Planning a trip to the Caucasus and wondering how to stay connected? Georgia offers excellent and affordable mobile services, making it easy for tourists and newcomers to get online. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Georgia, from official websites and prices to coverage and the crucial biometric registration process.
Georgia Prepaid SIM Basics Information
Before diving into the providers, here are the essential facts every traveler should know.
Official Websites with a Link
- MagtiCom: https://www.magticom.ge/en
- Silknet (formerly Geocell): https://www.silknet.com/en/mobile
- Beeline Georgia: https://www.beeline.ge/en/
- Cellfie: https://cellfie.ge/en (A virtual operator using Silknet’s network)
Availability & Where to Buy
Getting a SIM is straightforward. You can buy them at:
- Airports: Counters are available at Tbilisi and Batumi international airports upon arrival.
- Official Stores: Found in all city centers and shopping malls.
- Authorized Retailers: Small kiosks and shops displaying provider logos.
Frequencies, Coverage & Speed: At a Glance
| Provider | Key Frequencies (4G/LTE) | Coverage & Speed Summary |
|---|---|---|
| MagtiCom | 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) | Best overall coverage, especially in high mountains and rural areas. Consistently high speeds in cities. |
| Silknet | 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2600 MHz (Band 7) | Excellent urban and highway coverage. Strong competitor with very good speeds. |
| Beeline | 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3) | Good coverage in cities and most towns. Can be weaker in very remote regions. |
| Cellfie | (Uses Silknet’s network) | Same coverage as Silknet, often at a lower price. A great budget option. |
Verdict: For extensive travel across remote areas like Svaneti or Tusheti, MagtiCom is the most reliable. For most tourists sticking to cities and main routes, Silknet and Cellfie are excellent choices.
The Biometric User Registration Process
This is a mandatory step in Georgia. To activate a new prepaid SIM, you must present a valid passport for identification. The vendor will scan your passport and register it to the SIM card. This is a quick, one-time process done at the point of purchase.
Device Registration (Important Note for Long-Term Stays)
If you plan to stay in Georgia for more than three months, you may need to register your foreign device with the Georgian National Communications Commission to avoid having your phone’s IMEI blocked from local networks. This does not apply to short-term tourists.
Provider Apps with Links
Managing your balance is easiest with the official apps:
- MyMagti: Google Play | App Store
- My Silknet: Google Play | App Store
- Beeline Georgia: Google Play | App Store
- Cellfie: Google Play | App Store
Detailed Provider Comparison
MagtiCom
Avalibility: Widely available at airports, official stores, and kiosks.
SIM Card Price: ~5 GEL (includes some credit).
MagtiCom Data Feature Packages
Magti offers “Internet Packs” that are valid for 30 days.
| Package Name | Data Volume | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet 3 | 3 GB | 10 |
| Internet 7 | 7 GB | 15 |
| Internet 15 | 15 GB | 20 |
| Internet 30 | 30 GB | 30 |
| Internet Unlimited | Unlimited (FUP applies) | 45 |
For Social Media, They Offer
These are cheap, data-only packs for specific apps.
| Package Name | Apps Included | Validity | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social 1 | Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp | 7 Days | 1 |
| Social 4 | Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp | 30 Days | 4 |
Data Only SIM: Yes, available for tablets and mobile routers.
eSIM Option: Yes. Magti is a leader in offering eSIM for tourists.
MagtiCom Prepaid Plans
Their main prepaid plan is “Lari 10,” which gives you 10 GEL of credit to use for calls, SMS, and data. You can then activate the data packages above.
Data Add-Ons
| Add-On Name | Data Volume | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Mini | 500 MB | 2 |
| Internet 1 | 1 GB | 3 |
Silknet (formerly Geocell)
Avalibility: Everywhere, including airports and countless retailers.
SIM Card Price: ~3-5 GEL (includes credit).
Silknet Mobile Data Feature Packages
Their primary data packages are called “Interneti.”
| Package Name | Data Volume | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|
| Interneti 5 | 5 GB | 10 |
| Interneti 10 | 10 GB | 15 |
| Interneti 20 | 20 GB | 20 |
| Interneti 35 | 35 GB | 30 |
| Interneti 60 | 60 GB | 40 |
For Social Media, They Offer
| Package Name | Apps Included | Validity | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social 1 | Facebook, Instagram, Viber, WhatsApp | 7 Days | 1 |
| Social 3 | Facebook, Instagram, Viber, WhatsApp | 30 Days | 3 |
Data Only SIM: Yes.
eSIM Option: Yes. Available for compatible devices.
Silknet Mobile Prepaid Plans
Their standard prepaid offer is “Turu 10,” which provides 10 GEL of credit.
Data Add-Ons
| Add-On Name | Data Volume | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|
| +1 GB | 1 GB | 3 |
| +3 GB | 3 GB | 7 |
Beeline
Avalibility: Widely available in cities and towns.
SIM Card Price: ~3-5 GEL (includes credit).
Beeline Mobile Data Feature Packages
Beeline’s main data packages are branded as “Internet Box.”
| Package Name | Data Volume | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Box 5 | 5 GB | 10 |
| Internet Box 10 | 10 GB | 15 |
| Internet Box 20 | 20 GB | 20 |
| Internet Box 35 | 35 GB | 30 |
| Internet Box 50 | 50 GB | 40 |
For Social Media, They Offer
| Package Name | Apps Included | Validity | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Net 1 | Facebook, Instagram, Viber, WhatsApp | 7 Days | 1 |
| Social Net 3 | Facebook, Instagram, Viber, WhatsApp | 30 Days | 3 |
Data Only SIM: Yes.
eSIM Option: Limited availability, check in-store.
Beeline Mobile Prepaid Plans
The primary plan is “Bog 10,” giving you 10 GEL of starting credit.
Data Add-Ons
| Add-On Name | Data Volume | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Mini | 1 GB | 3 |
| Internet 3 | 3 GB | 7 |
Cellfie
Availability: Online and at official Cellfie partner kiosks.
SIM Card Price: Often as low as 1 GEL, with frequent promotions.
Cellfie Mobile Data Feature Packages
Cellfie is known for its simple, large-data packages.
| Package Name | Data Volume | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet 10 | 10 GB | 10 |
| Internet 20 | 20 GB | 15 |
| Internet 30 | 30 GB | 20 |
| Internet 50 | 50 GB | 30 |
For Social Media, They Offer
| Package Name | Apps Included | Validity | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Bundle | Facebook, Instagram, Viber, WhatsApp | 30 Days | 2 |
Data Only SIM: Yes.
eSIM Option: Not currently available.
Cellfie Mobile Prepaid Plans
They operate on a simple credit system. You top up your balance and can activate any of the packages above.
Data Add-Ons
Cellfie’s main focus is its large monthly packages, but you can use regular credit for pay-as-you-go data.
Tourist SIM & eSIM Option
Many providers have special “Tourist SIM” packs at the airport, which bundle data, calls, and SMS for a fixed price (e.g., 30 GEL for 30 GB). These are convenient but not always the cheapest.
The best option for modern travelers is an eSIM. MagtiCom and Silknet lead the way here, allowing you to install a digital SIM before you even land. Check their websites for specific eSIM plans.
Activation, Balance & Top-Up
- Activation: The vendor will activate the SIM for you upon biometric registration. It should be active within minutes.
- How to Check Balance: Dial
*111#(Magti),*101#(Silknet),*110#(Beeline), or use the provider’s mobile app. - Help Line Numbers:
- MagtiCom: 1234
- Silknet: 111
- Beeline: 110
- Cellfie: 032 2 123 123
- Top Up: You can buy top-up cards (vouchers) at any supermarket, kiosk, or bank. Scratch the code and dial the USSD command provided (e.g.,
*111*[Voucher Code]#). You can also top up via the apps or bank terminals.
Final Verdict: Which Georgia SIM Card is Best for You?
- For the Adventure Traveler: MagtiCom is unbeatable for its extensive rural and mountain coverage.
- For the Budget-Conscious & City Explorer: Cellfie offers the best data value, leveraging Silknet’s robust network.
- For the eSIM User: MagtiCom and Silknet are your top choices.
- For a Balanced, All-Around Experience: Silknet provides a great mix of good coverage, speed, and competitive pricing.
No matter your choice, you’ll find that staying connected in Georgia is both easy and remarkably affordable, leaving you with more data to share your journey and less worry about your budget.