What guides do not tell you

What people who live here say

• 3 of 30 accountsFlats have no central heating

  Many older flats have only electric heaters, which are cold and costly in winter. Ask for gas radiators and last winter's gas bill.

  Sources: roadiscalling.com, first-person account, goatsontheroad.com, first-person account (2023-07-07), realting.com, first-person account (2024-09-25).

• Stairwells can be cold, and some lifts are paid

  In some buildings you pay to use the lift, and stairwells have no heating or windows.

  Source: realting.com, first-person account (2024-09-25).

• 2 of 30 accountsMany flats have no real desk

  People who work from home name this as their top complaint. Ask for photos of the work spot or bring a folding desk.

  Sources: careergappers.com, first-person account (2024-03-19), news.ycombinator.com (2022-07-22).

• 2 of 30 accountsCheap older flats can miss basics

  Some have no oven, washing machine or fridge. Check before you sign.

  Sources: roadiscalling.com, first-person account, goatsontheroad.com, first-person account (2023-07-07).

• 4 of 30 accountsPower and water cuts happen

  Some districts get cuts. People keep a mobile data plan or a power bank as backup for calls.

  Sources: goatsontheroad.com, first-person account (2023-07-07), coinspaidmedia.com, first-person account (2023-10-10), rferl.org, first-person account (2024-01-21), lithub.com, first-person account (2023-10-19).

• 2 of 30 accountsHome internet can be slower than promised

  Test the speed in the flat before you sign, and ask which provider the building uses.

  Sources: roadiscalling.com, first-person account, rferl.org, first-person account (2024-01-21).

• 2 of 30 accountsNight roadworks and construction are common

  Road works can run from midnight to 5am on residential streets, and building work is loud. Visit the street at night.

  Sources: hopelesslynomantic.com (2024-05-10), citizentbilisi.com, first-person account (2023-02-24).

• 9 of 30 accountsTraffic is the top daily complaint

  Drivers often do not stop at crossings, and sidewalks are uneven. Make it clear that you want to cross.

  Sources: hopelesslynomantic.com (2024-05-10), calmandcollected.com (2025-04-09), roadiscalling.com, first-person account, aborntraveller.com, first-person account (2025-02-09), goatsontheroad.com, first-person account (2023-07-07), nashaniva.com, first-person account (2026-10-19), coinspaidmedia.com, first-person account (2023-10-10), digitalnomadlifestyle.com (2026-05-21), realting.com, first-person account (2024-09-25).

• 7 of 30 accountsRents move fast, and newcomers often pay more

  Good flats go in 1 or 2 days, and some owners raise the price during the deal.

  Sources: hopelesslynomantic.com (2024-05-10), roadiscalling.com, first-person account, coinspaidmedia.com, first-person account (2023-10-10), lithub.com, first-person account (2023-10-19), realting.com, first-person account (2024-09-25), meduza.io, first-person account (2026-09-24).

• Restaurants add a service charge

  A 10 to 20% service charge is often on the bill already. Check before you tip.

  Source: realting.com, first-person account (2024-09-25).

• 2 of 30 accountsStray dogs and rabies shots

  Dog bites happen. Getting a rabies shot can mean a wait of 3 hours or more.

  Sources: nashaniva.com, first-person account (2026-04-15), realting.com, first-person account (2024-09-25).

• 2 of 30 accountsThe metro does not reach every popular area

  Vake has no metro station, and steep hills make walking with shopping hard.

  Sources: hopelesslynomantic.com (2024-05-10), wanderingandwalking.wordpress.com (2024-07-13).

• Some government websites are only in Georgian

  Different officials can give different answers. Keep copies of every document.

  Source: aborntraveller.com, first-person account (2025-02-09).

• The work permit interview is short and comes fast

  One person got about 1 day of notice for a 5 minute video interview in English, with questions about how they find clients.

  Source: tbilisi.blog, first-person account (2026-03-13).

• 4 of 30 accountsYour passport changes your experience

  Russian, Belarusian and other passport holders report extra checks at banks and borders, and Russian speakers can get unfriendly looks.

  Sources: nashaniva.com, first-person account (2026-10-19), rferl.org, first-person account (2024-01-21), restofworld.org, first-person account (2023-02-28).

• 4 of 30 accountsThe expat scene comes and goes

  Most remote workers stay a few months, so circles stay small. Running clubs and regular meetups helped people make local friends.

  Sources: euronews.com, first-person account (2024-12-24), goatsontheroad.com, first-person account (2023-07-07), expat.com, first-person account, tol.org, first-person account (2024-07-22).

• Winter is gray

  Some people say the gray winter months affected their mood. Plan trips or a lamp for light.

  Source: nashaniva.com, first-person account (2026-10-19).