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.
The city runs a mixed public-private healthcare network. The newest equipment clusters in Vake and Saburtalo.
American Medical Centers on Dolidze Street and Evex Hospitals in Vake take foreign policies and know the paperwork.
All-night pharmacies on Rustaveli Avenue and Marjanishvili Street stock global brands. Staff English is basic but workable.
Travel insurance strongly recommended but not legally required for entry
- ✓ Install 'GeoHospital' to find English-speaking doctors and lock in an appointment time.
- ✓ Carry prescription drugs in original boxes with a doctor's letter to smooth customs questions.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing in crowded areas near metro entrances and bus stations
Aggressive driving culture with limited pedestrian right-of-way
Large but generally docile dog populations in outer neighborhoods
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers insist the meter is dead or invent extras at the end, most common on the airport run.
Some Old Town restaurants hand over a rounded-up bill, blaming 'special reserve' wine you never ordered.
Plain-clothes men flash a fake badge, want your passport and wallet, then vanish in the confusion.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • The metro runs until midnight, every station under camera cover. Wait on the bright parts of the platform.
- • Bolt drivers display license plates - verify before entering vehicle
- • Ride in the centre carriage where the conductor sits. Avoid empty cars after dark.
- • Shardeni Street and Erekle II areas remain busy until 2am with visible security
- • Stay on the lit main roads back to your hotel. Park shortcuts after 11 pm are not worth the minute you save.
- • Night bus N1 runs every 30 minutes from city center to airport
- • Tap water in Tbilisi is safe and mineral-rich, no need for bottled water
- • Eat at Dezerter's Bazaar while the food steams. Give pre-made salads a pass.
- • Georgian wine is potent - pace yourself during supras (feasts)
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Tbilisi welcomes solo women; Georgian custom treats guests as family under protection.
- → Pink-signed women-only metro cars run during rush hour if you want the option.
- → Local women walk alone until late evening - follow their patterns and routes
- → Night taxi apps show driver photo and ratings before pickup
Legal since 2000, constitutional ban on discrimination since 2018
- → Underground bar Success offers LGBTQ-friendly space in Vera district
- → Avoid public displays of affection outside Tbilisi city center
- → Pride events occur but in controlled environments - check local listings
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
Georgia has no health-cost deals with most nations, so insurance is the only shield from steep bills.
Ready to plan your trip to Tbilisi?
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