Calling Cousin Nino in Tbilisi? Your UK to Georgia Dialing Odyssey (Without the Drama of a Georgian Supra*)
Ah, Georgia! Land of stunning mountain ranges, delectable khachapuri, and people with toasts that could rival Shakespeare's sonnets (though hopefully a tad less cryptic). So, you want to ring up your Georgian counterpart, be it a chatty babushka or a long-lost cousin Nino? Calling Georgia from the UK might seem like navigating the Silk Road blindfolded, but fear not, my friend! This guide will have you phoning Tbilisi like a pro in no time.
How To Call Georgia From Uk |
Step 1: Ditch the Pigeons (and Maybe the Bakewell*)
Forget those fancy historical methods of sending messages – carrier pigeons and Bakewell deliveries won't cut it. We're going high-tech (although, if you happen to have a particularly athletic pigeon, more power to you).
Your Weapon of Choice: Grab your mobile phone (or, if you're fancy, a landline – those still exist, right?).
Step 2: Dialing – It's Not Rocket Science (But Almost as Fun)
Here's where things get interesting. For mobile phones, ditch the leading zero. Now, whip out your inner James Bond and get ready for some international dialing codes:
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
- The Granddaddy of Them All: Start with either 00 (most common) or 011.
- Georgia Calling: Next up, dial 995. This is Georgia's country code, basically its international phonenumber prefix.
- City Slicker or Country Cousin? Now for the nitty-gritty: the city code. Find out which Georgian city your friend resides in (Tbilisi is 32 for example) and add that after the 995.
- The Final Countdown: Finally, punch in your friend's actual phone number.
Example: Calling Nino in Tbilisi (city code 32) with a number like 555 1234, you'd dial: 00 (or 011) 995 32 555 1234.
Landline Users? Don't Fret! The process is pretty similar, but you might need to add a "0" before the city code to get an outside line (check with your provider if unsure).
Step 3: Embrace the Unknown (and Maybe Brush Up on Your Basic Georgian*)
So you've dialed the number, and now you wait. Be prepared for the unexpected – Georgian phone greetings can be a whole other adventure. A little "Gamarjoba" (Georgian for "hello") never hurts, though your friend or family might be more surprised than anything.
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
Bonus Tip: If your phone bill makes you cry later, there are always calling apps (like Whatsapp) that can be a budget-friendly option.
Remember: Patience is a virtue, especially with international calls. Don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries!
*Supra – A traditional Georgian feast, known for its abundance of food, wine, and toasts. *Bakewell – A delicious pastry from England, but not the most effective communication tool. *Georgian – A beautiful language, but maybe not essential for a quick chat with your friend.
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
FAQ: Calling Georgia from the UK – Your Burning Questions Answered
How to find the city code for a specific Georgian city? A quick Google search with "Georgia city codes" should do the trick!
How much will it cost to call Georgia? This depends on your phone provider. Check their website or call their customer service for international calling rates.
Can I use a calling app to call Georgia? Yes! Many calling apps like Whatsapp offer international calls for free or at reduced rates, especially if you have Wi-Fi.
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
What if I accidentally dial the wrong number? Don't panic! Just politely apologize (even if they don't understand you) and hang up.
Will my friend understand me if I only speak English? English is becoming increasingly common in Georgia, especially in tourist areas. However, brushing up on some basic Georgian phrases can't hurt!