Getting a local SIM card is important for tourists in Georgia to stay connected. This guide provides information on using Silknet, one of the major carriers, through either a physical SIM or eSIM.

We’ll outline how to purchase prepaid and postpaid Silknet SIM cards, including costs and availability. The process for activating an eSIM on Silknet’s 4G network will also be explained. Tips on data packages for tourists are included. By following the instructions here, you can easily set up mobile services with Silknet during your visit to Georgia.

SILKNET SIM CARD

1. Quick Facts about Silknet

Silknet Georgia (formerly known as Geocell) is the leading telecommunications operator in Georgia with a strong track record of innovation and customer service.

Here are some quick facts about Silknet Georgia:

  • Founded in 2007
  • Leading telecommunications operator in Georgia
  • Provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, and digital television
  • Committed to providing its customers with the best possible experience
  • Constantly investing in its network and services
  • Has over 2 million subscribers
  • Employs over 3,000 people
  • Has a wide network of retail stores and customer service centers
  • Offers a variety of self-service options, including online account management and mobile apps

Silknet Georgia is a proud member of the Silk Road Group, a leading international telecommunications company with a presence in over 30 countries.

SILKNET SIM CARD

2. Why Silknet When You’re Exploring Georgia – Coverage and Speed

When exploring all that Georgia has to offer, it’s important to have reliable internet coverage and fast speeds. That’s why Silknet is a great choice for staying connected while traveling through this beautiful state.

2.1. Silknet Coverage in Georgia

Georgia Mobile Operators Coverage
Georgia Mobile Operators Coverage

Silknet is the leading internet and TV provider in Georgia. They offer mobile and fixed-line broadband, as well as TV and phone services. Silknet provides coverage to over 95% of the country. They also have a strong presence in all major cities and towns.

Silknet’s mobile network is the most reliable and fastest anywhere in Georgia. They use 4.9G LTE technology, which is unrivaled in terms of coverage, speed, and quality. With Silknet, you can get fully convergent telecom services: Internet, TV, mobile network, and mobile apps.

2.2. Silknet Speed

They provide different plans of the internet speed ranging from 25 Mbps up to 1Gbp. This provides gigabit speeds to homes and businesses using the company’s fiber optic network.

The latest Speedtest by Ookla reveals that the average download speed of Silknet in Georgia is 70.39 Mbps. As such, Silknet becomes the fastest internet provider in Georgia and has substantial lead over its rivals.

Indeed, real speeds will depend on various parameters like specific place, certain hours or period and a lot of other people using the network. Nevertheless, Silknet has an outstanding overall performance.

3. Silknet Connectivity Options for Travelers to Georgia 

Silknet offers several connectivity options for travelers to Georgia, including:

Option Description
Prepaid SIM cards Silknet offers a variety of prepaid SIM cards that are ideal for travelers.
Tourist SIM cards Designed for travelers, with more data and minutes.
Mobile data roaming If you have a mobile phone plan from another country, you may be able to use your phone's data roaming feature in Georgia. May be expensive
Pocket Wi-Fi Silknet offers pocket Wi-Fi devices that can be rented for a fee.
Public Wi-Fi Growing network, but not always secure.

4. Best Silknet SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost 

For tourists, the best option would be to purchase a prepaid tourist SIM card from Silknet. This allows you to control your usage and avoid any unexpected charges.

Silknet Tourist Plan Price (USD) Data Local Calls Messages Validity Activation Total Cost (USD)
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

These packages can be easily topped up through various methods, including online or through Silknet’s mobile app.

5. Does Silknet Support eSIM in Georgia? 

Silknet does indeed provide eSIM services in Georgia this summer. It enables travelers to do this quickly without changing SIM cards physically.

SilkNet eSIM goes at 10 GEL ($3.7). All plans with physical SIM also provide Silknet eSIMs. You have an option of choosing the plan that fits your needs.

However, not all devices support eSIMs, which means you have to ensure that your device manufacturer supports the eSIMs by Silknet, before purchasing them.

6. Where Can You Buy a Silknet SIM card and eSIM?

Getting online while in Georgia is easy when you have a Silknet SIM card or eSIM. Silknet offers flexible connectivity options that are convenient to obtain.

6.1. Where to Buy Silknet SIM for Georgia?

First, you can get Silknet SIM cards from airports, Silknet stores and even authorized retailers.

  • Silknet service centers: They are available in urban centers and towns around the country. There is a list of service centers found in the Silknet website.
  • Airports: The Tbilisi and Kutaisi airports also offer silknet SIM cards.
  • Hotels: The Silknet SIM cards can be bought in some hotels of Georgia.
  • Online: Alternatively, you can order a Silknet SIM card online through the Silknet website.

In order to purchase Silknet SIM card, you will be required to present your passport or other form of ID. Additionally, you should pick a plan and pay for it.

Silknet service centers
Silknet service center

6.2. Where to Buy Silknet eSIM in Georgia?

The purchase of Silknet eSIMs is possible on Silknet website, however, activation of eSIM on device is required and can be made only in the Silknet store.

7. How to Activate Silknet SIM/eSIM in Georgia?

Getting your new Silknet SIM card or eSIM up and running is a straightforward process, so you’ll be able to stay connected with ease during your time in Georgia.

7.1. How to Use Silknet SIM Card in Georgia?

  1. Insert the Silknet SIM card into your unlocked smartphone.
  2. Turn on mobile data and make sure you’re connected to the Silknet network.
  3. To activate the SIM, you may need to register with your phone number on Silknet’s website.
  4. Top up your account by either visiting a Silknet store or using online banking. Recharge amounts start from 5 GEL.
  5. You can now use data, call, text on local and international networks. Data speeds range from 2G to 4G depending on area connectivity.

7.2. How to Activate Silknet eSIM?

What this means is that in activating Silknet eSIM, you will have to carry your phone to a Silknet store.

Your provided representative will aid you in downloading and activating the eSIM. After it has been turned on, Silknet will be yours.

8. Georgia Silknet Call & SMS Rates 

Silknet offers competitive rates for both local and international calls and SMS.

Call/SMS Type Rate (approx. USD)
Calls to other Silknet numbers (local) $0.05/min
Calls to other Silknet numbers (long distance national) $0.09/min
Calls to other Georgian operators (local) $0.07/min
Calls to other Georgian operators (long distance national) $0.13/min
Calls to international numbers $0.20-0.40/min
SMS within Georgia $0.07/SMS
SMS to international numbers $0.20-0.40/SMS

Additional notes:

  • No connection fee for calls
  • First minute of calls billed in full minutes, then by second
  • SMS bundles can lower per SMS cost
  • International rates include destination operator termination fee
  • Rates may be lower for Silknet postpaid customers on specific plans
  • Additional taxes/fees may apply depending on plan/services
  • Customers should check exact rates with Silknet

9. Useful USSD Codes for Silknet SIM/eSIM 

They are short service codes, which make it possible to access services and information through the Silknet SIM Card or eSIM. Some useful USSD codes for Silknet include:

  • *017# – Check data balance 
  • *180# – Select the desired language 
  • *108# – Find your number 
  • *100# – Check your current balance 
  • *222# – Check all current and suspended services.

These are the codes on the Silknet’s website. They are also available through calling customer service.

10. How to Top-up Silknet SIM/eSIM 

There are several ways to top-up your Silknet SIM card or eSIM, including:

  • Online via Silknet website: Go to silknet.ge and log into your account. You can pay with a credit/debit card to top-up your balance online. 
  • Via Silknet mobile app: Download the Silknet mobile app from the Google Play Store or App Store. Log in and select “Top Up” to add funds to your account using a card.
  • At retail stores: Visit any Silknet service center or retailer where you see the Silknet sign. Pay with cash to top-up your account. Some retailers may also accept card payments. 
  • At payment terminals: Look for Silknet payment terminals located across Georgia. Swipe or insert your card to top-up directly without needing internet.
  • Through partner banks: Many Georgian banks allow topping up Silknet balances via online banking or bank transfer. Check with your bank.
  • With SilkWallet: Link your Silknet number to the SilkWallet e-wallet. Top-up SilkWallet and the funds will reflect in your mobile account.
  • At ATMs: Certain ATMs allow cash top-ups for Silknet. Look for the Silknet logo when inserting your SIM card at the ATM.

Top-up amounts usually start from as low as 1 GEL. Make sure to have your SIM/eSIM number handy during the payment process for the balance to be credited correctly.

11. Alternatives to Georgia Silknet

Here are some alternatives to Georgia Silknet for internet access when visiting Georgia as a tourist:

  • MagtiCom – One of the largest internet providers in Georgia. They offer fiber internet and 4G LTE mobile data. Plans start around 20 GEL per month.
  • Beeline Georgia – Another large telco that provides fiber and wireless broadband. Mobile data plans or WiFi hotspot rentals are good options for travelers.
  • esimgeorgia.net – esimgeorgia.net is an eSIM provider that partners with local cellular networks worldwide. Wide carrier network coverage within Georgia.

The main advantage of eSIM is convenience – you don’t need to hunt for a local SIM card. Coverage and prices are generally comparable to physical SIM options on Magti’s network. esimgeorgia.net give more flexibility if also traveling elsewhere.

Break the data chains
esimgeorgia.net, unshackle your internet, not your budget

12. FAQs about Silknet in Georgia

Can I use my Silknet SIM card/eSIM in other countries?

Yes, you can use your Silknet SIM/eSIM in other countries, but roaming charges may apply.

Can I keep my Silknet number after leaving Georgia?

Yes, you can keep your Silknet number by purchasing a new SIM card or eSIM from Silknet in your home country.

Is Silknet customer service available in English?

Yes, Silknet’s customer service is available in English, as well as Georgian and Russian

13. Final Words 

Silknet provides reliable connections and fast internet across Georgia, which makes it an ideal option for tourists visiting the country. Silknet has many connectivity options with competitive prices that make it possible to keep tourists connected to their services at a low cost. Whether it will be a SIM card or eSIM, Silknet has all the solutions to your telephone needs in Georgia.