Re: City Car Driving 1.2.5 Activation Key.rar
Leana Eckes
The main reason I was so hesitant about renting a car in Tbilisi is the style of driving I observed during my first few years living and travelling in Georgia. If you have spent any time in the country, then you will know what I mean when I say that things are done slightly differently on the roads here.
It took some convincing, but I finally took the plunge and rented a car during my first summer in Georgia. That road trip still stands out as one of the most rewarding travel experiences I have had here.
Given the choice between driving and using marshrutka vans, I would take self-driving every time. You can set your own schedule, move at your own pace, and ultimately control your own fate. And you will see and experience so much more.
In this guide, I will paint you a picture of the road conditions and driving style in Georgia. I will offer my best practical tips for a successful road trip, including important information about staying safe.
I will also give you some itinerary inspiration, point out my favourite drives, and give you a full breakdown about renting a car in Tbilisi or elsewhere through an international company or a local agent.
More adventurous travellers will find plenty of opportunities for off-roading in Georgia. If this is you, then I highly recommend picking up a copy of the book Explore Georgia, which contains detailed information and maps for 24 overlanding routes.
However, if you get into an accident, the police might ask you for an IDP or a notarised copy of your license in Georgian. If you plan to spend a long time on the roads in Georgia, consider getting your license translated and notarised at a notary office. This should cost around 50 GEL.
A sedan is all you need for travelling the major roads in Georgia. However, because of potholes, unexpected roadworks and rough roads, hiring a 4WD will give you more freedom and greater peace of mind.
During my first four years in Georgia, I almost always hired a Prius. Every single time I got behind the wheel, I got a flat tire! When it came time for me to buy my own car, I thought it was essential to buy a 4WD.
To secure the type of vehicle you want for the best price, I recommend booking your car at least 4-6 weeks in advance. If you are planning to visit Georgia in summer, consider reserving a car even earlier than that.
Optional extras such as a child seats and ski racks can be added here. Winter tires are mandatory on some mountain roads in Georgia from December 1-March 1, so you will need to add-on winter equipment if you are driving during this period (some cars come with winter tires included).
99% of the roads you will use as a tourist driving around Georgia are sealed. Not only are they sealed, but they are mostly smooth and pothole-free. Two things to keep in mind are that the roads are often narrow (even some major roads are only single-track), and line markings are sometimes faded or missing altogether.
The roads to popular attractions such as David Gareja Cave Monastery, Vardzia and Katskhi Column are all sealed and manageable in a sedan. The road to Gergeti Trinity Church from Kazbegi is also paved and easy to drive in the warmer months (but I recommend you avoid it in winter).
The road to Tusheti (the Abano Pass) and the road to Khevsureti are both challenging mountain roads that I do not recommend you tackle yourself. These journeys are much better done with a Georgian driver who is familiar with the conditions.
Some people might even find Tbilisi to Kazbegi via the Georgian Military Highway too stressful. This road always has heavy traffic due to the large number of trucks crossing the border. You might find that it is better done with an experienced driver booked through GoTrip.
Since Georgia has a zero-tolerance policy to drink driving, Kakheti wine region does not lend itself particularly well to a road trip, either. For visiting vineyards and doing wine tastings, I recommend booking a dedicated wine tour from Tbilisi.
Some mountain roads in Georgia are closed during winter and only passable during the warmest months of the year, from late May until October (depending on weather conditions and snowfall). While many roads are cleaned during winter, the high mountain passes are not.
Floods and landslides are not uncommon in spring and early summer. Shortly before my first road trip, the road in Upper Racha completely washed away, leaving villages cut off for a week until a temporary road was constructed (I actually drove the new road).
It is always a good idea to check road conditions and closures before you set out. Call the Roads Department Hotline on +995 322 313 076 and follow them on Facebook for regular updates.
For the past few years, a new east-west highway has been under construction in Georgia. Once complete, it will cut the cross-country journey time in half by allowing drivers to bypass Kutaisi, Zestafoni, and other areas. Travel time from Tbilisi to Batumi will be 3.5 hours.
I could advise you to brush up on Georgian road rules before you get behind the wheel, but there is really no point. No one seems to follow the rules, despite there being a heavy traffic police presence.
Set out early in the morning (before 10am) when there are fewer people on the roads, and never drive at night. Avoid driving in the big cities (Tbilisi, Batumi) at all costs, and try to stick to quieter backroads.
To make navigation easier and to ensure you can reach your agent in case of an emergency, I highly recommend you buy a local SIM card or eSIM when you arrive in Georgia. Magti has the best coverage and is my top choice.
Garages are pretty ubiquitous and can normally be found around major junctions or on the outskirts of town near the entrance to the highway. In more remote areas, workshops might be closed on Sundays.
As I alluded to earlier, I have a lot of experience with flat tires in Georgia. Neither Ross or I are particularly handy with cars, so we have always had to rely on a helpful guesthouse host (or friendly stranger) to help us out.
On one occasion in Kakheti, we were helped by a friendly neighbour in Telavi who we took our Prius to a local garage and had the tire mended and re-fitted. This cost us a grand total of 20 GEL. It was a Sunday and he opened the garage especially for us.
Instead, fines should be settled using a paybox machine. Input the protocol number on the ticket then pay with cash or card. If you have any difficulties, visit a Bank of Georgia or TBC branch. Staff there will be able to assist you.
Oftentimes parking lots and free parking bays are managed by an attendant dressed in a brightly coloured vest. They are there to help you in and out of the spot, and to watch over your car. It is polite (and frankly, expected) to give a small tip as you leave. A few coins will suffice.
I recommend using the border crossing at Ninotsminda-Bavra rather than the more popular Sadakhlo-Bagratashen. The former is much quieter and faster (but do note that the road on the Armenian side is in pretty bad shape). Insurance for Armenia can easily be obtained from one of the offices at the border.
A few days before I was set to pick up my car, I decided to change my itinerary slightly and wanted to nominate a different pickup address closer to the highway. I emailed Local Rent and they did this for me straight away and sent me a new confirmation.
On the day of the handover, a representative from the agency met me on a street corner with the parked car. I did a quick inspection of the vehicle, then he presented me with a contract in English that I signed. This included a diagram of the car with all scratches and dings marked out. I paid him in cash and we parted ways.
Drop off: Towards the end of my road trip, I had to change my itinerary again and re-route. I emailed Local Rent and they advised me to contact the agent directly. I was able to organise a new drop off address (in a different city, mind you) without any hassle. All I had to do was confirm the final address the night before.
On the morning I was set to drop off the car, I sent an email with my ETA of 12 midday. The agent asked me to hold onto the car for a few more hours to give his driver time to reach me from Tbilisi. Brilliant!
Hi Gordy, yes a number of companies have this policy unfortunately (it is an insurance thing, I believe). I think you will need to go through one of the big brand name agencies instead. Avis, for example, does not seem to have an upper age limit as far as I can see. Best of luck!
Thank you for all the wonderful information. We have thrown our Lonely Planet in the bin and have been planning our trip using all your practical information. We plan to use Local Rent and drive ourselves for most of our 5 weeks in Georgia. Can I ask about picking up a car in Tbilisi? We are staying in Rustaveli Ave and have taken your advice about avoiding driving in the city. Where would you recommend picking up the car if heading towards Gori? The airport and then on to the highway??? Thanks in advance
Hey hiee
Firstly thank you so much for such informative post about car rental in georgia. I am planning to visit georgia in march 3rd week 2024 . What would be the road condition like and weather in late March . we are thinking of Road trip from tbilisi to kakhati region . then tbilisi to kazbegi .
Wanted to understand the road condition from tbilisi to batumi is it avdisible to go by car or by train .
Also we have our 4 yr son and daughter along with us . Is car seat mandatory for them . ?
Thank you in advance !!
Hi Shalaka, there are roadworks on the main highway to Batumi but for the most part, the road is just fine. Do check the weather and conditions closer to the time, especially for the mountain road to Kazbegi. I recommend hiring car seats, yes. Enjoy your trip!
I could write so much more but I want to thank you for your article! It was the one honest and accurate piece I found on driving.
Perhaps in another post, you could focus on street signs (perhaps you have already and I missed it).
Most are intuitive, but some took a while to understand.