Tbilisi, Georgia Report of what it's like to live there - 08/26/24
Personal Experiences from Tbilisi, Georgia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. I've also lived in Ghana, Barbados, Italy and France.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
It takes about 20-23 hours to get to Tbilisi from DC. A bit of a hike.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What years did you live here?
2022-2024.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
N/A
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is generally divided between apartments downtown, compound living near the Embassy and stand-alone homes near the Embassy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
I didn't really need my consumables shipment. Almost everything available in the U.S. is available in Georgia, though the brand/quality may be a bit different.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Most people use WOLT, BoltFood or Glovo for delivery. Tbilisi has some of the best restaurants and wine in the region so definitely take advantage!
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
I didn't see a single bug in my apartment for the two years I lived there.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I'd probably use the pouch to be safe. I've never tried using local mail.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I didn't use household help, but several members of the community did and were happy with the experience.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are several gyms downtown and throughout the city. Prices vary based on how luxurious you want to get, but it is generally very affordable.
4. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Tbilisi is incredibly safe, as a single woman I never felt at risk.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Almost everywhere accepts CC or Apple pay.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I'm not sure about this one. Most churches tend to be Georgian Orthodox.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
I learned Georgian which was helpful for taking taxis and day to day interactions, but most Georgians under the age of 40 speak english-at least in Tbilisi, once you venture out into the regions, some Georgian or Russian will likely be much more necessary.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It's not the worst place I've lived in terms of infrastructure for those with disabilities, but it's also not the best. I think someone who has a physical disability might struggle to get around a bit here.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are affordable, I don't recommend using the metro or buses.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Bring anything that can take a beating. The driving is insane and most people get into at least one accident while living here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
High speed internet is typically set up for you by the Mission and you simply pay the bill monthly.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I used an e-sim, some people use Google-fi or a local provider.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
A rabies vaccine is a must for both humans and animals.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Most EFMs that didn't work at the mission teleworked or stayed at home.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are opportunities to volunteer with refugees and IDPs, run clothing drives and do community clean-ups.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
It's pretty standard B-casual to B-formal depending in your section and what's on the schedule for the day. If you're out meeting with contacts most people wear a suit...ties for men etc.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is servicable, but for anything serious you'll likely be Medevaced.
2. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is a persistent challenge, but it generally doesn't negatively affect people's quality of life. Nowhere near the levels in say Ulanbataar or Delhi.
3. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
If you are allergic to walnuts...I don't know what to tell you. It's in/on everything. Bring an epipen.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
None that I can think of apart from some colleagues reporting feeling isolated. Georgia can be a challenging place for singles, it skews towards being a family post and the local dating scene isn't very active.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The weather is fairly temperate, comparable to DC, perhaps a little colder in the winter.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I don't have children but have heard mixed reviews about QSI. Parents with kids at the British school seem happier, but I'm no expert.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Tons of activities from soccer, to basketball, to theater, to ballet.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
I'd say its small-medium sized.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Lot's of natural beauty here so hiking, camping, running etc. are all pretty popular. Georgia also has amazing museums, wineries, restaurants and bars, so there's something for everyone.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's an amazing place to live! If you are single though, I can't promise that you'll find much companionship
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Locals are generally friendly and easy to make friends with. Im a POC and had reservations before arriving here, but left thoroughly in love with the place.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Georgian's tend to harbor hostile attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ community. The expats and officers I knew did fine and seemed to have a wonderful time, but be aware that harassment or violence could occur.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There are issues with religious minorities and islamophobia is unfortunately very common. I once attended a work dinner where one of the contacts casually stated that there were "too many Muslims living in her building." Disappointing behavior to say the least, but I like to think that the majority of the population is becoming more open minded about other religions.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Go to Kazbegi, climb the mountains of Mestia, go to Batumi to experience the Black sea, spend a weekend at teh wineries in Kakheti, take a quick flight over to Turkiye... the possibilities are endless.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Buy rugs, lots of them!
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I wish I knew how much I would love it, I like to think I savored each moment but now I wish I could go back in time.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
In a heartbeat
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Concept of American road rules, in Georgia you make your own lane in between the two lanes.
4. But don't forget your:
Hiking boots, wine glasses and sense of adventure
