I've just arrived in Tbilisi and will be staying for at least a month. I'd like to meet other expats like myself.

I work as a Senior Software Engineer at a startup company in Türkiye. I'm 30 years old, and I'll be working in cafes and at home during the weekdays, but in the evenings and on weekends I'd like to meet new people and participate in activities. It would be great if someone could guide me in this. We could also meet other newcomers and explore together. Thanks 🙂

Does anyone use western union?

what's the best place to find a nice flat for a month? airbnb?

I used it few times in 2022 for recieving money, did not face any problems

amazing man

awesome, would join for a hive 5 but currently battling Georgian bureaucracy so my kit can arrive

I just got back to Bali from skiing in Gudauri and all I want rn is to get back ⛷️😅

what's the best coworking in Tbilisi?

Hey, will be in Tbilisi next month and going to Mestia for skiing.

Does anyone know a reliable place to rent ski clothes and equipment in Tbilisi to recommend m?

I tried D Block Workspace in Stamba
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qymirbu8Bdpidg786

Huge one, different areas: normal desks, standing desks, couches

Skiwalker in 49 kosmonavtebis. Can’t post link for whatevah reason 😔

I got a bit into TSRE. Small and friendly.

In the past I've used Terminal (several branches around), but didn't get much social from it. Also, you might need to message as I think some have turned more into managed office space. Terminal Mozaika isn't my taste, others are decent.

D Block is big and popular. I personally didn't vibe with it.

d block wins at location and adjacent spaces, but has a bit of a dark vibe on 1st floor 😅

how about the other places? is it dark in general or there are bright places too? I'm the kind of person that needs as much as light as possible to work

Upper floor of D block is bright. TSRE is normal, Terminal varies a bit with Roses Garden pretty light, others have some darker areas and in general the lighting can be a bit harsh in places, so sometimes people turn it off around their desks.

What are peoples' experiences with Georgia's new mandatory health and accident insurance regime?

Airlines do ask for it now (especially the ones from the Gulf). Immigration cares less but may also ask randomly

Is it necessary to present a return flight ticket upon arrival already, e.g. so that date can be checked against the validity of the insurance policy or is insurance perhaps checked again when flying back out of Georgia?

Just buy insurance for 2-3 weeks, that would be enough

Ok, thanks.

what's the best way to reach Gudauri from Tbilisi?

I use https://tkemalitour.com/
75 USD for private sedan.
Also they have shared options.
You can text them directly in telegram

And you can ask to stop by for a lunch in Pasanauri village. Best place for khinkali.

How would you rate their driving safety? Crazy or safe?

50/50 huh
Sometimes drivers are bit strange. But usually I don't have any complains.
Used them more than 10 times I think.

has anyone entered Georgia recently? do they ask for the mandatory health insurance? do you need a return ticket?

I’ve never been asked for insurance entering Georgia

Europe, Schengen Area - been asked despite having a visa (South African Passport)

if you are flying from Belarus, they will not let you board without insurance

This is a new rule from January 1

which local sim do you guys use?

Magti

do you know if it's possible to buy it at the airport?

Yes but it’s more expensive, it’s like double

thanks 🙏🏼

And it doesn't support topping up from Georgian banks

Anyone in Tblisi and want to meet up tonight for some drinks near Fabrika?

It works, you just cannot hold GEL in your account.

which food delivery app do you guys use?

Wolt 100%

Can anyone suggest a good gym in Vake area? I have been looking at some reviews and almost all of them are not particularly favourable towards forgieners....

Sative space, it’s a cowork and a gym

Snap fitness is fine

Snap's decent. Maybe Octopus. Aspira was overpriced and I didn't love it anyway (but haven't been for ages). Sative is a bit end of Vake, if you happen to be that end and like swimming, there's Vake Pool and Neptune (both have gyms too), but neither are cheap. World Class I haven't been to, but I expect is decent but overpriced.

Overall, I'd check out Snap.

I used Snap for 3 months and it was good. A bit cheaper than the others (doesn't have a pool), although they're all pretty pricy compared to other countries. They're also nicer than other countries, tbf, they provide towels, the showers have soap/shampoo so you don't have to bring your own...

any cheaper swimming pool than Vake's? 100 GEL for a single entry feels a bit too much

There is the Olympic Pool somewhere around Didi Digomi that is much cheaper, but it’s open and shouldn’t be available during winter

Address: დიღომი, ახალი თბილისი, ოლიმპიური პარკის ტერიტორია, Tbilisi

Yes. They go down to about 30 gel per entry. Vake Pool is great is you want to do proper swim training as it's 50m and uncrowded, otherwise totally unnecessary.

Arena was ok (a touch grubby), and not far from Vake https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gp7nr6yHiudQb5Ub9

I like Sport Time https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ucvo3zChraYsTmSU7, but getting there can be a pain.

Tonus isn't available all day, so check before trying it. I haven't been (but did try once).

Olympic https://maps.app.goo.gl/VdT1pzyj1M5yAzQN7 I haven't swum at, but it's not normally 50m and might be closed for water polo (I have heard there's a chat group). Not convenient for me.

There's some others around. Be aware they have weird rules. Need flip flops, might need swim cap. Generally there's a small fee to have your feet checked by a nurse.

I think someone in the run club said he had gym and small-ish (20 or 25m) pool affordably, but not sure where it was, but I think near Vake.

I’m visiting Neptune sport complex. 25 meter long
Costs around 400 for 12 visits per month

If you can fit with the right time of day restrictions, Vake Pool can be similar price. (And there are discounts at times)

this looks good and relatively convenient

Neptune shines in summer with its open roof

Yeah, weirdly expensive. I think short answer is it's not state subsidised.

I get the impression Vake Pool for locals has a bit of bragging rights. The crowd has vibes are also more middle aged than you'd expect for the best training pool.

Also, they're all probably on a decent discount. Year pass during sales is like 50% off paying monthly.

yes indeed!

Not sure of events, but there are a few bars where it's easy to meet people. Niema, La Mano, Crossroads, Brown's Bar. All similar area, so can bounce between them.

And if you just want to meet for a coffee, DM me. (50% chance I go skiing at the weekend, so weekday better).

I’m living long term here and moved my business here

We can also meet for a coffee anytime

how about organizing a coffeee/beer meetup next week 😁

100%, I’m free any day early afternoons

We can try to do a proper meetup next week

If anyone else happens to be going skiing in Gudauri, and wants a lift early tomorrow, let me know (dm me). I'll be there until sunday evening.

Should probably post it on Nomads.com/meetups also as not everyone checks here

Yeah, I will today

If we could do a bit earlier, or on Wednesday, it’d be much better for me

I can set it for 7 PM?

Wednesday's not good for me, and I can't do much earlier on Thursday (but no issue if I miss the start)

Gonna have to keep it for 8 PM Thursday, the website doesn't let me edit the time anyway. Maybe some people can arrive a little bit earlier (including me and my gf).

I'll be there!

I arrived in town yesterday. I'm excited to meet you all

I'll be a bit late since I'm finishing work at 8PM, see you tonight 🙌

Guys, please take cash with you, they sometimes refuse to take separate payments by card from one table.

Our table is the first big table with high chairs right at the corner of the restaurant. Booked on my name - Boris.

When are you likely to be there? coapyztkf

7:45 maybe

Oh okay. I'll be there around 7:45-8

I'll also be there around 8

what's the place?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mk5DguTwebsodwJG9

I'll be there in about 15

Me too

Thank you everyone. It was a lovely evening

thanks guys 🙌🏼 it was interesting meeting you all