Some outgoing calls from Georgia, except to other parts of the CIS, must be made through the operator and long waits can occur. It is possible to set up an account with the local telecom company that enables visitors to make direct long-distance calls without the operator's assistance. Many businessmen and journalists now use satellite links to overcome the considerable problems of ordinary telephone communication. The Metekhi Palace Hotel is equipped with its own satellite phones. Roaming agreements exist.
Coverage extends over the lower lying areas and on the coast.
Rates for outgoing faxes are charged per page. International postal services can be severely disrupted. Long delays may occur and parcels should be registered or delivered through courier services such as DHL and Air Express, based locally. It is advisable to post letters in central post offices rather than using the post boxes in the street. The principal dailies are Droni and Sakartvelos Respublika.