Georgia is a warm, sincere and hospitable country, but even here it is important for a tourist to be on the alert. In this article, we will tell you where you really should be careful, how not to get into awkward situations, what you can drink and what you should not, where to look for help, and what traps await the most careless. Everything is honest, with examples, advice and love for Sakartvelo 💛

• 🛑 General security situation in Georgia
• 👜 Pickpockets, deception and petty fraud
• 🚰 Water, food and hygiene - should you be afraid?
• 💊 Medical care and pharmacies
• 🏥 Travel insurance: do you need it?
• 📲 Emergency numbers and useful apps
• 🚙 Transport and roads: how to be careful
• 🙏 Behavior and respect for local culture
• 🐾 Animals and insects - what you should know
• 🌋 Natural phenomena and emergencies
• 🔌 Electricity, communications and sockets
• 👮‍♂️ Police and document checks
• 💸 Tourist traps: how not to get caught
• ❓ Frequently asked questions

Georgia is a country of hospitality, sun, wine and open hearts. Here you will immerse yourself in culture, nature and incredible emotions. But as in any other country, it is important for a traveler to be attentive so that the holiday goes without surprises.

In this article, we have collected all the important safety tips, recommendations from tourists and our editors, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. You will learn where you really should be careful, how to protect yourself and your property, and what to do if something does not go according to plan.

💡 If you want your trip to Georgia to leave only warm memories - read to the end. Everything is to the point, without intimidation - only real facts and concern for your comfort.

🛑 General safety situation in Georgia

Georgia is rightfully considered one of the safest countries to travel to in the Caucasus. Street crime rates are low, especially compared to many popular tourist destinations. Locals are generally very friendly, open, and respectful of visitors.

🚶‍♀️ Is it safe to walk around at night?

Yes, in most cases, it is safe. Especially in the tourist areas of Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and other large cities. The streets are lit, and many cafes and shops are open until late. However, as in any country, it is advisable to avoid dark alleys alone and exercise reasonable vigilance.

🧍‍♂️ Lonely tourists

Even if you are traveling alone, rest assured that you will not feel lonely in Georgia. Tourists are treated with warmth and respect, and cases of aggression are extremely rare.

📌 Important to remember:

• Do not carry large amounts of cash with you unless necessary.
• Take care of your documents - it is better to have a copy of your passport with you and leave the original in a safe place.
• If necessary, do not hesitate to ask passers-by or the police for help. They will definitely help you.

💬 Opinion of tourists:

Many note that they feel safer in Georgia than in their hometowns. The level of street culture and respect here is truly pleasantly surprising.

👜 Pickpockets, fraud and petty scams

Although Georgia is considered a safe country, like any tourist destination, there may be petty scammers and pickpockets here, especially in crowded places.

🧥 Where you need to be especially careful:

• In crowded places: markets, train stations, public transport.
• In the tourist areas of Tbilisi (Shardeni Street, AbanoTubani District), on the Batumi embankment and in the center of Kutaisi.
• When ordering a taxi "from the street" without an app.

🎭 Typical schemes and how to avoid them:

• "Good helpers" who suddenly start helping you, and then ask for money.
• Fake excursions: offered on the street "as a friend" and often turn out to be a dud.
• Street exchangers: offer a favorable rate, but can cheat with the calculation or slip you counterfeit bills. It is better to exchange money in banks or large exchange offices.

🛑 How to protect yourself:

• Don't leave your phone, wallet, and documents on the table in a cafe.
• Use closed pockets and small bags that are comfortable to hold in front of you.
• Don't fall for "excessive friendliness" from strangers on the street.
• Taxi - it's better to call through applications: Bolt, Yandex Go or Maxim.

✅ Important to remember:

Serious cases of fraud are rare. But slight inattention can spoil the impression. Calmness, politeness, and confidence are your best companions in any situation.

🚰 Water, food and hygiene — should you be afraid?

Georgia is a country of delicious food, clean water and rich traditions associated with food intake. However, each traveler has their own body characteristics, so questions about the safety of food and water are absolutely logical.

🚿 Tap water — to drink or not?

In many cities in Georgia, tap water is considered safe and suitable for drinking, especially in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi. But the taste may differ from what you are used to, especially in the mountainous regions — the water there is harder and rich in minerals.

Advice: for sensitive stomachs, it is better to use bottled water, especially in the first days of travel.

🍽️ Street food and cafes

Street food is part of the culture, and in most cases it is safe. In Tbilisi, Batumi and other cities, there are many places with clean conditions and delicious pastries, khachapuri, chebureks and sweets.

But:

• Look at the cleanliness of the display case and the condition of the seller
• Give preference to places where there is a flow of locals
• Avoid unverified food in extreme heat

🧼 Hygiene and hand washing

In tourist areas you will find sanitizers, and in cafes and restaurants - clean toilets and soap. But carrying antiseptic and wet wipes with you is a good idea, especially when traveling to the regions and on excursions.

🥗 How to adapt to the local cuisine:

• Start with light dishes (matsoni, vegetables, soups)
• Try local delicacies gradually
• Don't overeat - portions in Georgia are large, and feasts are generous!

✅ Result:

No need to be afraid. But a little caution is the key to a good rest and a strong stomach 😊

💊 Medical care and pharmacies

If something unexpected happens to you or your loved ones during your vacation, don’t worry — medical care in Georgia is accessible and of high quality.

🏥 Private clinics

All major cities have modern private medical centers where you will be seen quickly, and many doctors speak English and Russian.

The most famous clinics:

• Evex Clinics (all over the country)
• New Hospitals (Tbilisi)
• MediClub Georgia
• Medalpha (in Batumi and Tbilisi)

📞 In case of emergency, dial 112 — this is a single rescue service, the operator will transfer your call to the right service.

💊 Pharmacies — where and how to look?

Pharmacies are located on almost every corner in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and other cities.

Largest pharmacy chains:

• GPC
• PSP
• Aversi

✅ Most pharmacies are open until 22:00, some around the clock. In large pharmacies, you can find medicines of international brands, as well as local analogues. Many drugs are sold without a prescription, but it is advisable to have a list of the necessary drugs in Latin or the packaging of the original.

📦 What you should take with you from home:

• Individual drugs, if you take them regularly
• Remedies for eating disorders and dehydration
• Patches, antiseptics
• Insect repellents

🩺 Important: if you are traveling with children or elderly people, write down the addresses of the nearest clinics and pharmacies in the area of ​​​​residence in advance.

🏥 Travel insurance: is it necessary?

Formally, travel insurance is not mandatory when entering Georgia. But in practice, it is highly recommended to get it, especially if you are planning:

• traveling with children or elderly relatives
• active recreation in the mountains
• renting a car
• long stay in the country

🎯 Why is it important:

Despite affordable prices for medical services, private clinics can charge several hundred dollars - even for a simple diagnosis. Insurance will allow you to avoid unplanned expenses and stress.

📌 What to include in your insurance:

• outpatient and inpatient care
• emergency dentistry
• help with lost luggage
• evacuation from hard-to-reach areas (if you're going to the mountains)
• COVID coverage (still relevant in some cases)

💡 Important:

Before purchasing, be sure to check whether the insurance company covers Georgia as a country and private clinics, as there may not be enough public hospitals in rural areas.

📲 Tip: Always keep your policy on your phone and a copy by email. It's also worth adding your insurance company's emergency contacts to your notes.

📲 Emergency numbers and useful apps

📞 112 — single number for all emergency services in Georgia

Works throughout the country, 24/7 and free. You can call from any SIM card, even without balance. Operators often speak Russian and English.

📲 Useful apps for safety:

• 112 Georgia — official rescue service app. Allows you to call for help with precise geolocation.
• Google Maps / Waze — navigation, especially in unfamiliar areas.
• Bolt / Yandex Go / Maxim — a safe way to call a taxi.

💡 Tip:

Save the address of the hotel, nearest hospital and embassy/consulate (if any) in your phone in advance — just in case.

🚙 Transport and roads: how to be careful

Travelling around Georgia is part of the adventure! But when it comes to transport, it is important for tourists to know where to relax and where to be on the alert.

🚌 Public transport

Buses, minibuses, metro (in Tbilisi) are budget and quite safe. But be careful:

• During rush hour - there may be a crush and pickpockets
• Minibuses sometimes drive fast and unpredictably
• In some areas, there may be no English navigation

📲 Tip: download Moovit or Tbilisi Transport - they will help you not to get lost in the schedules.

🚖 Taxi

• It is better to use the following apps: Bolt, Yandex Go or Maxim.
• Do not get into a car "off the street" without first agreeing on the price.
• And always check if the car number in the app matches the one that arrived.

🚗 Car rental

Georgia is an amazing country for road trips. But:

• Be prepared for sharp turns, mountain serpentines and drivers who violate traffic rules
• In some mountainous regions, there are dangerous sections in winter
• Carefully read the rental agreement and insurance

⛽ Advice: fill up in advance - in remote areas, gas stations are rare.

⚠️ For pedestrians:

Be vigilant - not everywhere there are zebra crossings and traffic lights. Even at a crosswalk, it is better to make sure that you are seen and let through.

🙏 Behavior and respect for local culture

Georgia is a country with ancient traditions, where respect, sincerity and genuine involvement are especially valued. Tourists are forgiven a lot, but it is better to know some things in advance so as not to get into an awkward situation.

🛐 Visiting temples and monasteries

• Clothing should be modest: shoulders and knees are covered
• It is advisable for women to cover their heads (in some temples it is mandatory)
• On the contrary, it is better for men to take off their hats
• Do not make noise and do not take pictures without permission

🍷 Georgian feast

• An invitation to dinner is a gesture of goodwill. Refusing rudely is not accepted
• Toasts are an important part of the meal. Do not interrupt the toastmaster (the host of the feast)
• Drink in moderation, but sincerely. If you do not drink, just explain, you will be understood

🤝 Communication with locals

• Georgians are very open and can easily enter into a dialogue.
• A smile, politeness and a few words in Georgian (for example, "madloba" - thank you) will melt any heart
• It is better not to touch on the topics of politics, borders and conflicts - especially without deep knowledge

🎭 What you should not do:

• Joke about traditions and religion
• Show irritation in response to emotionality (in Georgia this is the norm)
• Raise your voice or argue - especially in public places

💛 Main advice:

If you treat people with respect and warmth - you will be reciprocated ten times more. In this country, a guest is received as a relative, and this feeling stays with you for a long time.

🐾 Animals and insects - what you should know

On the streets of Georgia you will definitely meet cats, dogs and, perhaps, some "village dwellers" - goats, cows, donkeys, especially in the regions. This is part of the local color, but it is important to know how to behave.

🐕 Stray dogs

• In many cities, dogs are sterilized, vaccinated and wear yellow tags in their ears - this means that they are under control and not dangerous
• They are usually friendly, but you should not pet them if you are not sure
• Do not feed them from your hands, especially on busy streets - they can gather in a pack

🦟 Insects

• In the warm season, especially on the coast and in villages, mosquitoes are possible
• In the mountains and forests - midges, wasps, less often ticks
• There are no particularly dangerous insects in Georgia, but it is better to take a repellent with you or buy it on the spot (available in pharmacies and supermarkets)

🦎 Snakes, spiders, scorpions?

Such animals are extremely rare and, as a rule, avoid people. In tourist areas - practically absent.

🐄 Livestock on the roads

Especially in rural areas and mountains, you can see cows, goats and even pigs crossing the road. They are not dangerous, but they require attention from drivers - slow down and be patient.

💡 What to bring:

• Mosquito repellent
• Anti-bite spray
• Anti-allergic ointment (if you know you are prone)

🌋 Natural phenomena and emergencies

Georgia is a country of mountains, rivers, gorges and unique climate zones. This gives incredible views, but requires respect for nature and vigilance on the part of the tourist.

⛰ Mountains and serpentines

• In mountainous areas (Svaneti, Tusheti, Kazbegi) there are landslides, mudflows and snow avalanches, especially in spring and winter
• Before traveling to remote regions, check the weather forecast and road conditions (roads may be closed in the mountains)
• Always take a supply of water, a charger and warn someone about your route

🌍 Earthquakes

• Weak tremors sometimes occur, especially on the Black Sea coast, including Batumi and its surroundings. They are usually harmless, but can cause anxiety for those who are not used to them.
• If you feel tremors, stay calm, move away from the windows and use the 112 app if you need help.

💧 Floods and downpours

• In some areas (for example, Adjara or Guria) there are heavy short-term rains in the summer, which can flood the streets
• Do not leave your car in lowlands and do not walk along mountain paths during a downpour

🔥 Droughts and fires

• Occur in Eastern Georgia in the summer. If you see smoke, stay away and do not make fires in the forest
• In the hot season, be careful even when smoking outdoors

📱 What to do in case of an emergency:

• Call 112 — rescue service
• Follow the news in applications, telegram channels or ask the locals (they will always help)
• In the mountains — keep a charged phone and a minimum first aid kit with you

💡 Advice:

If you are not sure about the safety of the route — do not take risks. In Georgia, there is always an alternative with equally beautiful views.

🔌 Electricity, communications and sockets

⚡ Electricity in Georgia

Standard voltage: 220 V, frequency: 50 Hz — as in many European countries.

Power outages are rare and are usually quickly resolved. In hotels and apartments, this is almost never a problem.

🔌 Socket type:

• European standards of type C and F are used (as in most European and CIS countries).
• If you are from the UK, USA or other countries with a different standard, take an adapter.

📱 Communication and Internet

• Mobile communications in Georgia are stable and inexpensive.
• Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels, cafes, restaurants and even minibuses (sometimes).
• In mountainous or remote areas, the signal may be weak — especially with inexpensive operators.

💡 Tips from tourists:

• Take a portable charger (power bank), especially for trips around the regions.
• A tee or extension cord - useful if you are traveling in a group.
• Check if your adapter supports the Georgian standard - or buy one on the spot (sold in any hardware store or gas station).

👮‍♂️ Police and document checks

The police in Georgia are an agency that you can really trust. The officers often help tourists, even if you are simply lost or can’t find something.

🟢 What is important to know:

• The police in Georgia have been reformed and operate according to European standards.
• A lot of patrol cars on the streets is not a cause for alarm, but an element of security.
• In tourist areas, officers often speak English or Russian.

🪪 Document checks

They may come up and ask to show your passport, especially at the border, train station, airport, or in an unusual situation. This is normal.

📌 What to carry with you:

• It is better to have a copy of your passport (paper or on your phone), and keep the original in a safe or secure bag.
• If you have a residence permit, temporary permit, or visa, carry copies with you and their.

🚔 If something happens:

• Go to the nearest police station or call 112.
• Never try to pay off or "solve it quietly" - this can turn into a problem. Such things are not held in high esteem here.

💬 Advice:

If you do not speak Georgian - do not worry. The police understand that you are a tourist and will try to explain. Often, they invite an interpreter over the phone.

💸 Tourist traps: how not to get caught

Georgia is truly hospitable, but here, as in any popular country, there are those who want to “make money” on inexperienced tourists. The main thing is not to panic, but to know where traps can lie in wait.

🛻 Taxi without a meter

A classic of the genre: they run up at the train station, airport or tourist place with the tempting phrase “very cheap”. The result is a price 3-4 times higher.

What to do:

Only official applications: Bolt, Yandex Go, Maxim. Do not get into a car “off the street” if you have not agreed on a price in advance.

🍽️ Menu without prices or “special portion”

Sometimes in tourist restaurants they will bring you a huge portion that you did not ask for - and will bill you for a triple portion.

What to do:

• Ask for a menu with prices in advance
• Clarify: "Is this per serving or per 100 grams?"
• If something extra is added to the bill, feel free to ask for an explanation

💶 Currency exchange at street points

A "super rate" can end with short-listed bills or even counterfeits.

What to do:

Exchange money only at banks or official exchange offices in Tbilisi and Batumi.

🎟️ Fake excursions

A "guide" approaches you on the street and offers a trip for half price. The result is dubious transport and an "excursion" from the series "here is a mountain, here is a tree."

What to do:

Check companies, read reviews, book on websites or through a hotel.

💡 Remember:

If something seems too good to be true, it most likely is true. A polite refusal and a little caution is not paranoia, but the wisdom of a traveler.

❓ Frequently asked questions

• Is it safe to walk around Tbilisi at night?

Yes, especially in tourist areas. The main thing is to avoid dark alleys and be vigilant, as in any other country.

• Do I need to carry my passport with me?

At least a copy is advisable. Especially if you are planning a trip between regions or renting a car.

• Where is it safer to withdraw money - from an ATM or a bank?

At a bank or an ATM next to it. It is better to avoid street ATMs without video surveillance.

• What should I do if I get lost or can't explain myself?

Call 112 or ask the locals for help - many speak Russian or English and will be happy to help.

• Is it safe to rent a car and drive around Georgia?

Yes, if you are a confident driver. Consider the peculiarities of mountain roads and the local driving style - it is emotional

• What should I do if I get bitten by an insect or have a stomach ache?

Go to a pharmacy (GPC, PSP, Aversi) or a private clinic. Pharmacists often speak Russian. It is better to take repellents and sorbents with you.

• Can you be fined for smoking in a public place?

Yes. In Georgia, smoking is prohibited in closed public spaces - cafes, restaurants, government agencies. A fine is a reality.

• How safe is tap water?

In Tbilisi and large cities - drinking water, but for sensitive stomachs it is better to use bottled water.

• What to do in case of an emergency - earthquake, fire, flood?

Call 112, follow the instructions of rescuers. In mountainous areas - it is better to check with the locals in advance whether it is safe to go.

• Are there dangerous areas in Georgia where you should not go?

As a rule - no. But in any city there are "less touristy" areas. If in doubt - ask the owners of the house or at the reception.

💬 Your stories, impressions and questions

Have you been to Georgia? Have you encountered any of the above? Or maybe you have your own tips on how to make your vacation safer and calmer?

👇 Write in the comments!

Your opinion is very important to us - and we will be happy to supplement the article with your real stories and advice. And if you have any questions - do not hesitate, we are in touch and will definitely help 💛