Ever tried calling someone in Tbilisi and ended up staring at a "Call Failed" screen? Honestly, it happens to the best of us. You’ve got the number. You’ve got the signal. But without the right country code of Georgia, you’re basically shouting into a void.
The magic number is +995.
That’s it. Three digits that bridge the gap between wherever you are and the cobblestone streets of the Caucasus. But as simple as that sounds, dialing into Sakartvelo—the name locals actually use for Georgia—comes with its own set of quirks. If you don't drop the leading zero or you mix up the exit codes, you're going nowhere.
The Bare Bones: What is the Country Code of Georgia?
If you're looking for the short answer: +995 is the international calling code for the country of Georgia.
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Whether you are calling a trendy wine bar in the Sololaki district or checking in with a mountain guide in Svaneti, those three digits are your starting point. It's the digital address for a nation tucked between the Black Sea and the Great Caucasus Mountains.
Don't confuse it with the US state of Georgia. If you’re trying to reach Atlanta, you’re looking for +1. If you want the land of ancient vineyards and khinkali, stick with +995.
Dialing Like a Local (Sorta)
Making an international call feels a bit like entering a secret password. You can't just punch in the digits. You need a sequence.
If you are calling from the United States or Canada, you start with 011. That’s the exit code. Then you hit 995, followed by the area code and the subscriber number.
For most of the rest of the world—think UK, Europe, or Australia—the exit code is 00.
Pro tip: On a smartphone, just hold down the "0" key until it turns into a +. It saves you the headache of remembering whether you need 011 or 00. The phone just figures it out for you.
The "Drop the Zero" Rule
Here is where most people trip up.
When you see a Georgian phone number written locally, it often starts with a 0. For example, a Tbilisi landline might look like 032 2XX XX XX.
Never dial that first zero when calling from abroad.
If you're calling from London, it should look like: +995 32 2XX XX XX. If you keep that zero in there, the system gets confused and the call drops. It’s a tiny mistake that leads to a lot of frustration.
Mobile vs. Landline: Spotting the Difference
In Georgia, phone numbers are generally 9 digits long.
- Mobile Numbers: These usually start with the digit 5. Common prefixes include 595, 599, or 577.
- Landlines: These are tied to specific cities.
Tbilisi, the capital, uses the area code 32. If you’re calling Kutaisi, the code is 431. Batumi, the seaside gem, uses 422.
Honestly, landlines are becoming a bit of a relic. Most people you meet will hand you a mobile number. It’s just easier. Even the guesthouses in the remote mountains usually have a mobile signal these days.
Why Does the Code Matter?
Back in the Soviet era, Georgia didn't have its own country code. It was lumped in with the USSR's +7. After gaining independence in 1991, establishing +995 was more than just a technical necessity—it was a mark of sovereignty.
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It’s a point of pride.
Using the correct code ensures your call is routed through the Georgian National Communications Commission's infrastructure rather than bouncing around neighboring networks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The "State" Confusion: Seriously, double-check you aren't using a 404 or 770 area code. Those are for Georgia, USA.
- Time Zones: Georgia is at UTC+4. If it’s 10:00 AM in New York, it’s 7:00 PM in Tbilisi. Don't be the person who calls a business at 3:00 AM their time.
- Abkhazia and South Ossetia: These regions have a complicated status. While some numbers there might still use the Georgian +995 544 prefix, many have transitioned to Russian codes (+7). It's a bit of a "it depends" situation depending on the carrier.
Practical Steps for Your Next Call
If you’re planning a trip or doing business, here is what you should actually do:
- Save numbers in E.164 format. This means always saving contacts with the full +995 prefix in your phone. This way, the call works whether you are in your home country or roaming in a third country.
- Use WhatsApp or Telegram. Most Georgians are incredibly active on these apps. If you have the number saved correctly with the country code of Georgia, they’ll pop up in your contact list automatically.
- Check your roaming plan. Calling +995 from a US or UK SIM can be brutally expensive. Consider a local SIM card like Magti or Silknet if you’re staying more than a few days. They’re cheap and the 4G coverage is surprisingly good, even in the middle of nowhere.
Basically, as long as you remember the +995 and lose that initial zero, you’re golden. Georgia is a place that values connection and hospitality, so once the phone actually rings, you're halfway there.
Essential Area Codes at a Glance
- Tbilisi: 32
- Kutaisi: 431
- Batumi: 422
- Rustavi: 341
- Zestafoni: 492
- Gori: 370
Don't overthink it. Just +995, the area code, and the number. Simple.