Rustavi, Georgia 🇬🇪
#878
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rustavi is a city located just southeast of Tbilisi, known for its industrial backdrop and growing appeal to expatriates, particularly digital nomads. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 125,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | up to 100 Mbps available in many areas |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 GEL ≈ 0.30 USD, widely accepted banking options including TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, plug type C and F |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Geocell, MagtiCom, and Beeline with affordable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International card acceptance is common, and services like Wise can be used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from short-term rentals through Airbnb to long-term leases available locally. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, card payments are widely accepted in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com have plenty of listings in central Rustavi. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Kote's Room provide economical lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Rustavi near the parks and main squares. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center with good internet access and proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Rustavi, offering good facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Dom, known for its reliable WiFi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized through local Facebook groups and Expat gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly socials through Telegram groups for networking with fellow expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is widely used, as well as local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options for bike rentals, but scooters are available for city exploration. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ureki Beach (about 90 minutes away) is the closest beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Georgian Airways operates from Tbilisi International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have frequent flights from Tbilisi. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the Tbilisi-Rustavi highway (E60). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rustavi Railway Station connects to Tbilisi and other regions. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metro and bus cards available for reduced fares in Tbilisi. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently run to major cities from Rustavi. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Rustavi Medical Center provides general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House offers classes in a calming environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 24/7 Rustavi is popular among locals. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | ProWash service offers laundry and dry cleaning in downtown Rustavi. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Glovo are popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ajdukh, a traditional meat dish unique to the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Green offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato Rustavi for delicious ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Rustavi Local Market has budget-friendly food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping available through my.ge. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Makro offers grocery delivery services to homes. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Karaoke Bar Rustavi provides entertainment options at night. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Beer Factory produces local Georgian beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinotel serves local Georgian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Puri Stalls for traditional bread and pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Italian eateries are common. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rustavi's Old Town and the historic Rustavi Fortress. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Rustavi History Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of ancient fortifications around the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Holy Mother of God's Church is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Rustavi City Day celebrated annually in October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town area is rich in culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Rustavi Theater hosts local performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The central market is vibrant and offers local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Many bars have live music events on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some neighborhoods feature impressive murals by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at Rustavi Culinary School focusing on Georgian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Contemporary art exhibits often found in local galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several Soviet-era architecture buildings are prominent. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The blend of Eastern and Western influences is visible in local customs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lagodekhi National Park is about 2 hours away, ideal for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kazbegi National Park located to the north offers stunning landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are several pathways along the river and in parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hiking up to Mt. Mtatsminda provides panoramic views of the region. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Areas around the river are good for spotting local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks for evening gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Georgian Post offers reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | IT Repair Service provides quick fixes for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language school offers Georgian language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Rustavi Central Library is a good quiet study area. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers host cultural and sporting events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Zone is popular among local gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Several small casinos are located in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €128,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Flat tax rate system in place for individuals and businesses. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% applicable above a certain threshold. |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules; foreign income is generally taxed at home. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value is applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% standard rate on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% for digital nomads qualifying for the tax regime in Georgia. |