If Dubai is the land of luxury malls and polished perfection, Georgia is where your dirhams stretch further — without losing the thrill of shopping.
From handcrafted goods to trendy streetwear, Georgia blends local flair with budget-friendly finds, and honestly, it’s refreshing.
While Dubai dazzles with glitz, Georgia surprises you with authentic markets, vintage treasures, and prices that make you do a double take.
Whether you’re into fashion, souvenirs, or just love a good haggle — Georgia offers that sweet combo of value + experience.
Let’s dig into the best places that beat Dubai prices — hands down.
Ever Googled “Is shopping in Georgia cheaper than Dubai?”
You’re not alone.
The short answer?
Yes — and by a wide margin.
Let’s break it down.
Georgia’s local currency, the Georgian Lari (GEL), is much lighter on your wallet compared to the UAE Dirham (AED).
As of July 2025:
1 AED ≈ 0.72 GEL
That means your money carries more purchasing power in Georgia — and you’ll feel it when you shop.
Most major brands like Zara, Bershka, Stradivarius, H&M, and Nike are widely available in Georgia — but they’re priced locally, not marked up like they often are in Dubai.
And Georgia also has artisan bazaars, flea markets, and boutique stores offering handmade crafts, leather goods, and ceramics you just can’t find in the UAE.
If you’re someone who loves shopping for value, hunting for unique finds, and actually enjoying the experience instead of just swiping a card — Georgia nails it. The prices, the charm, and the culture all combine to make shopping here genuinely exciting, not just economical.
Want to see where the real deals are hiding?
Keep scrolling — we’re about to uncover the shopping gems of Georgia.
Let’s be real — when you’re out traveling, half the thrill is finding something no one else has, right?
Not something with a “Made in China” tag slapped on it for triple the price. Georgia delivers on that front — quirky, cultural, and shockingly affordable.
And it all starts with a local legend…
Type “Dry Bridge Market Tbilisi” into Google, and you’ll find all the usual touristy summaries. But what they won’t tell you is this — this place is a time machine dressed as a flea market. It’s chaotic. It’s charming. And yes, it’s a bargain-hunter’s fantasy.
This isn’t your average souk. Think:
Soviet-era relics (yes, original propaganda pins & medals!)
Vintage cameras, LPs, and war memorabilia
Handwoven Georgian kilims and old-school copperware
Random but beautiful art by local painters, just laid out under trees
It’s the opposite of Dubai’s polished souvenir shops. Here, every piece has a story, and half the fun is digging to find yours.
Let’s not pretend it’s free — but it’s shockingly affordable:
Soviet pin badges: AED 5–15
Framed oil paintings: AED 50–150
Handwoven rugs: AED 150–400 (in Dubai? Easily 4x that)
And guess what? Prices aren’t fixed. Haggling is not just allowed — it’s expected.
Start at 50–60% of the quoted price.
Keep it light and friendly — the vendors enjoy the game.
Carry cash in GEL, not card.
Best days: Saturday and Sunday
Time: Late morning (11 AM) — by then, everyone’s unpacked and ready for trade
Avoid: Rainy days (vendors pack up fast)
Bring a local guide if you’re serious about snagging collectibles. Some vendors stash away the good stuff for “serious buyers.”
Even Vogue calls it one of the best places to score vintage treasures in Eastern Europe — not bad for a place where stalls are basically car boots and picnic blankets.
Looking for an authentic taste of Georgia without paying Dubai-level prices? Dezerter Bazaar is your edible playground. Imagine a dizzying maze of stalls selling churchkhela (grape and nut candy), fresh sulguni cheese, pickled jonjoli, and spices that pack a punch — all for a price that makes Dubai supermarkets look criminal.
Churchkhela: 5–8 GEL each (~AED 7–12)
Khmeli suneli spice mix: 10–15 GEL per packet (~AED 13–20)
Local jams & dried fruits: 8–12 GEL per jar
Suluguni cheese: 15–20 GEL/kg
Compare that to Dubai’s imported stores, and you’re easily saving 40–60% — without losing quality or taste.
💬 According to Holidify, this market is a haven for budget-friendly spices and traditional snacks, often handmade and locally sourced.
👉 Tip: Bring a tote and come hungry. Many vendors offer free tastings, and honestly, you’ll end up snacking your way through lunch without even noticing.
Forget plastic souvenirs. Georgia’s artisan markets are a refreshing mix of history, texture, and real human touch. Whether you’re hunting for hand-painted ceramics, embroidered tablecloths, or felt accessories, Tbilisi’s craft bazaars turn shopping into cultural immersion.
Georgian ceramics & pottery: 15–80 GEL
Embroidered textiles & scarves: 25–60 GEL
Handcrafted wood and leather goods: From 30 GEL
Icon-style religious art: 40–100 GEL
🧠 As per Atlys and Holidify, these bazaars offer goods that are one-of-a-kind — often made by locals from mountain villages, not churned out in factories.
⏳ These aren’t fast fashion finds. They’re the slow-crafted stories of Georgian hands, and they’re priced so modestly you’ll wish you brought an extra suitcase.
Prefer air-conditioned comfort and international brands? Georgia’s modern malls and outlets offer serious markdowns — and they’re not outlet malls in name only.
Mall of Georgia – 225+ stores, global brands, cinema
Tbilisi Mall – Zara, Bershka, LC Waikiki, Carrefour
Sugarloaf Mills – American outlet mall with real price slashes
💸 According to Wikipedia, and various travel forums, discounts range from 20–70%, especially on last season’s collections. You’ll often find:
Zara dresses for AED 90–110 (vs. AED 150–200 in Dubai)
Nike/Adidas sneakers for AED 180–250
Levi’s jeans starting from AED 130
📍 Bonus: These malls are family-friendly with food courts, play areas, and lots of seating — because retail therapy shouldn’t feel like cardio.
If you want to get the best deals in Georgia, it’s not just where you shop — it’s how and when.
Best Times to Shop:Weekday mornings: Vendors are fresh, stalls are full
Sale seasons: January & July — prices plummet
Off-tourist hours: Avoid weekends for less crowd + better bargaining
Bargaining? Yes. But Do It Right:Open with 30% lower than the quote — not offensively low
Be friendly, curious, not aggressive
Buy more = better deal (bundle your items!)
Card or Cash?Cash (GEL) is king in local markets.
Card accepted in malls, but not by most small vendors.
Beware of counterfeit antique items — if it looks too perfect, it probably is.
According to both Archeotour and Atlys, a bit of charm, patience, and local curiosity go a long way — especially if you show genuine interest in their craft or products.
Alright, let’s talk numbers — because nothing makes the case clearer than actual prices.
Whether you’re into souvenirs, home decor, or branded fashion, Georgia isn’t just cheaper — it’s smarter shopping.
Below is a quick comparison of typical items you’d probably eye during your trip, and how much less you’d pay in Georgia vs. Dubai.
These aren’t just minor markdowns — they’re big savings when you stack up your purchases.
And remember: in Georgia, you’re not just paying for the item — you’re buying authenticity, craft, and cultural value.
Meanwhile in Dubai, you’re often paying for the mall air conditioning and a luxury markup.
Still wondering if it’s worth carrying an empty suitcase to Georgia?
Short answer: yes, and make it a big one.
Here’s the thing — in Georgia, shopping isn’t just about what you buy.
It’s about who you meet, what you learn, and how you feel doing it.
That’s the real charm of “shopping tourism” in Georgia — a blend of culture and cost savings that hits different from Dubai’s air-conditioned megamalls.
In Tbilisi or Kutaisi, you won’t just pick up a scarf and walk off.
You’ll meet the grandmother who hand-stitched it, hear tales of Svan towers, or get offered a free sample of wine or tklapi (fruit leather) “just because.”
It’s this hospitality-infused shopping that makes people say: “I didn’t just buy something — I experienced something.”
At Dezerter Bazaar, you’re not just buying churchkhela — you’re tasting it fresh while chatting with a vendor who tells you how his grandmother makes them in Kakheti.
In Dubai, you get a barcode.
In Georgia, you get a conversation.
According to Explore Georgia, shopping is now one of the key motivations for travel to Georgia. Travelers, especially from the UAE and GCC, are increasingly drawn to the unique mix of affordability and authenticity Georgia offers.
Sources like Atlys, Holidify, and Gokite emphasize that shopping tourism in Georgia:
Supports local artisans and farmers
Boosts small-town economies
Keeps traditional skills like embroidery, pottery, and herbal tea blending alive
You’re not just saving money — you’re spending with meaning. Every gel spent supports a real person, a real story, a real tradition. And that feeling of connection? Can’t buy it in a mall.
“Shopping in Georgia felt like the highlight of my trip — not because I got great deals (which I did), but because I felt connected to the place.” — Traveler from Dubai (source: SoluM Europe)
If shopping is high on your holiday wishlist — and you’re craving a break from Dubai’s shiny-but-pricey malls — Georgia makes a solid case.
You get authentic finds, affordable prices, and a full-on cultural adventure. But to make it all worth it, you need to plan it right.
Let’s walk you through the essentials — where to go, when to go, and how much you’ll need to shop like a local and a boss.
Not all cities are made equal for shoppers.
Here’s where your Georgian retail dreams come alive:
🛍️ Dry Bridge Market, Dezerter Bazaar, Tbilisi Mall, Galleria Tbilisi
🧵 Best for: Vintage lovers, street markets, brand hunters
✈️ Most flights from Dubai land here — your starting point
🧺 Kutaisi Central Market, local textile and wine vendors
👛 Best for: Foodies and bargain souvenirs
✈️ WizzAir flies here — budget option for UAE travelers
🛒 Batumi Mall, Piazza Square artisan stalls
🎁 Best for: Beach souvenirs, handmade crafts, Georgian tea and spice blends
🚆 Good for a relaxing 2-day side trip from Tbilisi
Total estimated budget for a 3-night shopping-centric trip: AED 1,800–3,200
(That’s less than what some people drop on one Dubai mall visit 
)
Alright — here’s what you should take away if you’ve been secretly Googling “Is shopping in Georgia cheaper than Dubai?” during your lunch break at the office:
Georgia beats Dubai on value, experience, and uniqueness
You’ll find handmade crafts, spices, fashion, and vintage treasures — all without torching your bank account
Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi are your go-to cities
Markets like Dry Bridge and Dezerter Bazaar aren’t just shops — they’re a cultural experience
Shopping in Georgia is hospitality + history + discounts — a true travel win
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