🇬🇪 Exploring the Republic of Georgia: A Hidden Treasure for Travelers, Digital Nomads, and Expatriates
Having spent years documenting budget-friendly global locations in publications like The World’s Cheapest Destinations and A Better Life for Half the Price, there was one remarkable nation I had yet to visit: the Republic of Georgia. This changed recently as I embarked on a two-week adventure across this captivating and cost-effective country. I’m pleased to share that Georgia exceeds its esteemed reputation.
With its accommodating visa regulations and affordable living expenses, Georgia is a paradise for long-term travelers, digital nomads, and expatriates eager to maximize their budget without compromising on quality of life.
🛂 A Visa Policy That Embraces You Joyfully
Georgia arguably boasts the most open visa-free regime globally. Nationals from over 75 countries—including the U.S., Canada, the UK, and most of Europe—can enter the country visa-free and remain for up to one year. No complicated paperwork, no extensions, no trips to immigration offices—just arrive with your passport and make yourself at home.
This distinction makes Georgia exceptional among budget-friendly nations. While Albania permits an extended stay for Americans, Georgia offers this opportunity to a much wider demographic.
💸 Cost of Living: A Genuine Steal All Around
Unlike certain nations where you might find low rents but high grocery costs or the other way around, Georgia consistently remains affordable across the board. Data from Numbeo reveals that Tbilisi’s living expenses are substantially lower than those of major Western cities:
– 77% lower rental costs than Washington, DC
– 53% lower dining expenses
– 62% lower grocery prices
To put it into perspective, maintaining a lifestyle in Tbilisi would require roughly $2,990, contrasting sharply with the $8,800 you would spend in Washington, DC. Tbilisi is 52% less expensive than Toronto and 66% cheaper than London.
The currency used is the Georgian lari (GEL), which was fluctuating around 2.75 to the U.S. dollar during my stay. Currency exchange services are abundant, and credit card as well as mobile payments are generally accepted.
🏨 Accommodation: From Hostels to Chic Hotels
Whether your stay is brief or you’re intending to settle longer, Georgia presents outstanding accommodation options.
– Budget Hotels: I booked a neat, cozy hotel in central Tbilisi for only $32 nightly. Numerous choices under $40 exist in prime areas.
– Boutique Hotels: The Shota Rustaveli Boutique Hotel, situated near Parliament, features luxurious amenities like a pool, sauna, and fitness center for about $100 per night.
– Hostels: A spot at the fashionable Fabrika Hostel in Tbilisi goes for as low as $9.
– Airbnb & Apartments: Most listings vary from $14 to $65 nightly, with many under $25.
– Long-Term Rentals: Monthly rentals span from $300 for a basic flat to $1,400 for a more luxurious option. Most expatriates pay between $400 and $1,000.
In smaller locales such as Kazbegi or Batumi, prices drop even further. In Batumi, for instance, I discovered 29 hotels priced below $20 per night in June, and even a five-bedroom villa with a pool for just $216 per night.
🍽️ Dining & Beverages: A Gourmet Experience on a Budget
Georgian fare is rich, filling, and remarkably economical. Two essential dishes to sample include:
– Khinkali: Succulent dumplings packed with meat, cheese, or mushrooms, usually ordered in batches of five or more.
– Khachapuri: A cheese-stuffed bread with numerous regional variations. The Adjaruli version, decorated with an egg and butter, is particularly famous.
Dining at casual eateries frequently costs under $10, while a more sophisticated dinner with wine may range from $15–$25. A lavish meal featuring entertainment and multiple courses set me back around $50.
Beverages are also reasonably priced:
– Beer: A 500ml serving at a bar is priced between $2.50 and $5.
– Wine: Georgia is the world’s original wine-producing region. Bottles begin at $2 and seldom surpass $20, even for higher-end options.
🚍 Transportation: Simple and Budget-Friendly
Georgia’s small size facilitates easy navigation without hefty expenses:
– Metro in Tbilisi: 1 GEL (approximately $0.40) per ride
– Bolt (ride-hailing app): Airport trips under $15; rides within the city just a few dollars
– Long-distance buses: $10–$15 for routes between primary cities like Batumi and Tbilisi
– Trains: Between $10 and $16 for trips from Kutaisi to Tbilisi
– Funiculars and gondolas: A few dollars each, often serving as scenic attractions themselves