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With its Soviet health spa reputation, you'd imagine swimming at Georgian beaches would be world class. Unfortunately, the best beaches are in the northwest, which means Abkhazia. What with landmines and lawlessness throughout this region, if you're desperate for a really good beach, you should maybe try Hawaii. On the southern coast of the Black Sea, however, resorts with pebble beaches can still be found and remain popular with locals.

Wine tastings are increasing in popularity throughout the country, and especially in the east, where there seems to be a winery around every corner. Get someone else to do the driving.

Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL)

Meals


• Budget: US$2-5

• Mid-range: US$5-8

• Top-end: US$8 and upwards
  
  Lodging
  

• Budget: US$3-20

• Mid-range: US$20-40

• Top-end: US$40-80

With cheap transport, cheap meals and humble accommodation, a traveller can get by in Georgia under US$25 a day. If you can afford a little more, you'll reap the benefits of a big jump in the quality of food and housing.

Almost all payments (shopping in stores and markets, restaurants, hotels and other services) are made in cash. Only the few large hotels and banks accept credit cards and cheques; they are basically useless. It is strongly recommended you travel with US dollars in cash. Locals know that travellers will be carrying cash, so keep an eye out for pickpockets. German marks and Russian roubles are also used. Foreign currency can be exchanged at special exchange shops in the streets of large towns. Currencies other than those mentioned can only be exchanged at banks.

Tips are not normally given or expected, but a customer can tip for excellent service.