoid wearing shorts.

While credit cards are widely accepted in Tbilisi and Batumi, cash is king in rural areas and small guesthouses. You will find ATMs in most towns, but it is wise to carry enough Lari for a few days when heading into the mountains. Use the Hello app to track these cash withdrawals and manage your daily limits. If you are traveling with friends, the app's expense splitting is particularly useful for shared guesthouse stays and guided mountain tours, ensuring everyone pays their fair share of the 150 GEL ($57 USD) average cost for a private day-driver to the hidden gems of the countryside.