Flight & airport info

Georgia has been more culturally and religiously linked with Russia than other Caucasian countries. The great majority of the people speak Georgian and are nominally Christians of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Shaking hands with both sexes is fine, though it's polite for a man to wait for a woman to extend her hand. Say Gumarjoba (‘Hello') as you do so.  When a relationship becomes closer, you may expect a kiss on the cheek. On initial meetings you should call people by their surname with the title Batono (Sir) or Kalbatano (Madam).  From then on first names can be used prefaced with the appropriate title.

This is still a very hierarchical society, where both important and older people are treated with considerable respect.

Hospitality is central to Georgians. Guests are to be treated with respect and generosity. As a visitor from another country, you can expect a warm welcome and it's a matter of honour that you will be paid for in a restaurant. Never offer money, which may offend.  A present, especially from home, is a better idea.

If invited to a Georgian home, be sure to accept. It's polite to bring a small gift: pastries, sweets (especially imported ones) or flowers are good, though flowers should always be in an odd number. Keep your elbows off the table and clean your plate. You are likely to be offered more, at least once.

Tips are much anticipated and appreciated, usually in the region of 10-15% of the bill total unless service is already included.

Dress conservatively as your appearance will be noted. There is no special etiquette around business cards, though having one side translated into Georgian or Russian will go down well. Your counterparts will expect a thorough introduction of yourself, your experience and your proposals. You can save time by sending an introductory letter in advance.

Once in the meeting, shake hands with everyone (and on leaving). Direct eye contact is important, and signals trust. Be prepared for forthright, if not emotional, discussions.

As in the rest of the Transcaucasus region, the establishing of a personal relationship is central to doing business in Georgia.When it comes to decisions, these will only be made by those at the top of the company.

If things go well, you may find yourself invited out for a supra (dinner party). At such an occasion, toasts are generally orchestrated by a tamada, a toastmaster, who introduces the guests round the table with a suitably exaggerated encomium before proposing a toast in their honour. As a guest, you are likely to be toasted early, but be prepared for a long session, as toasts can go on for hours. When toasted, express your thanks, but wait for others to add their good wishes first. Although not a must, if you wish to reciprocate a toast with one of your own, ask the tamada first.  Tradition dictates that you should only drink while toasting and never interrupt the tamada or talk to your neighbour while he is talking, though this is becoming less strict these days. You say Gaumarjos (‘Cheers') when a toast is proposed.

Business hours are usually 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. There are public holidays for Orthodox Christmas, celebrated on 7 January; Epiphany, on the 19 January; Easter Monday and the Assumption (Mariamoba), 28 August. Georgians also have holidays on 3 March (Mother's Day), 9 April (Commemoration), 26 May (Independence), 14 October (Svetitskhovlba), 23 November (St George's Day) and 31 December to 2 January (New Year).

International dialling code: +995