Kutaisi, Georgia 🇬🇪
#876
42.258862, 42.662991
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kutaisi is the legislative capital of Georgia, renowned for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 35 Mbps, with better speeds available in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Georgian Lari (GEL). 1 USD ≈ 2.85 GEL. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Yes, tap water is drinkable but it's advisable to use filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Magti, Geocell, and Beeline offering good coverage and competitive plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks accept cash and cards. ATMs are widely available with options for international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments and hostels, often available on Airbnb too. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services are widely used for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Kutaisi and Guesthouse Bato offer affordable lodging near the city center. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | COWO Kutaisi is a popular coworking space with fast Wi-Fi and a community vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Vardzia is a work-friendly spot offering free Wi-Fi and diverse menu options. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various local meetups occur monthly; check Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Kutaisi Facebook Group is a good resource for social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the most reliable app for rides in Kutaisi. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental is available through local shops, though not widespread. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ureki Beach, approximately 1.5 hours away, is a popular destination. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Georgian Airways operates flights from Kutaisi International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Wizz Air and Ryanair fly to various destinations from Kutaisi. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect Kutaisi with other cities like Batumi and Tbilisi. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kutaisi Railway Station connects to major Georgian cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is low-cost, with single tickets typically around 0.50 GEL. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses (marshrutkas) are available for travel to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kutaisi Referral Hospital is the largest healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Olympus Fitness Center has modern equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in the city, including self-service laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt is a popular food delivery app in Kutaisi. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Khinkali (dumplings) and Khachapuri (cheese bread), staples of Georgian cuisine. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Dadiani offers a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Berta is known for its traditional Georgian pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Open-air markets like Kutaisi Bazaar offer fresh produce at great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online marketplaces such as my.ge offer delivery services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Most supermarkets do not offer delivery; local markets are recommended for fresh produce. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kolkheti Street is popular for bar and nightlife, with several local pubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kutaisi Beer Brewery produces various local beers, tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine House Kutaisi is a must-visit for local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around the central square serve delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Turkish restaurants are commonly found and well-rated. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kutaisi Museum of History displays the region's history and artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient city of Motsameta and the ruins of Nokalakevi are nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Gelati Monastery is a significant spiritual site and historical artifact. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kutaisi hosts a local wine festival every autumn, showcasing Georgian wine. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic Old Town features charming streets and traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Kutaisi State Drama Theater hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kutaisi Bazaar offers a vibrant atmosphere for local shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events occur at various cafes and bars across the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Around the Pushkin Street, you'll find vibrant street art by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at Salobie Bia for an authentic Georgian experience. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kutaisi Art Gallery showcases works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Bagrati Cathedral is a stunning architectural landmark in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The traditional Georgian polyphonic singing is an integral part of the local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sataplia Nature Reserve is famous for its dinosaur footprints and beautiful scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Kolkheti National Park, a UNESCO site, is home to diverse flora and fauna. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Rioni River offer scenic views and recreational opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint from the Bagrati Cathedral provides a stunning panoramic view of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kolkheti National Park is renowned for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in nearby parks allow for bonfires and picnics. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services like Georgian Post and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops in the city can service most common devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have tables for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Georgian and English classes for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Kutaisi Central Library is a quiet place to study or read. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host workshops and classes for expats and locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes in Kutaisi offer gaming lounges with PC availability. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are several gaming halls, mainly focusing on slot machines and card games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 800 GEL per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 32,000 GEL) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 600 GEL per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 24,000 GEL) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200 GEL per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 72,000 GEL) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 900 GEL per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 54,000 GEL) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,000 GEL per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 80,000 GEL) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800 GEL per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 64,000 GEL) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% on dividends distributed to foreign recipients. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Georgian tax residents pay tax only on Georgian-sourced income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% for individuals over 40,000 GEL. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Georgia has regulations governing CFC taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax rates vary but generally hover around 1% of cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A flat-rate tax of 1% applies during property purchases. |