This guide is designed for travelers heading to Georgia, focusing on staying connected with mobile internet in Georgia while exploring the country. Tourists must have a dependable internet connection to navigate various attractions. The article covers the multiple choices for acquiring local SIM cards or eSIMs, ensuring visitors enjoy cost-effective and flexible mobile internet access throughout their stay in Georgia.
Table of Contents
I. Mobile Internet coverage and speed in Georgia
Travelers to Georgia should be aware of the country’s mobile internet coverage and speeds, as these can significantly impact their ability to stay connected during their trip.
1. Georgia Mobile Internet Coverage
The mobile internet coverage in Georgia is generally good, with the main providers offering extensive 4G and 5G networks nationwide. Key points about Georgia’s mobile coverage:
- Silknet, the largest provider, offers 4G coverage to over 90% of the population.
- Magti, the second-largest provider, has 4G coverage reaching around 80% of Georgia.
- Cellfie, the third-largest provider, has 4G coverage in most major cities and towns, though its rural coverage is more limited.
Georgia’s mobile internet coverage is reliable and accessible for travelers, especially in urban areas. However, coverage may be patchier in some rural regions, so it’s recommended to research your specific travel destinations.
2. Georgia Mobile Internet Speed
Georgia’s mobile internet speeds are respectable, ranking 69th in the Speedtest Global Index as of March 2024. This places it slightly below the global average, but ahead of some of its regional neighbors.
- National Ranking: Nationally, Georgia’s median mobile download speed is 38.10 Mbps, with a median upload speed of 14.35 Mbps and a latency of 22 ms.
- City Ranking: The capital Tbilisi (ranked 96th in the world) has the fastest median mobile download speed at 41.6 Mbps and upload speed at 17.52 Mbps.
Georgia’s mobile internet speeds meet most travelers’ needs like browsing and streaming. For top speeds, we recommend you use the Silknet network, which is the fastest among Georgia’s providers.
II. Mobile Internet in Georgia: Connection Options for Tourists
There’s no shortage of connectivity options when visiting Georgia. Some can be mentioned as:
- Free Public WiFi
- eSIM (Digital SIM Card)
- Physical SIM Card Purchase
- Roaming with Home Carrier
Below is a comparison table of some of the most popular mobile internet options in Georgia for you:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Free WiFi | No cost | Limited coverage, slow speeds, security risks |
| Pocket WiFi | Portable, shareable | Rental fees, battery life concerns |
| eSIM | Convenient, no physical SIM swap | Requires eSIM-compatible device, data limits |
| SIM Card | Local rates, often unlimited data | Requires physical SIM swap, temporary number |
| Roaming | Use existing number and plan | Expensive roaming fees, limited by home carrier |
Buying a local SIM card is one of the most optimal solutions because it provides reliable internet access at local rates, often with unlimited or high data allowances, without relying on limited public WiFi or incurring expensive roaming charges from your home carrier.
But wait … using an eSIM can make a traveler’s trip experience even higher because it offers the convenience of not having to physically swap SIM cards, while still providing access to local mobile data at reasonable rates. eSIMs are also instantly deliverable and easily activated.
esimgeorgia.net is a provider of eSIM services, providing the network of Cellfie providers in Georgia. Some advantages of esimgeorgia.net’s services include:
- Flexible data plans
- Affordable rates, no high roaming fees
- eSIMs emailed instantly for quick activation
- 24/7 support across channels
- Easy QR code setup
- No need to swap physical SIMs
With our user-friendly website, detailed guides, and range of eSIM options, esimgeorgia.net aims to provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for staying connected during your travels in Georgia.
III. Budgeting for Mobile Data Costs in Georgia
Your data usage will largely depend on your trip’s duration and online habits. Here’s a rough guide to estimate your data needs:
- Short Trip (1-3 days):
- 1-2 GB is enough for messaging, basic navigation, and some social media use.
- Expect to spend around $5-10 depending on the provider and data package.
- Medium Trip (4-7 days):
- 3-5 GB is suitable for frequent map use, music streaming, and video calls.
- Budget around $10-20 for your data needs.
- Extended Trip (8+ days):
- Opt for 5-10 GB or more for heavy data use like streaming, video calls, and uploads.
- Costs can range from $20-40+ depending on the data package and provider.
As you can see, our service offers competitive rates, with the 10GB plan being the most cost-effective for heavy data users or long trips. Remember to choose the best option based on your needs, usage, and budget.
IV. Best Mobile Operators in Gerogia
Choosing the right mobile operator in Georgia can be overwhelming with various options available. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compared 3 leading operators: Silknet, MagtiCom, and Cellfie, based on key criteria.
| Feature | Silknet | Magticom | Cellfie |
| Main Points | Largest network coverage, diverse plans | Strong focus on data, affordable options | Budget-friendly, good for calls |
| Pros | Extensive 4G/5G network, reliable connection, variety of plans to suit different needs | Competitive data packages, affordable international calls, good customer service | Low-cost plans, unlimited calls within network, convenient online top-up |
| Cons | Can be expensive for heavy data users, limited customer support options | Network coverage not as extensive as Silknet, limited plan options | Data speeds can be slow, limited international calling options |
| Best for | Users who prioritize network coverage and variety of plans | Data-heavy users looking for affordable options | Budget-conscious users who mainly make calls |
The “best” mobile operator in Georgia depends on your individual needs.
- Silknet: Extensive coverage, diverse plans, reliable.
- Magticom: Affordable for data-heavy users, good service.
- Cellfie: Budget-friendly, ideal for in-network calls.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right operator is to compare their plans, coverage maps, and customer reviews to find the one that best suits your needs.
V. FAQs
Can I top up the prepaid SIM card online in Georgia?
Certainly, the majority of operators provide top-up procedures mainly through their websites or apps.
What will I do if I use up the prepaid plan’s data allowance?
You can simply add more data packages from the operator’s app or website.
How can I get in touch with my mobile operator’s customer service?
Most operators handle customers through their apps, websites, or call centers.
Can I retain my mobile number if I change the network service providers?
Yes, you can get number portability in Georgia.
Are there any special considerations for using mobile internet in Georgia?
Roaming between networks can be an issue, so it’s best to use a local SIM card or an eSIM. Network congestion can be a problem in major cities during peak times. Quality of service may be lower in remote areas.
What is the coverage like for mobile internet in Georgia?
Mobile internet coverage in Georgia is generally good in urban areas and along major highways, but can be more sporadic in rural regions. The largest providers, Magti and Geocell, have the widest geographical coverage.
VI. Conclusion
Overall, mobile internet in Georgia offers a convenient and affordable way to stay connected. With widespread coverage, fast speeds, and readily available SIM cards, residents and tourists can easily enjoy the benefits of being online while exploring this beautiful country.
