In autumn 2025, I arrived in Tbilisi, Georgia, and went out to buy a local SIM card. Sounds simple, right? But within a couple of hours, I discovered that mobile operators here can easily trick tourists if you’re not careful.

Mobile Operators in Georgia

There are two main mobile operators in Georgia: Silknet and Magti. Both have offices in major cities like Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi.

When I entered the first mobile shop, the sales assistant coldly quoted me 150 GEL (around $55) for unlimited internet for one month. In the second and third stores, the story was exactly the same. They even had colorful printed leaflets with these “golden” tariffs.

When I asked why it was so expensive, the clerk shrugged: “It’s normal.”

Honestly, for that price I’d rather live without internet. But then I decided to investigate further.

The Real Internet Prices in Georgia

After connecting to Wi-Fi, I checked the official websites of Silknet and Magti. And guess what? The real price for unlimited internet in Georgia is only 30–40 GEL per month.

So yes — some shops do overcharge tourists!

In the end, I bought a Silknet SIM card for 37 GEL at a small kiosk near Marjanishvili metro station in Tbilisi. The internet worked perfectly across Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Tsqaltubo, and other cities. But that wasn’t the end of the story.

How I Lost Money When Topping Up

After 30 days, my plan expired, and my internet was cut off. I topped up my balance via a street payment terminal near a supermarket and tried to activate a new package through the Silknet app. A friend shared his Wi-Fi so I could do it.

But when I logged into my account, I was shocked to see a negative balance.

I called Silknet’s customer service (luckily, they speak both Russian and English). Here’s what I found out:

• When you top up your balance, the system automatically activates a basic internet tariff.
• This tariff costs 0.70 GEL per 1 MB.
• While I was trying to activate a package, my phone burned through the balance with background data.

Basically, my money disappeared before I could even buy the plan I wanted.

How I Got My Money Back

The operator told me to go to the nearest Silknet office (which didn’t exist in Tsqaltubo, where I was staying). I insisted, and eventually they filed a claim.

The next morning, I received a call from their call center. They said they’d return my money — but only if I immediately activated a data package. Not exactly a pleasant experience.

It felt like entering a store, getting robbed at the door, and then being told you can only get your money back if you buy something right now.

Tips for Tourists: How Not to Lose Money on SIM Cards in Georgia

Here’s what you should do to avoid problems with mobile internet in Georgia:

1. Buy SIM cards only at official operator kiosks or offices (Magti or Silknet). Avoid random mobile shops.
2. Always turn off mobile data before topping up your balance. Otherwise, your money can vanish instantly.
3. Keep your payment receipts. They can help if there’s a dispute.
4. Check official websites for current prices. Unlimited internet should cost around 30–40 GEL per month.

Final Thoughts

Georgia is an amazing country with warm people, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes. But the mobile operators here can be tricky.

As long as you know the rules, you’ll be fine: for just 30–40 GEL, you’ll get fast internet that works everywhere. But if you’re careless, you might lose your balance in minutes — just like I did.

Stay alert, and your trip to Georgia will be all about joy, not frustration.

FAQ: SIM Cards and Internet in Georgia 2025

1. How much does a SIM card cost in Georgia for tourists?

Unlimited internet usually costs 30–40 GEL per month. If someone offers you 150 GEL, that’s an inflated price.

2. Which mobile operators are available in Georgia?

The two main providers are Magti and Silknet. Both offer tourist-friendly packages.

3. Where is the best place to buy a SIM card in Tbilisi or Batumi?

At official Magti or Silknet kiosks (often near metro stations) or in their branded offices.

4. Why can money disappear right after topping up?

If mobile data is on, the operator automatically charges the basic tariff (0.70 GEL per MB), which can drain your balance in minutes.

5. How can tourists avoid losing money on SIM cards in Georgia?

• Turn off mobile data before topping up.
• Keep receipts from payment terminals.
• Activate a data package immediately after topping up.

Location: Georgia