How to Buy a SIM Card at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) for Tourists: Where and Price

This guide shows you how to quickly and easily buy a SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), including where to buy and how much it costs.

SIM Card at Tbilisi International Airport

Getting a SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) is essential for staying connected while touring the fascinating city of Georgia. A local SIM card provides dependable internet and reasonably priced communication, making it perfect for travelers. This guide offers helpful advice on how to buy a SIM card in Tbilisi. You’ll acquire information that will enable you to remain in touch and make a wise decision while in Tbilisi. 

Highlights

  • Buy a SIM card directly from operator kiosks located in the arrivals area at TBS Airport.
  • If your phone supports eSIM, you should purchase a digital SIM online.
  • SIM card shops at the TBS airport are typically open 24/7 for your convenience.

I. How to Get a SIM Card at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)?

Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) maps
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) maps

There are several convenient ways to pick up a SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS): 

  • Order it online in advance and pick it up at the airport: For a hassle-free experience, reserve your SIM card online or pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
  • Purchase as soon as you arrive: Get a SIM card from any of the airport stores as soon as you land. Quick and easy to complete.
  • If it is compatible with your phone, get an eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM, buy a digital SIM online for speedy activation to save time and space.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Tbilisi International Airport?

Tbilisi International Airport has kiosks of mobile carriers where you can buy a Georgia SIM card upon arrival. These shops are usually located in the arrivals lounges area.

1. Buy Cellfie (Beeline) SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport

Cellfie booth is on the 1st floor of Tbilisi International Airport.
Cellfie booth is on the 1st floor of Tbilisi International Airport.

Cellfie (Beeline) offers affordable prepaid SIM card plans tailored for tourists. You can find their store to buy SIM cards at Tbilisi International Airport.

  • Location: Right as you exit the luggage claim area in the Arrivals Hall.
  • Opening Hours: 24/7, 7 days a week.
  • SIM Cards Available: Beeline SIM cards with various data packages and plans include tourist package,~$7, 5GB with unlimited + 50 Int’l mins.. 

2. Buy Silknet SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport

Silknet has booth which sells SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport
Silknet has booth which sells SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport

Silknet, like Beeline, operates an official shop in the airport arrivals area. You may get Silknet SIM cards with data plans here. Staff help with activations. 

  • Location: Silknet kiosk located in the arrivals hall, next to the exit on the left.
  • Opening Hours: The kiosk operates 24/7, ensuring availability regardless of your arrival time.
  • Price: Silknet offers various prepaid packages, including: Tourist Package – Approximately 10 GEL for unlimited data, SMS, and 30 minutes of local calls, valid for 3 days; Standard Packages – Options such as 15 days with 4 GB of data, unlimited SMS, and 30 minutes of local calls for 15 GEL.

3. Buy Magti SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport

Buying Magti SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport
Buying Magti SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport

Magti SIM cards are readily available for purchase at Tbilisi International Airport. 

  • Location: Arrivals gate
  • Opening Hours: Open all day
  • Price: Magti offers various mobile internet packages valid for 30 days. Options include 1GB for $1.77, 3GB for $3.20, 5GB for $4.28, 20GB for $10.68, and unlimited data for $11.39.

If you’re unsure which carriers to choose, we recommend Geocell. Geocell is known for its stable and reliable network, affordable data plans during your travels in Georgia.

Note: However, it's important to note that while convenient, prices at the airport might be slightly higher than those in the city center and online.

III. Do SIM card shops at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) open after midnight?

Yes. SIM card shops at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) operate 24/7, including after midnight. Large mobile service providers including Silknet (Geocell), Beeline (Cellfie), and Magti have stores in the arrivals hall that are open 24/7 to serve travelers arriving at any time of day. This guarantees that, no matter what time your flight is, you can easily get a SIM card when you get there.

IV. Tbilisi International Airport SIM card Price ?

At Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), tourists can purchase SIM cards from major Georgian telecom providers—Magti, Silknet, and Cellfie—each offering various prepaid packages tailored for visitors.

OperatorsSIM PlansPrice (USD)DataLocal CallsMessagesValidityTotal Cost (USD)
CellfieTourist~$75GBUnlimited + 50 Int’l MinsUnlimited14 days~$8
SilknetTourist 3~$4Unlimited30 local minsUnlimited3 days~$6
Tourist~$5Unlimited30 local minsUnlimited7 days~$7
Tourist Start~$54000MB30 local mins + 15 int’l minsUnlimited15 days~$7
Tourist Unlimited~$11UnlimitedUnlimited local mins + 30 int’l minsUnlimited15 days~$13
Tourist 30~$18Unlimited500 local minsUnlimited30 days~$20
MagtiComSlknet SIM~$55000MBFree local SMS/MMS15 days~$5
Slknet SIM (free 4.5G SIM)~$113000MBFree local calls + 30 int’l minsFree local SMS/MMS15 days~$11

Note: Prices and packages may vary, so confirm with the provider upon arrival. Alternatively, consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip for convenience and no registration hassle.

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)

To buy a SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), tourists typically need the following:

  • Passport: Required for registration as per Georgian telecom regulations
  • Unlocked Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked to use a Georgian SIM card
  • Payment Method: Cash (Georgian Lari) or international credit/debit card

The process involves showing your passport, completing personal details for registration, and sometimes waiting for verification. This can feel cumbersome for tourists, especially those uncomfortable sharing personal information.

Recommendation: If you want to avoid the inconvenience of registering, an eSIM is a great option. eSIMs are convenient and eliminate the need for paperwork or in-person registration.

  • eSIM-Compatible Device: Ensure your smartphone supports eSIM technology.
  • Internet Access: You'll need a stable internet connection to download and activate the eSIM profile before traveling.
  • Reputable Provider: Purchase an eSIM from a trusted vendor offering coverage in Georgia

VI. eSIM at Tbilisi International Airport – Alternative to Georgia SIM Card

Gigago's Georgia eSIM plan for tourists
Gigago’s Georgia eSIM plan for tourists

You can conveniently purchase an eSIM online, either before arriving in Georgia or while at Tbilisi International Airport. We recommend purchasing your eSIM from a dedicated eSIM retailer like Gigago for a simpler experience.

Gigago offers a prepaid Gigago Georgia eSIM data plan for travelers. Gigago plans start at $6.50 for 1GB of high-speed data in 7 days, covering Georgia on the Geocell mobile network. Prices range from $6.50$38.50 , depending on the chosen data allowance and validity period (from 7 days to 30 days).

VII. FAQ about SIM Card at Tbilisi International Airport

Where can I buy a SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport?

You can find SIM card booths and kiosks operated by major Georgian mobile operators within the arrivals area of the airport.

What are the benefits of buying a SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport?

Tourists can have immediate access to a local Georgia SIM card upon arrival.

What are the major mobile operators in Georgia that can be bought at Tbilisi International Airport?

There are three famous mobile operators Magti, Cellfie and Geocell.

VIII. Conclusion

Tourists can easily purchase a SIM card at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) from telecom provider kiosks located in the arrivals area. These kiosks offer prepaid packages designed for visitors, typically including data, calls, and SMS. However, the process requires presenting a passport for registration, which can be inconvenient for some travelers. For a simpler solution, consider buying an international SIM card or an eSIM online before your trip, allowing you to avoid paperwork and stay connected effortlessly.