Mobile data abroad is one of the most common sources of unexpected travel costs. Georgian travelers face three main options: an international data package from their home carrier, a local SIM card at the destination, or an eSIM bought online before departure. Here is a 2026 price comparison with pros and cons for each.
Georgian Carrier Roaming Packages
Magti, Silknet and Beeline all offer international data add-ons — fast to activate, no number change needed. But the cost adds up quickly.
- Magti Daily Roaming — approx. $5-9/day in Europe; 1-5 GB; full LTE
- Silknet World Pass — approx. $4-7/day; 1-3 GB; Europe + UAE
- Beeline Roaming Day — approx. $4-7/day; 500 MB–2 GB; 30+ countries
Without an active daily roaming package your carrier charges $0.35-1.80 per MB — meaning 1 GB costs $360-1800. Always activate a package before landing.
eSIM: AviaEsim, Airalo, Holafly
An eSIM is a virtual SIM delivered as a QR code that you scan on a compatible iPhone or Android. You buy it online and activate it before departure. AviaEsim.ge is in Georgian and priced in GEL.
- AviaEsim — Europe 5 GB / 15 days: approx. $14; Georgian language; GEL payment
- Airalo — Europe 3 GB / 30 days: approx. $7; global eSIM platform; managed via app
- Holafly — Unlimited / 30 days Europe: approx. $47; 5 Mbps speed cap; good for streaming
- Compatible devices: iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, recent Android flagships
Local SIM Card
The cheapest option for stays of 2+ weeks in one country. Pick one up at Arrivals — the process takes 10-15 minutes.
- Turkey: Turkcell Tourist SIM — approx. $15-18; 10 GB; 15 days; at IST Arrivals
- UAE: Etisalat/du Tourist SIM — approx. $8; 10 GB; 7-30 days; at DXB Arrivals
- Europe (Schengen): LycaMobile — approx. $8-13; 10-20 GB; valid across the EU
- Downside: queue at Arrivals, number changes, potential language barrier
Which Option to Choose?
- 1-3 days, 1 country — Georgian carrier Daily Pack: number unchanged, zero setup
- 4-14 days, 1-3 countries — eSIM: AviaEsim for Europe, Airalo globally
- 2+ weeks, one country — local SIM is cheapest overall
- Business traveler — eSIM: keep your number, add a second country simultaneously
5 Tips to Save Even More Data
Whichever option you choose, these habits reduce your data usage further. The full eSIM guide on Travel365 covers eSIM setup in more detail.
- Download Google Maps offline before you leave — navigate without any data
- Pre-download Netflix and Spotify on Wi-Fi — offline playback on the plane and hotel
- Disable app background refresh — stops apps refreshing in the background
- Connect to hotel or café Wi-Fi immediately on arrival — turn off mobile data
- Use WhatsApp calls over Wi-Fi instead of mobile-network calls
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