general information

Georgia is not a popular country for shopping, there are shops of famous brands, but in terms of prices and choice of goods, they do not differ much from Russian stores. It makes no sense to go to Georgia for the sake of cheap shopping, first of all, you should buy wines, national daggers, handmade carpets, silver and gold jewelry from local jewelers here. You can also bring inexpensive souvenirs from Georgia, such as shawls, traditional leather shoes, and ceramics.

Edible gifts from Georgia deserve special attention from tourists – a large number of local wines, cognacs, chacha vodka, cheeses, spices, adjika seasoning.

Stores in Georgia

There are quite a lot of shopping streets in Georgia, where shops are located, as well as shopping centers, there are also department stores in the country, small boutiques and shops that sell mainly clothes and shoes of foreign brands. There is also the only Tbilisi outlet park in Georgia, located in Tbilisi.

Georgian markets are primarily a source of fresh vegetables, fruits and other products. The markets also sell clothes and shoes, but the quality of these things is much lower than the store ones.

Recently, the format of “flea markets” and flea markets where you can buy old things has become popular in Georgia. They mainly sell old books and magazines, various badges, coins, music records, paintings, dishes, toys. Most of these things are from the Soviet past and are of interest only to avid collectors. However, sometimes very interesting, vintage things come across in such markets, which you can perfectly decorate your home or give to loved ones.

The most famous “flea market” is located in Tbilisi near the Dry Bridge, a short walk from Shota Rustaveli Avenue.

Sales in Georgia

Sales in Georgia пока еще не так распространены, их проводят в основном в крупных торговых центрах. The period of sales in Georgia basically coincides with the European one and is held twice a year. There are also sales during national holidays. Discounts on sales in Georgia can reach 70%, but in most stores the price of goods drops by an average of 50%.

Winter sales: from January to mid-late February

Summer sales: from June to early September

Tourists should remember that, as in Europe, winter sales in Georgia sell things of autumn-winter collections, and in summer – spring-summer.

Shop opening hours

On weekdays, most shops in Georgia are open from 09:00 to 19:00, there are no lunch breaks.
Some stores operate on a 12-hour clock, and are open from 09:00 to 21:00 or from 10:00 to 22:00.
Markets in Georgia open from 06:00 and close around 14:00.
Most large shops and shopping centers are open seven days a week, some Saturdays and Sundays are shortened days.
Small shops and shops often have an individual work schedule, depending on the owner.
Shopping tips in Georgia

Georgia is traditionally considered the most famous wine producer. Homemade wine is sold in the markets, but you must definitely taste it before buying it.
If you are going to visit shopping centers and markets, it is better to make a list of stores with addresses in advance.
Most stores in Georgia accept only the national currency; before shopping, you should take care of exchanging currency for lari.
Only a small part of the stores, mainly in Tbilisi, accept credit cards, it is better to withdraw a certain amount in advance for purchases.
Bargaining in stores is pointless, this is only possible in markets and small shops.
It is better to buy souvenirs in the markets, here you can not only find real handicrafts, but also bring down the price by haggling.
Souvenirs from Georgia

Georgian wine
Price: from 10 GEL (210 rubles)
Georgian wines are a whole family of different varieties of a noble drink. You can buy wine in Georgia not only in the store, many markets sell draft homemade wines.

Georgian cheeses
Price: from 6 lari (125 rubles)
Georgian cheeses – среди которых наиболее известен сулугуни, это вкусный сувенир из путешествия по Грузии. Such cheeses can be a wonderful decoration for a festive table.

Silver jewelry
Price: from 20 GEL (450 rubles)
Silver jewelry грузинских мастеров уже давно известны во всем мире. In Georgia, you can find many shops with rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets. Before buying, be sure to check that the jewelry is made in Georgia.

Chacha
Price: from 20 GEL (450 rubles)
Chacha – традиционный крепкий напиток на Кавказе. Chacha is prepared by distilling grapes into alcohol with the addition of water. Often chacha is consumed in its pure form, it can also be drink in cocktails.

Georgian tobacco
Price: from 3 GEL per 100 gr. (from 65 rubles)
Georgian tobacco достаточно большая редкость в России, поэтому для курильщиков такой сувенир будет интересным и любопытным экспериментом. There are a lot of varieties of tobacco in Georgia, from very strong, which local old people love, to light, barely perceptible.

Georgian tea
Цена: от 3 лари (from 65 rubles)
Georgian tea – популярный и недорогой сувенир из Грузии. This gift will especially appeal to older people who remember the taste of Georgian tea from childhood.

Georgian carpets
Price: from 50 GEL (about 1100 rubles)
Carpets are sold on almost all the busy streets of Georgian cities. They are made in small factories from wool or silk. Almost any size is on sale, from small rugs to huge carpets for large halls.

Papakha
Price: from 70 GEL (about 1500 rubles)
Papakha – не просто головной убор на Кавказе, но и символ настоящего мужчины. You can buy a papakha both in souvenir shops and in ordinary stores. It is best to buy handmade hats in the markets.

Georgian daggers
Price: from 150 GEL (about 3200 rubles)
Georgian daggers – популярный сувенир. There are mostly modern copies on sale, but real old daggers can also be found at flea markets, their price will be correspondingly very high. If the dagger is not a souvenir, but a real one, then permits for export and import will be required.

Borjomi
Price: from 1 lari (about 22 rubles)
Borjomi знакомое всем название, ставшее олицетворением всех минеральных вод. The real Borjomi is of course from the city of the same name. You can also buy mineral water in Russia, but it is much more pleasant to give such a souvenir, emphasizing that it is from Georgia.