Stay healthy
Before traveling to Georgia, vaccination recommendations and medical advice should be observed and, if necessary, the hepatitis A and B vaccinations and tetanus should be refreshed. There are increasing cases of TB but also hepatitis C.
In an emergency, the Citizens’ Service of the Foreign Office is available for information:
Arbeitseinheit 040, D-11013 Berlin
Tel.: 0 (049) 3018 172000
Fax: 0 (049) 3018 1751000
You should definitely take out travel health insurance with repatriation protection.
It is harmless to take a conventional “first-aid kit” with you, which must not exceed 10 standard packs of medication. Any additional quantities are subject to documentation (certificates, prescriptions).
Since the standards in Georgian hospitals are different, you should contact MEDICLUB GEORGIA if you have a choice or seek advice from local staff. International SOS is a partner for evacuations. In the case of longer stays, it is recommended to enter the “Elefand” pension list.
Even if the standards in medical facilities often do not correspond to Central European standards, you can usually rely on the specialist knowledge of doctors and nurses! Since many doctors also speak the German language or are even involved in German-Georgian projects, contact can be made very quickly.
Medicines for personal use should be brought along, even if pharmacies are open around the clock and many medicines are available without a prescription. The origin of drugs with the same name is often not traceable, but of course they have to be paid for in full in cash.
According to mathgeneral, there is a bottleneck outside of Tbilisi with regard to the supply of medicines.
From a spoiled European point of view – according to Georgia insight – the military hospital in Gori (which can be used without restrictions for emergencies) recommendable. “Equipped with US support and even remained untouched by the Russian troops in autumn 2008, you can find a house of high western standard here. The clinic in Kutaisi is considered the best house in the country (including magnetic resonance imaging). It is privately financed and operated The hospital is of the highest standard, comparable to European university clinics. In the Zugdidi region, the St. Lukas Regional (Republican) Hospital is definitely acceptable, emergency treatment is always possible here. In Poti, as in Batumi, the small MEDICLUB Clinic can be used For two years now, new clinics have been opened constantly with international help, the community’s experience is useful! Doctor’s letters in English are possible in all better hospitals,
ATTENTION: There is no food in the hospitals in Georgia! It is a common duty of relatives to care for sick relatives. In the case of foreigners, arrangements can be made with friends or restaurants.
An information sheet and the information portal from IOM provide a good overview of the special conditions for the reintegration of Georgians willing to return into the social and health care system of Georgia.
Travel, transportation and traffic
“A guest is sent from God!” (Georgian proverb)
The wealth of Georgia lies on the one hand in its fascinating nature, on the other hand in its outstanding cultural sights and above all in its people.
- Georgians are known for their hospitality, they are spirited and warm.
- Openness and humanity are very much appreciated. It is a tradition in Georgia to entertain guests abundantly. There is not only eating, but a “Tamada” (table guide) celebrates a supra (a banquet), which is crowned with spirited table sayings. The guest should also contribute to a convivial feast.
- Punctuality shouldn’t be taken so seriously in Georgia, 15-30 minutes delay is considered “normal”.
The best travel times are: April to June and September and October. Midsummer is less pleasant because of the great heat. The winter months are also not necessarily recommended due to the inadequate heating in most of the buildings. Exceptions are of course the ski areas!
Individual trips are possible with good preparation, but require great flexibility. Contacts with Georgian families are very helpful. Nocturnal tours should be avoided, and in the city you shouldn’t be alone on the road if possible.
Attention is required! With adventurous covers for potholes, gullies, etc. you always have to calculate. Night drives are to be avoided! A flashlight should be standard equipment.
There are usually only shopping opportunities in the larger towns. Everything you need is available.
Money and money transfer
It is recommended to use a bank to exchange for the Georgian Lari. In exchange offices, large amounts should not be changed at once (Georgia insight recommends a maximum of € 200). In order not to draw the attention of pickpockets, as in other countries, wallets should not be worn in public.
Money transfer is possible at all banks, ATMs (Master / Visa card) usually work without any problems in the district towns. The official exchange rate can be found currently or retrospectively on the website of the Georgian National Bank.