Getting a local SIM card when you arrive at an airport in a foreign country is usually the easiest and most convenient way to stay connected during your trip. Getting SIM Card at Georgia Tbilisi arport is easy for tourists. This guide will outline where you can buy a SIM card at Tbilisi Airport, the different providers and plans available, how to get set up with an activated SIM, and other tips for staying connected during your visit to Georgia.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Georgia Tbilisi International Airport
There are several convenience stores, kiosks, and mobile provider shops in the arrivals area of Tbilisi Airport where you can easily purchase SIM cards. Some of the main options include:
1. Cellfie (Beeline) Store
This official Beeline shop is right as you exit the luggage claim area. It offers a wide selection of Beeline SIM card plans and packages. The staff can help get you set up with the activation process.
- Opening hours: 24/7, 7 days a week
- Detailed location: Arrival Hall
2. Silknet (Geocell) Store
Like Beeline, Silknet also has an official shop in the airport arrivals hall. You can buy Silknet SIMs with data packages here. Staff assist with activations.
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Detailed location: Arrival Hall, next to the exit on the left.
3. Magti Store
Magti is another top provider in Georgia that has a store in the airport. You can find it after you exit customs, on the way to the main exit. Get Magti tourist SIMs and eSIMs here.
- Opening hours: According to the schedule of incoming flights (No break)
- Detailed location: Arrival Hall, next to Cellfie shops
4. Convenience Stores
There are also a few small convenience stores like Duty-Free Georgia that sell SIM cards from various providers. Prices may be slightly higher than the official stores but it’s another option.
All these stores are located right in the baggage claim and arrivals area, so getting a SIM at Georgia Tbilisi Airport is quick and easy as soon as you deplane without having to go anywhere else in the airport.
II. Georgia Tbilisi International Airport SIM Card Options and Costs
The main mobile networks in Georgia are Magti, Geocell, and Beeline. You can buy prepaid SIM cards from all these providers right at the Tbilisi airport. Here is an overview of what they offer and sample costs:
| Operators | SIM Plans | Price (USD) | Data | Local Calls | Messages | Validity | Activation | Total Cost (USD) |
| Cellfie | Tourist | ~$7 | 5GB | Unlimited + 50 Int'l Mins | Unlimited | 14 days | *120*56# | ~$8 |
| Silknet | Tourist 3 | ~$4 | Unlimited | 30 local mins | Unlimited | 3 days | *017*6*1# | ~$6 |
| Tourist | ~$5 | Unlimited | 30 local mins | Unlimited | 7 days | *017*3*1# | ~$7 | |
| Tourist Start | ~$5 | 4000MB | 30 local mins + 15 int'l mins | Unlimited | 15 days | *017*1*1# | ~$7 | |
| Tourist Unlimited | ~$11 | Unlimited | Unlimited local mins + 30 int'l mins | Unlimited | 15 days | *017*2*1# | ~$13 | |
| Tourist 30 | ~$18 | Unlimited | 500 local mins | Unlimited | 30 days | *017*7*1# | ~$20 | |
| MagtiCom | Slknet SIM | ~$5 | 5000MB | - | Free local SMS/MMS | 15 days | 3315 | ~$5 |
| Slknet SIM (free 4.5G SIM) | ~$11 | 3000MB | Free local calls + 30 int'l mins | Free local SMS/MMS | 15 days | 2230 | ~$11 |
SIM card cost for Georgia airports is very reasonable with unlimited weekly data packs begining at approx. 6. Most of the big names have a presence in airport stores where you can walk to and make comparisons.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Georgia Tbilisi International Airport
Buying and activating a SIM card right at Tbilisi airport is very convenient, but there are a few things travelers should prepare in advance:
- Unlocked Phone – Your phone must be unlocked for use on foreign networks to accept a Georgian SIM card. Contact your home provider about unlocking before travel.
- Passport – You will need to show your passport to register and activate your SIM card in Georgia. Make sure to have it handy when you go to buy a SIM.
- Cash – Have some local currency (Georgian Lari) on hand or use your ATM card. Airport SIM shops may not accept foreign currency or credit cards.
- Activation Steps – The provider staff will assist you, but you may need to provide your passport details and activate the SIM card before using it. Have patience.
- Mobile Setup – Enable roaming on your phone and turn it off airplane mode after getting the SIM to complete setup and get connected.
With some advance preparation, the process for purchasing and activating a SIM card at Tbilisi Airport is quick and convenient for staying connected in Georgia.
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Georgia Tbilisi International Airport
While physical SIM cards can easily be purchased right at Tbilisi Airport, eSIM (embedded digital SIM technology) is emerging as another option for international roaming. With eSIM service activated on your phone, you can access cellular data networks abroad without needing to insert a local SIM.
Some advantages of using eSIM service include:
- No need to find/purchase local SIM cards when traveling abroad.
- Remotely setup new data plans and networks through eSIM provider app.
- Quickly switch between SIM profiles for different countries through one eSIM.
- Dual standby mode to use eSIM alongside your regular home SIM.
All major providers in Georgia now offer eSIM support and data packages. With wider availability, eSIM technology will make traveling without a physical SIM card more convenient in the future.
Get connected in Georgia for just $6 with esimgeorgia.net. Receive activation details instantly via email – no roaming fees while you travel. Buy your eSIM plan now:
V. FAQs about SIM Card at Georgia Tbilisi Airport
What documents do I need to provide to buy a SIM at Tbilisi Airport?
You will need to show your valid passport when purchasing and registering for a prepaid SIM card in Georgia. Have your passport handy to complete the process quickly.
Can I pay with US dollars for a SIM at the airport?
Most SIM card shops at the airport will only accept payment in local Georgian Lari currency or by credit/debit card. Get some GEL from an ATM to pay in cash, or use your card.
Do the SIM shops at Tbilisi Airport sell phone/data packages?
Yes, the provider stores like Cellfie (Beeline) and Silknet (Geocell) have a range of prepaid data packages and SIM plans available for travelers. The staff can assist you in choosing the right plan.
Do I need to unlock my phone first before using a Georgian SIM?
Yes, your phone will need to be unlocked to accept a SIM card from a Georgian provider. Contact your home network about unlocking it prior to travel.
Can I set up eSIM service instead of buying a SIM at the airport?
Some Georgian providers like Magti now offer eSIM support, but availability may still be limited. Look into eSIM from esimgeorgia.net as an option.
VI. Final Words
Getting connected with a local SIM card at Georgia Tbilisi Airport when you land in Georgia is easy and convenient with the multiple provider shops available right at the Tbilisi International Airport arrivals terminal. Stop by one of the official stores like Cellfie or Silknet, or one of the convenience shops to purchase an activated SIM with a prepaid data package for very reasonable prices. Just remember to have your unlocked phone and passport ready for quick setup. Enjoy your trip to Georgia with the ease of cellular data access!
