Tbilisi Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Tbilisi.
Healthcare System
Georgia has a mixed public-private healthcare system, with private clinics in Tbilisi generally offering better quality care than public facilities. Many doctors in private clinics speak English, particularly those catering to expatriates and tourists.
Hospitals
Major private hospitals serving international patients include Aversi Clinic, Tbilisi Heart and Vascular Clinic, and New Hospitals (Axis). These facilities accept international insurance and provide services comparable to Western standards. Payment is typically required upfront or upon discharge.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (aptiaqi) are widely available throughout Tbilisi, many open 24 hours. Common medications are readily available, often without prescription. Pharmacists are generally helpful but may have limited English. Bring generic names of medications rather than brand names.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended as medical costs must typically be paid upfront. Evacuation coverage is also advisable for serious conditions requiring treatment outside Georgia.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
- Private clinics require upfront payment; keep all receipts for insurance claims
- Water is generally safe to drink in Tbilisi, but bottled water is widely available and inexpensive
- Air quality can be poor in winter months; those with respiratory conditions should take precautions
- Altitude is not a concern in Tbilisi (500m), but mountain excursions require acclimatization
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas, public transportation, and tourist hotspots. Incidents have increased slightly with tourism growth but remain relatively uncommon compared to other European capitals.
Traffic in Tbilisi can be chaotic with aggressive driving, poor lane discipline, and limited pedestrian right-of-way. Sidewalks are often in poor condition with uneven surfaces, missing manhole covers, and unexpected obstacles.
Tbilisi has a population of stray dogs, though most are tagged and vaccinated through municipal programs. While generally non-aggressive, they can travel in packs and may pose risks, particularly at night or if provoked.
Isolated incidents of drink spiking have been reported in nightlife venues, though this is not common. More frequent are attempts to overcharge intoxicated tourists.
Occasional political protests and demonstrations occur in Tbilisi, typically peaceful but can disrupt traffic and services. Protests usually center around Rustaveli Avenue and government buildings.
Aging infrastructure includes unreliable elevators in older buildings, occasional power outages, and construction hazards. Building maintenance standards vary significantly.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed taxis or official taxis without meters charge inflated fares to tourists, sometimes 5-10 times the normal rate. Drivers may claim the meter is broken or take unnecessarily long routes.
Some restaurants, particularly in tourist areas, add extra items to bills or charge for bread, service, or other items not ordered. Prices may differ from menu or English menu prices may be higher than Georgian menu.
Individuals impersonating police officers approach tourists claiming to need to check documents or wallets for counterfeit money, then steal cash or valuables. This scam is rare but has been reported.
Unofficial money changers offer better rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists or swap real bills for counterfeit ones. Some exchange offices have hidden fees or unfavorable rates for tourists.
Someone approaches offering a 'gift' of a bracelet, flower, or small item, then demands payment after the tourist accepts it. Can become aggressive if payment is refused.
Vendors near major tourist attractions charge significantly inflated prices for souvenirs, sometimes 3-5 times what you'd pay elsewhere. Antique items may be fake.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for extended stays
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Learn basic Georgian phrases for emergencies
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Carry small bills as many places cannot break large notes
- Be aware that some areas have limited English signage
Transportation
- Use official ride-hailing apps rather than street taxis
- Metro is safe and efficient; buy a reloadable MetroMoney card
- Be cautious on marshrutkas (minibuses) - watch for pickpockets and know your stop
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night
- Cross streets carefully as drivers rarely yield to pedestrians
- If renting a car, be prepared for aggressive driving and poor road conditions outside the city
- Funicular and cable car systems are generally safe and well-maintained
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave valuables in hotel safe
- Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas but carry cash for smaller establishments
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep small denominations separate for quick purchases
- Be discreet when handling money in public
Food and Water
- Tap water in Tbilisi is generally safe but quality varies; bottled water is inexpensive
- Choose busy restaurants with high turnover for freshest food
- Be cautious with street food in summer heat
- Georgian cuisine is heavy; pace yourself with rich foods and wine
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Be aware that food portions are typically very large
Accommodation
- Book accommodation in established areas like Vera, Vake, or Old Town
- Check that windows and doors lock securely
- Verify your booking directly with the hotel before arrival
- Be cautious with ground-floor accommodations for security
- Keep valuables locked in safe if available
- Note emergency exits upon arrival
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home
- Be respectful of religious sites and practices
- Avoid discussing politics, especially regarding Russia, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia
- Georgians are very hospitable; refusing food or drink can be seen as rude but know your limits
- Photography restrictions apply at some government buildings and military sites
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (Magti, Beeline, or Silknet)
- Download offline maps before arrival
- WiFi is widely available in cafes and restaurants
- Learn the Georgian alphabet basics for reading signs
- Save important addresses in Georgian script for taxi drivers
- Install translation apps for emergencies
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Tbilisi is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Georgian culture is conservative but hospitable, and violent crime against women is rare. However, women may experience unwanted attention, catcalling, or persistent approaches, particularly from men in bars or nightlife areas. Most Georgian women dress modestly by Western standards, though younger generations in Tbilisi are more liberal.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas; women should cover shoulders and wear skirts below the knee in churches
- Be prepared for attention and stares, particularly if traveling alone; this is usually curiosity rather than threat
- Use caution in nightlife areas; avoid walking alone late at night
- Book accommodations in well-established areas with good lighting
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining group tours for excursions outside Tbilisi
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention
- Taxi apps are safer than street taxis, especially at night
- Solo dining is less common but increasingly accepted in tourist areas
- Carry a charged phone and share your location with trusted contacts
- Georgian men may offer to pay for meals or drinks; decide your comfort level with this cultural norm
- Some traditional establishments may be male-dominated; choose modern cafes if uncomfortable
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Georgia and the age of consent is equal (16). However, there are no anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. The Georgian Orthodox Church strongly opposes LGBTQ+ rights.
- Avoid public displays of affection; discretion is essential for safety
- LGBTQ+ venues exist in Tbilisi but are discreet and often unlisted publicly; research carefully before visiting
- Do not assume acceptance; even in Tbilisi, attitudes can be hostile
- Be cautious about disclosing sexual orientation to strangers, taxi drivers, or service providers
- Hotels in tourist areas are generally professional, but smaller guesthouses may be less welcoming
- Dating apps should be used with extreme caution; there have been reports of entrapment and violence
- Transgender travelers may face particular challenges; gender markers on documents should match presentation to avoid complications
- Consider joining LGBTQ+ travel groups for added safety and support
- Emergency services and police may not be sympathetic to LGBTQ+ issues
- Rural areas and religious sites are particularly conservative; exercise extra caution
- Some progressive cafes and cultural spaces in Tbilisi are more accepting but still require discretion
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations online before arrival for current advice and safe spaces
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Tbilisi and Georgia. Medical costs must typically be paid upfront, even in emergencies, and can be substantial at private facilities that meet international standards. Insurance provides crucial financial protection and access to assistance services. Additionally, Georgia's developing infrastructure and regional tensions create risks that comprehensive insurance can help mitigate.
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