Tbilisi - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
• Community size: The size of the expatriate community has seen fluctuations, particularly influenced by geopolitical events and economic opportunities. The influx of expatriates can vary, but overall, Tbilisi remains a popular destination for those working in international roles. Overall Morale: • Mixed feelings: The overall morale among expatriates in Tbilisi is mixed. While some expatriates appreciate the unique cultural experiences and the opportunity to live in a historically rich city, others find certain aspects challenging. Positive Aspects: o Cultural experience: Many expatriates enjoy the rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and the vibrant local traditions of Tbilisi. o Community support: The expatriate community tends to be close-knit, providing support and camaraderie through social events, clubs, and online forums. o Cost of living: Compared to many Western cities, the cost of living in Tbilisi is relatively affordable, which can be a positive factor for expatriates. Challenges: o Driving conditions: One of the most commonly cited challenges is the hazardous driving conditions in Tbilisi, with aggressive and reckless driving being prevalent. o Quality of services: Some expatriates express concerns about the quality of services, including healthcare and customer service. o Air quality: Air quality, particularly in the winter, can be a concern due to pollution. o Stray dogs: The presence of stray dogs in certain neighborhoods can be an issue for some expatriates. o Social isolation: For those living in more isolated areas or compounds, social isolation can be a challenge, especially for singles or childless couples. - Mar 2025
I'd say its small-medium sized. - Aug 2024
There are lots of expats from embassies and NGO community. Morale seems fine although it has become worse in the last year due to democratic backsliding by the government of Georgia and their attacks on civil society and NGOs. The government is casting all NGOs and aid workers as spies and agents of influence and led relentless smear campaigns against them. - Aug 2024
Huge expat community, diplomatic and civilian. Morale depends on which expat community you’re talking about - Western Europeans and Americans seem pretty happy, Russian expats are a mix - some love it some hate it - whereas refugees from various parts of the world are struggling. There’s a large community of medical and dental students from India. - Aug 2023
Morale is low due to work environment. - Sep 2022
This is a medium-size expat community. There are lots of places to go so you can be as plugged into the expat scene as you want to be. There are also events around children and hiking. - Jun 2020
Good morale. It's a beautiful country with lots to do and explore. Hundreds of people in the expat community, maybe even thousands and growing. - Jan 2019
Pretty large. Morale among those who tend to live downtown = very high. People who live in Zurgovani/Dighomi have a really different lifestyle than I do, so it's sort of hard to say how they feel. There are things that make me really happy (for example, my fruit market having spinach for the first time all year, and the Georgian fruit seller laughing at my excitement and then teaching me the Georgian word) that just don't happen to people in Dighomi/Zurgovani, because they buy all their produce from the grocery store. I think though, that everyone is pretty happy here. - Apr 2017
Overall morale is really good. Most people like the embassy and there are a good number of things to do around the country if you are willing to get out and about. - Feb 2017
More expats than I expected, most like it here quite a bit. - May 2016
The size of the expat community was smaller than we had expected. Morale was generally very good. - Jul 2014
Fairly large for a country the size of Georgia, though it gets a bit claustrophobic at times. The expat community tends to be active and inclusive of Georgians. - Oct 2011
Pretty big. - Sep 2011
good sized. - Apr 2011
Fairly large for such a small country - Jun 2010
Fairly small, but not too bad. - Oct 2009
A few hundred or so. - Jan 2009
