Rustavi, Georgia 🇬🇪
#878
41.54309, 45.01128
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rustavi is a city in Georgia located southeast of the capital Tbilisi, known for its industrial background and proximity to the capital. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 125,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 GEL (Georgian Lari) ≈ 0.32 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but it is advised to filter or boil water before consumption. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Geocell and Magti; prepaid SIMs are easily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted payment types are Visa and MasterCard. Banks like TBC and Bank of Georgia are prominent. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to apartments listed on Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly accepted in shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices starting around 20 USD per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Hostel Rustavi offer dormitory beds starting at 10 USD. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are limited coworking spaces; consider using cafes with good Wi-Fi like Cafe Mziuri. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mziuri is popular among remote workers for its relaxing atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local Facebook groups often announce meetups for expats and entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for events on Meetup.com or Facebook groups like 'Expat Life in Tbilisi' which may extend to Rustavi. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Rustavi and is a reliable option for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | There are limited bike and scooter rentals, but local rentals may be available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach, Ureki Beach, is approximately 45 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Georgian Airways connects Rustavi with major cities within Georgia. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa operate flights from Tbilisi International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main highway, E117, provides excellent access to Tbilisi and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rustavi Train Station connects to Tbilisi and surrounding regions. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Minibuses are common, and fares are typically around 0.50 GEL for short rides. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regular buses and marshrutkas connect Rustavi to Tbilisi and other regions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Rustavi Medical Center is the leading healthcare provider in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga studios are limited; consider traveling to Tbilisi for more options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness houses like World Class are accessible and offer various amenities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; services may cost around 10 GEL for laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Wolt are popular food delivery apps in Rustavi. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Khinkali (dumplings) are a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are available at restaurants like Ezo. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Lisi offers a variety of traditional Georgian desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Rustavi Market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, and local products at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is available through platforms like mymarket.ge. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets offer delivery services; check Carrefour and Goodwill. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rustavi has a few bars such as Chveni Gogo, which offers a lively atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Rustavi Brewery produces local beer; tours are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Enophilia is a well-known wine bar, offering local Georgian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Bakeries and street vendors are available throughout Rustavi, offering traditional snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | International options, including Italian and Chinese, can be found in local restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rustavi's memorial park and the Historic Rustavi Castle are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Rustavi Museum of Local History provides insights into the city's past. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visiting the ancient ruins near the Rustavi Fortress is recommended. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Holy Transfiguration Cathedral is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Rustavi hosts cultural festivals, especially during the summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center has various cultural spots and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Rustavi Theater features local performing arts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Rustavi Market is vibrant with local crafts, textiles, and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes often host live music nights, especially jazz and folk. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals can be found throughout the city, reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer cooking classes focusing on Georgian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Various small galleries feature local artists throughout the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical architectural sites are present in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rustavi is known for its industrial heritage, evident in its architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby natural areas include the Kura River banks, suitable for walks and picnics. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kazbegi National Park is a few hours away and offers breathtaking mountain scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Kura River are popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints near Rustavi Castle offer panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wetlands nearby offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the Kura River are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Georgian Post and DHL operate in Rustavi. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city offer tech repair services for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports complexes offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Rustavi offer Georgian and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Rustavi Public Library provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers host various cultural and social activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes have gaming nights and offer Wi-Fi. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are a few small casinos providing entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200 GEL per m² (e.g. 40 m² = 48,000 GEL). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800 GEL per m² (e.g. 40 m² = 32,000 GEL). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 GEL per m² (e.g. 60 m² = 90,000 GEL). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,000 GEL per m² (e.g. 60 m² = 60,000 GEL). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 GEL per m² (e.g. 80 m² = 160,000 GEL). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 GEL per m² (e.g. 80 m² = 120,000 GEL). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Georgian tax system is based on territorial income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% annual property tax for non-residential properties. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% property transaction tax. |