What To Buy In Batumi

Since Georgia is a country where you can enter with an ID card, the first question that comes to mind for everyone traveling there is “What should you buy in Batumi?” There is a lot of misinformation regarding shopping in Batumi. People may shape their trips based on these incorrect beliefs.

You are planning a trip to Batumi and do not want to return empty-handed. As a former guide to Batumi, I receive many questions on this topic. For example; can we buy car parts? This is just one of them. In the 2010s, during the period when the dollar was very low in our country, our currency was quite valuable compared to the Georgian currency. The source of the misinformation dates back to that period. Currently, the Georgian currency is worth twice as much as our currency. Therefore, you may encounter high prices while shopping. 

Let’s start answering your questions about what to buy in Batumi without further delay.

1.Georgian Wine
Georgians are so confident in their wine that they even claim that the world's first wine was produced in Georgia. I highly recommend trying Georgian wines. They really have wonderful wines. There is no problem in bringing two bottles of wine with you when returning to Turkey, but I recommend buying the wines by tasting them personally from the city center.

2.Chacha, Georgia's National Drink
Chacha, produced by Georgians, is a popular drink due to its medicinal properties. You can buy this drink in Batumi for yourself or as a gift. While the alcohol content in factory-produced products is 40%, handmade ones contain more than 50% alcohol. The sharp nature of the high alcohol content has positive effects against infections occurring in the throats of those suffering from flu. Due to the high alcohol content, you cannot take large bottles or a large number of bottles to Turkey. If you buy a very small bottle, however, you will not experience any problems. In Batumi, at a place called Chacha Time, you can find many types of Chacha prepared with different fruit essences. 

3.Souvenirs
Another answer to the question “What should you buy in Batumi?” is souvenirs. Bamboo cups stand out in this regard. One of the most common souvenirs you will come across while walking along the coastline are bamboo cups. In addition, bamboo thermoses that add a special flavor to wine are among the items you can purchase. Of course, don't forget magnets. Magnets prepared with visuals related to the country will remain as a memento of your trip on your cabinets for years.

4.Daily Shopping
Actually, one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to “What to buy in Batumi” is whether you can buy clothes, shoes, and makeup products. Since most of these types of products are exported to Georgia from Turkey, your chances of encountering a different product or brand are quite low. Although prices are almost at the same level as in Turkey, there is also a possibility of encountering higher prices in some places. 

5.Alcohol and Cigarette Prices and Limits

The main heading of our article “What to Buy in Batumi” could actually be this. I know so many people who want to go to Batumi just to buy alcohol and cigarettes. So, are alcohol and cigarettes really cheap in Batumi? I won’t disappoint you here. Compared to Turkey, cigarette and alcohol prices in Batumi are quite cheap. My advice to you here is to shop at the Duty-Free shops at the border crossing rather than in the city center. The reason for this is that genuine products are sold there. For example; while 1 liter of vodka costs 3 Euros at the border crossing, its price in the city center is 35 Lari. 1 liter of Yeni Rakı is priced at 15 Euros. 

When returning to Turkey, you have the right to bring 3 cartons of cigarettes with you; 1 unit of 40% alcohol or 2 units of 22% alcohol. You must also be over 18 years old for this. 

My general recommendations for what to buy in Batumi are as follows. Due to the increase in the exchange rate, everything you buy becomes significantly expensive. This hinders you from shopping as you wish. Nevertheless, you should definitely visit Batumi for a beautiful memory and to see new places.