Georgia has a mixed bag of antiques to offer. Rare articles from Middle East, Mediterranean, Russia and Europe are found in the different antique shops in Georgia that line the market place.

Georgian Wine

With 521 original assortment of grape, Georgia is known as the cradle of wine making. Nobody goes home disappointed. Another must buy while visiting Georgia is cognac. Georgian cognac traces its origin to the sparkling Georgian wine and hence is unique. The most famous one is the Saradjishvili 'Tbilisi' cognac.

Georgians love their drink and are serious about it. That probably explains the numerous varieties of wines, liquors, beers and distilled drinks. It is advisable not to buy wines off the shelf from shops in Georgia. Instead try the home made wines at local Georgian restaurants. These are far superior to their supermarket counterparts. A bottle of chacha is the popular take home gift. Genuine Georgian chacha is home made and not sold openly. Made from traditional Georgian grape varietals and more or less comparable to a grappa, it is transparent and has a vanilla taste to it. No wonder it is called the original Georgian spirit. The real chacha is transparent and is sold in grocery shops usually camouflaged in mineral water bottles.

Georgian Carpets

Carpets are collector's item too; however, the genuine hand made Georgian carpets are found in Georgian shops outside the city limits.

Religious items

Orthodox religious icons are beautiful, inexpensive and nice gifts to take for loved ones back home. They are rampant in Georgia and you will find them everywhere - from churches to icon shops that dot Tbilisi.

Books

A seasoned traveller never leaves his book behind. But if you just happen to be a forgetful one and are travelling around the Caucasus sans a book, don't panic, for Prospero's is right around the corner! A far cry from the ordinary book store, Prospero's in Tbilisi has an extensive selection of history and some great work of non-fiction. There are also travel guides that cover not just Georgia but also the neighbouring countries. Of course there are the usual run of the mill fiction, mystery, thriller, reference and children's books. The charming cafe in the corner of the shop has outdoor seating which adds to the ambience.

Recycled goods anyone?

Georgia is an environmentalist's haven where nothing is wasted. Every item is recycled and it is interesting to take a stroll in the local market to see the many possibilities of recycling and selling. Due to widespread poverty, pretty much everything is sold on the streets.

The area around Sestaphoni is known for its pottery. They are genuine pieces of art that are carefully hand crafted. These are easily available and easy on the wallet too.

Georgian ceramics, embroidery and jewellery are all distinctive in design and quality. They are available in art salons and special tourist shops in Georgia. Antiques such as rugs and other icons attract a heavy export duty and are required to be licensed for export by the Ministry of Culture. Goods that are acquired in markets in Georgia or from private individuals do not come with an export licence, but official tourist shops generally take responsibility for certification.

Georgian Currency

Lari (GEL) is the official Georgian currency. There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 denominations. 100 Tetris make 1 Lari.  ATMs are available at most banks in the central streets of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi and other cities.

Shopping in Geogia: General trivia

Tipping: The bill is usually rounded off for service in restaurants, cafés and taxis.

All public institutions and organisations work from 9 am to 6 pm. Commercial outlets are open from 10 am to 7 pm through the week.

You can cash credit cards at most banks in Tbilisi and other major cities.