I definitely learned some things about life in Tbilisi after having spent a year there. I’d like to share some of them here so you can have a more comfortable stay there.
1) BOLT
Tbilisi’s most-used app for transport is called Bolt. It’s easy to download and use. Make sure and download it before arriving in Georgia, so you can get a fair price on your ride to the city. Some taxi drivers may try and scam you. A standard fare from the airport to the city center should be around 25 lari.
2) USA2GEORGIA
It took me a while to find out about USA2GEORGIA. Basically, the company provides you with an address in the USA, so you can get things shipped there. When it arrives in the USA, they send over to one of their branches in Tbilisi. You’ll need a Georgian tax number to use their service but you can get one at the office in about 20 minutes.
3) SOPLIDAN
This is one of the best ways to get organic produce sent straight to your doorstep. They work with farms and locals around the Tbilisi area. It’s easy to order online with their user-friendly interface and if you have any questions, hit them up on Facebook Messenger. Your delivery arrives the following day and it’s free within Tbilisi. The bang for buck is awesome because everything comes in large quantities, and the quality is impressive since they have tons of homemade products. It’s all very fresh and delicious.
4) SIM CARD
I used Magti as my phone carrier in Georgia and I did not regret it. A friend used Beeline and she did regret it. I was basically paying 20 dollars a month for unlimited internet with Magti. The coverage was great (even when I was doing weekend trips in the Georgian mountains) and recharging was super simple through their app. I do recommend them over Beeline.
5) CASH OR CARD?
Cards are widely accepted in Georgia. I was mainly using Apple Pay or my debit card in most places. In some circumstances, you will most likely need cash though, for ex: when buying fruit at a local vender or hiring a private driver to take you to another city. Apart from that, you can pretty much swipe away in Georgia.
6) LEVEL OF ENGLISH
Of course the Georgian language is widely spoken in Georgia but most of the older generation speaks Russian too, due to the communist era. In most international retail shops or in the malls, there’s usually someone who can help you in English. When buying things at a small vegetable shop or a fruit stand, chances are they won’t speak English but the transactions are easy enough anyways. Learning to read the Georgian alphabet is extremely helpful, if you’re planning a visit to Georgia. It’s not as tough as you think!
7) FACEBOOK GROUPS
Make sure and join the relevant Facebook Groups in Tbilisi. There are many that cater to digital nomads and expats, such as Expats in Tbilisi, Georgian Wanderers, Online Teachers in Georgia and Foreigners of Georgia. I would always reach out to groups like these before arriving in the country, to get a feel for what life is like there. There are always people that have been living there for years and that can help you with any questions you may have.
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If you want to go more in depth into life in Tbilisi, you can watch the video version below