Culture, Customs and Etiquette in Georgia: A Traveller's Guide

A culture of guests and toasts

In Georgia, the guest is sacred. The old saying "a guest is a gift from God" (stumari ghvtisaa) shapes daily life: expect generous hospitality, spontaneous invitations and tables that never seem to empty. Refusing food or drink outright can feel like a refusal of friendship, so accept graciously and pace yourself.

Greetings and first impressions

• Say gamarjoba ("hello", literally "victory") when you arrive; the reply is gamarjobat.
• Handshakes are firm and common between men; friends often hug or kiss on the cheek.
• Madloba means "thank you"; diakh is yes, ara is no.
• Dress is fairly relaxed, but Georgians take pride in looking neat.

The supra and the tamada

The supra (feast) is the heart of social life. A tamada (toastmaster) leads a sequence of heartfelt toasts: to peace, to parents, to those who have passed, to women, to Georgia. Wait for the tamada before drinking wine, lift your glass for each toast, and never toast with beer (it is jokingly reserved for enemies). Toasting with home-made wine or chacha (grape brandy) is normal; sip water if you need to slow down.

Dos and don'ts

• Do try khachapuri, khinkali and Georgian wine, and praise the cook.
• Do eat khinkali dumplings with your hands, holding the doughy top knot; don't eat the knot itself.
• Don't start drinking before the first toast or pour your own glass first; fill your neighbour's.
• Don't discuss politics with Russia lightly; it is a sensitive subject.
• Don't rush a meal; lingering is the whole point.

Churches and monasteries

Georgia is deeply Orthodox. At sites like Svetitskhoveli in Mtskheta, Gergeti near Kazbegi or Jvari, women should cover their heads (scarves are often provided) and wear skirts; men remove hats. Avoid shorts, dress modestly, keep your voice low and ask before photographing worshippers or icons.

Tipping and everyday manners

• Restaurants increasingly add a 10 to 15 percent service charge; if not, leaving around 10 percent is appreciated.
• Round up for taxis and small services; tipping is welcomed but rarely demanded.
• Bargaining is fine at bazaars like Dezerter in Tbilisi, but not in shops.
• Smoking is common, though banned indoors in restaurants and bars.

Stay connected in Georgia

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land for maps, translation and last-minute bookings, with no roaming bills or hunting for a SIM kiosk.