Special Announcement

 

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    Due to the logistics of the Annual Meetings, the Family Network will be working remotely the week of October 14-17, 2025. Our physical office will be closed, but you can reach us any time by phone: +1 202 473 8751 or email: Famillynetwork@worldbank.org

Get Involved - Why Volunteer?
Get Involved - Why Volunteer?
Get Involved—Volunteers Registration Form
Get Involved—Volunteers Registration Form
Get Involved —Volunteer Handbook
Get Involved —Volunteer Handbook
The Power of Community
The Power of Community
MEN AT WBFN Space for Connection
MEN AT WBFN Space for Connection
Incredible India: A Journey Through Culture, Spirituality, and Adventure
Incredible India: A Journey Through Culture, Spirituality, and Adventure

Members' Recommendations

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. Information you can gather through  books and the internet, cannot replace first hand experience as shared below by WBFN members. If you are already in the Country Office and have some additional experience/tips you would like to share, please contact the WBFN Local Champion or the WBFN office and we will be glad to amend our members' recommendation for this specific country accordingly. WBFN is happy to share—but cannot endorse—information provided by members [consult WBFN Legal]. You have to be a registered WBFN member in order to access the information below; please log in/register

Members Recommendations

  1. 1. When arriving
  2. 2. Housing & understanding your lease
  3. 3. Neighborhoods
  4. 4. Schools and daycares
  5. 5. Healthcare providers & emergencies
  6. 6. Shopping
  7. 7. Recreational activities
  8. 8. Communities
  9. 9. Useful Resources/Books
  10. 10. Other recommendations
  1. 1. When arriving
    1. 1.1 What to bring with you
      • You should take with you a pair of sturdy, good walking shoes.
  2. 2. Housing & understanding your lease
    • Tbilisi is a very noisy and polluted city.
    • ​Include diplomat clause in rental agreement, rent payment is in US $.
    • Large houses often have difficulties to heat or cool.
    • Check if private parking space is available.
    • Check for house appliances, for example, some kitchens do not automatically come with a dishwasher.
  3. 3. Neighborhoods

    Expats neighborhoods:

    • Vera
    • Vake
    • Digomi
  4. 4. Schools and daycares

    Public schools are not recommended.

    International schools available:

    • QSI International school of Tbilisi in Digami
    • British International school Lisi Lake area

    There´s plenty of household help or nannies available.

  5. 5. Healthcare providers & emergencies
    • American Medical Centre, Mediclub
    • MERC card is available
    • Emergency number 112
    • For more serious conditions, most people prefer to be treated in Europe or Turkey.
    • Famous bacteriophage therapy center in Tibilisi (Eliava Institute). This attracts many foreigners who cannot be cured with regular antibiotics.
  6. 6. Shopping

    Shopping at Carrefour and small local supermarkets like Goodwill.

    Small bread, fruit and vegetable stalls are available in most streets, seasonal produce only.

  7. 7. Recreational activities

    Cinemas (with original English movies), Vake park, Turtle Lake, Mtatsminda Amusement Park, Cable car, Funicular, Gino Paradise waterpark, Concert Hall (English musical on the history culture of Georgia plays once a week) and several museums.

    • In winter skiing near Tbilisi-Gudauri, Bakuriani.
    • Wine tours – Georgia has a long history of wine making.
    • Old city (ancient buildings with shops, restaurants and bars).
    • Mtskheta – old capital of Georgia with tourist market and cathedral/monastery.
    1. 7.1 Restaurants

      There are many restaurants, but smoking is allowed. Some cafes and restaurants that have non-smoking areas, for example: Paul, Entrée, Barbarestan.

  8. 8. Communities
  9. 9. Useful Resources/Books

    There are numerous guide books on Georgia available.

  10. 10. Other recommendations
    • Driving conditions are dangerous in Georgia. There are many roads accidents, drivers are careless. Downtown parking might be difficult due to very limited spaces and narrow roads.
    • For older people and parents with strollers, walking in the city poses some problems due to lack of sidewalks, obstruction of sidewalks, holes and uneven pavements. Also, care must be taken when crossing a road, even when the traffic light is green, due to cars ignoring stop signs.
    • There are plenty of hairdressers, nail and beauty salons at very affordable prices.
    • The neighborhood of Vera is known for small designer shops and concept stores of clothing and shoes.
    • Car insurance is a bit of an issue, it is very expensive and reimbursement can be cumbersome (involves police action in most cases). Car insurance is not mandatory.