The Airport Arrival Guide for Arab Families: First 2 Hours in Georgia
Landing at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) with family, especially children, can feel overwhelming with eager touts and new processes. Here’s a calm, step-by-step plan to handle the first hours smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.
Step 1: Passport Control and Baggage Immigration is usually quick. Have passports ready. Take your time with baggage, especially with kids.
Step 2: Staying Connected – Best Internet Options Georgians rely heavily on WhatsApp and Messenger for calls and messaging, so you mainly need reliable data rather than a local phone number.
- Recommended Option: Airalo eSIM The smartest choice for most families is to buy an Airalo eSIM before departure. You can install it in advance and activate it as soon as your plane lands in Georgia. This gives you instant internet without buying a physical SIM card and an extra number you probably won’t use again after the trip. It’s convenient, avoids airport queues, and works smoothly for navigation, ride apps, and family contact.
- If you prefer a physical SIM (for example, if you collect SIM cards or need a local number): Go with Magti (best overall coverage, especially in rural and mountainous areas) or Silknet. Magti generally offers stronger coverage across more regions of Georgia.
We recommend using Airalo eSIM before you travel — you can purchase and activate it from your phone before you even board your flight. No local SIM card or Georgian phone number needed. [Get Airalo eSIM here]”
Step 3: Currency Exchange and ATMs Exchange a small amount at the airport or use ATMs for better rates. Carry some cash for small expenses.
Step 4: Getting to Your Hotel – Avoid the Taxi Trap Taxi touts often quote inflated prices (80–100 GEL or more) for rides worth 25–35 GEL. Even if they grab your bags and ask you to follow them, politely say: ‘Arminda! Madloba!’ It means ‘I don’t want to! Thank you!’.
Best options for families:
- Bolt App: Download it and use airport Wi-Fi or your AirAlo data or your new eSIM. Prices are clear upfront.
- Pre-booked private transfer: Ideal with children — fixed price, driver with a sign, and assistance if needed. Browse our verified transfer and rental listings on YallaKavkaz to find trusted providers.
Step 5: Renting a Car – Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace
For families who prefer the flexibility of driving themselves, renting a car at Tbilisi International Airport is a great option. We recommend LocalRent — a trusted platform with 1,300+ direct contracts with rental companies across Georgia. What makes it particularly convenient for Arab families is that many options require no deposit and no credit card — just your driving licence (As per Georgia Law, Intenrational Driving License is required for some countries) and passport. Book in advance, arrive stress-free, and start exploring Georgia on your own terms.
