Capital city, Georgia
Tbilisi
Georgia's compact, affordable capital suits nomads and first-time solo travelers: wine bars, sulfur baths, one-year visa-free stays and good cafés. Hilly streets, patchy pavements and cold winters are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,340–2,110Comfortable, one person · ₾3,500–5,500Details
- Value for money50/100Better value than 49% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 34°CDetails
- Air quality20 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2017) · PollutedDetails
- Internet52 MbpsFixed broadband, Georgia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilLocals drink Tbilisi tap water, but old building pipes vary; use a filter or bottled water if unsure.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$31–77Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere in the center.Details
Where to stay in Tbilisi
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sololaki and Old Tbilisi | First-timers: sulfur baths, bars, old courtyards, walkable |
| Vera and Vake | Long stays: cafés, parks, quieter streets, good restaurants |
| Marjanishvili | Cheaper apartments, local feel, near Rustaveli by metro |
| Saburtalo | Residential, universities, gyms, cheaper rents |
Apps that work in Tbilisi
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram
- Taxis: Street taxis rarely use meters, so agree the price or use an app. Bolt is the default for almost every trip.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Georgia.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere in the center. Carry lari for markets, small shops, marshrutkas and some guesthouses.
- Currency: Lari (GEL). US$1 ≈ ₾2.60 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank of Georgia and TBC ATMs are everywhere in towns; fees vary by bank. Decline dynamic currency conversion.
- Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10–15% service charge, so check the bill; otherwise about 10%. Round up taxi fares.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless foreign cards work widely, including on Tbilisi metro and buses.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Health and accident insurance covering at least 30,000 GEL for the whole stay is mandatory since January 2026; airlines and border guards may check.
- Many nationalities can stay a full year visa-free, which makes Georgia a long-stay nomad base; others apply on the e-visa portal.
- Since March 2026 foreigners need a work permit for local jobs; remote work for foreign employers or clients is exempt (April 2026 amendment).
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Magti, Silknet and Cellfie sell prepaid SIMs at Tbilisi and Kutaisi airports and city shops; bring your passport. Data packs are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Georgia
Going to Tbilisi solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Tbilisi meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Tbilisi Transport Company
- Tbilisi International Airport
- Georgian National Tourism Administration
- Bolt Tbilisi
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.