When planning a journey to Georgia, many travellers wonder, "Is Georgia safe?" This question is crucial, especially for those seeking an adventure in a country less well-known than typical tourist destinations. At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia has rapidly gained popularity among explorers for its dramatic landscapes, ancient culture, and genuine hospitality.

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Is Georgia a safe destination?

Did you know that around 20% of Georgia's territory is currently under Russian occupation? This includes the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, where Georgian jurisdiction doesn’t apply. Understandably, when people hear about this, they can have concerns about safety while travelling here.

But what does this mean for tourists? Is the rest of Georgia still safe to explore? Let’s dive in to separate perception from reality and get a clearer picture of what it’s like to travel in Georgia today.

According to Numbeo's research conducted in early 2020, Georgia ranked 4th worldwide for safety and crime rates and took the number 1 spot in Europe. Out of 133 countries analysed, Georgia stood out as one of the safest. Surprising, right? With a ranking like that, it’s no wonder more and more travellers are putting Georgia on their bucket lists. 

Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is consistently cited as one of the safest cities in the world (currently 32nd according to the 2024 Safety Index).  According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Georgia ranks 100th among 163 countries on the world's most peaceful nations list. This ranking indicates that Georgia is generally a safe place to travel.

Let’s explore how this translates to safety, specifically for women travellers.

Is Georgia safe for female travellers?

Travelling solo or with friends as a woman can be an incredibly liberating experience filled with adventure, culture, and memorable moments. If you’re considering Georgia, you may wonder how safe it is for female travellers.

The good news is, if you browse through forums like Reddit, you'll often find glowing reviews from female travellers who have experienced Georgia as welcoming, friendly, and safe. Women who have explored Tbilisi's winding cobbled streets or ventured into the picturesque Caucasus Mountains describe feeling comfortable with the locals and the overall environment. The hospitality of Georgians is frequently highlighted, with many travellers recounting heartwarming stories of being offered help, advice, or even a warm meal by friendly locals.

However, as with any travel destination, it's always wise to take some precautions to ensure your trip goes smoothly. While Georgia is often praised as safe, especially in the main tourist areas, maintaining awareness is still important. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighbourhoods, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, and trust your instincts when interacting with strangers. This common-sense approach applies anywhere globally, and Georgia is no different. Here are some guidelines for women travellers:

Before you go:

• Research local laws and customs: Understand Georgia's cultural norms and legal expectations, especially those affecting women. This knowledge will help you navigate social situations appropriately.

• Plan your communication: Establish a reliable method to stay in touch with family or friends during your trip. Share your itinerary and contact information to keep them informed of your whereabouts.

• Prepare appropriate clothing: Georgia has diverse cultural practices. Dressing modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites, can help you respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention.

While abroad:

• Stay connected: Carry a fully charged mobile phone with emergency contacts, including local authorities and your home country's nearest embassy or consulate.

• Exercise caution when alone: Be vigilant, particularly at night. Inform someone you trust about your plans and expected return times.

• Protect your personal information: Keep details about your accommodation private. Verify the identity of anyone requesting access to your room, including hotel staff.

• Be mindful of food and drinks: Always watch your drinks being prepared and make sure to leave them on time. Decline food or beverages from strangers to prevent potential risks.

• Use reputable transportation: Opt for registered taxis and consider using women-only travel options if available. Pre-arrange transportation through your hotel or a trusted service.

To make your travels around Georgia a breeze, popular taxi apps like Taxi Tbilisi, Bolt, Maxim Taxi, and Airport Taxi offer quick, convenient, and comfortable rides wherever you need to go. 

Health and safety:

• Consult health professionals: Visit a travel health clinic or healthcare provider at least six weeks before departure to discuss vaccinations and health precautions specific to Georgia.

• Pack a travel health kit: Include essential medications, first-aid supplies, and any personal health items you might need, as they may be difficult to find locally.

What types of crime should travellers be aware of in Georgia?

Georgia is generally considered a safe destination for travellers. However, common crimes and scams should be avoided to ensure a trouble-free visit. Below, we explore some key scams that tourists may encounter, offering specific examples and practical precautions to avoid falling victim to them.

1. Child beggar scams: Begging and pickpocketing

In touristy areas of Georgia, especially in cities like Tbilisi and Batumi, you might encounter groups of children begging. Often, these children appear in need, dressed in shabby clothing and asking for money. Unfortunately, this is often part of a larger organised operation, and these children are used to prey on the kindness of tourists.

How it works:

• The children are usually trained to target foreigners, who are likelier to feel sympathy and give money.

• While one child might distract you by pleading for money, another child might stealthily pick your pocket or open your backpack.

• Children may even attempt to hug you or pull on your clothes to get close enough for pickpocketing.

Precautions

• Avoid giving money to child beggars. Instead, if you want to help, consider donating to a reputable charity that supports at-risk children.

• Keep your belongings close to you, preferably in a secure, zipped bag held in front of you.

• Stay vigilant, especially if multiple children are approaching you at once—this is often a distraction tactic.
  

2. Tourist scams

Tourists in Georgia are sometimes targeted by scams specifically designed to overcharge or cheat them. These scams can range from dodgy currency exchange desks to mysterious additional charges.

Common types:

• Dodgy currency exchange desks: In less-reputable areas, currency exchange desks advertise very favourable rates. However, once the transaction is made, tourists realise that the exchange rates or commission fees were manipulated.

• Tourist tax: Some scammers in hotels or rental apartments may invent a “tourist tax” that is not legitimate, overcharging foreigners unaware of actual regulations.

Precautions:

• Always exchange currency at a reputable bank or well-known currency exchange service. Avoid street-side exchanges.

• When staying in hotels or guesthouses, ask for a breakdown of the charges before paying. Legitimate charges will typically be documented, and there is no arbitrary “tourist tax” in Georgia.

3. Bar/ nightclubs scams

In some bars and nightclubs, particularly in Tbilisi, unsuspecting tourists may be tricked into paying exorbitant food, drinks, or entertainment bills.

How it works:

A common tactic is for someone to befriend a tourist and invite them to a "great local bar." Once there, drinks are ordered without discussing prices, and when the bill arrives, it’s shockingly high. Sometimes, tourists are given an inflated menu specifically for foreigners, with prices many times higher than locals would pay.

Precautions:

• Always check the menu prices before ordering, and ask for the price list in advance to confirm costs.

• Avoid going to bars or nightclubs recommended by strangers, as they may be part of the scam.

• Pay attention to your bill to ensure that there are no unexpected charges.

4. Taxi scams (Unmetered taxis)

Taxi scams are relatively common, and tourists are often overcharged if they need to learn the usual fare or use unmetered taxis.

How it works:

• Many taxis in Georgia do not use meters, and drivers may quote very high prices, especially if they realise you are a foreigner.

• Some drivers might claim that their meter is "broken" and try to negotiate a much higher fare than normal.

Precautions:

• Use a taxi app like Bolt or Yandex, which are popular in Georgia and offer fixed fares. This will prevent the need to negotiate.

• If you take a street taxi, always negotiate and settle on the fare before starting your journey.

• Avoid taxis waiting in tourist-heavy areas, as they are more likely to try to overcharge.
  

5. Spiked drinks

Although rare, there have been cases of drinks being spiked in bars or clubs, particularly in locations that cater primarily to tourists. A tourist’s drink may be spiked with drugs intended to make them disoriented, confused, or unconscious. The goal is often theft; tourists find themselves missing valuables once they recover or being forced to pay an inflated bill while under the influence.
Precautions:

• Never leave your drink unattended, and do not accept drinks from strangers unless you see it being prepared directly.

• Stick to well-known bars or clubs with good reputations.

• If you start feeling dizzy or confused, seek help immediately from staff or someone you trust.

Remember to stay alert, trust your instincts, and take a few basic precautions when in busy tourist areas or unfamiliar settings. By following the advice above, you can greatly reduce your chances of falling victim to these common scams, freeing you to enjoy all the wonders Georgia has to offer.

Is it safe to drive in Georgia?

Georgia has made significant strides in improving its road infrastructure over recent years, including investments in new highways and improved urban traffic management systems. Despite these improvements, road safety remains a significant issue due to several factors, including aggressive driving behaviours, poor road conditions in some areas, and limited law enforcement in rural regions. The combination of winding mountainous roads and city driving challenges makes it important for travellers to understand and exercise caution while navigating the country's roads. To better understand the risks involved, let’s look at some key data on road accidents in Georgia. According to data from the Georgia Department of Transportation for 2023:

1. There were 1,910,055 traffic crashes reported in the state.

2. Of these crashes, 7,974 were fatal.

3. A total of 740,159 individuals sustained injuries in car accidents across Georgia.

4. In 2023, 8,636 people lost their lives in car crashes.

High-risk areas: 

Mountainous regions, including those in the Svaneti and Kazbegi, see more accidents due to sharp curves, unpredictable weather, and narrow roads. Urban centres such as Tbilisi and Batumi are also hotspots for road incidents, with a high prevalence of aggressive driving behaviours, frequent lane changes, and disregard for traffic signals.

Causes of accidents:

• Speeding: Speeding, particularly on new highways and urban roads, is a major contributor to road accidents in Georgia.

• Aggressive driving: Georgian drivers are often known for aggressive behaviours, including tailgating, erratic lane changes, and ignoring pedestrian crossings.

• Drunk driving: Alcohol-impaired driving is another issue, although the government has enforced stricter penalties for driving under the influence.

• Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrian safety is another concern, especially in urban centres. Drivers often fail to yield to pedestrians at crossings, leading to a significant number of injuries and fatalities.

Precautions 

• Understand local driving habits: Georgian drivers may exhibit aggressive behaviours, such as fast lane changes and tailgating. Defensive driving is crucial; stay alert and anticipate sudden manoeuvres by other drivers.

• Be cautious on rural and mountain roads: While main highways are generally in good condition, rural and mountainous areas often have narrow, winding, or poorly maintained roads. Unexpected obstacles like livestock are common. 

• Adhere to speed limits: Speed limits in Georgia are typically 50 km/h (31 mph) in cities and towns, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads, and 110 km/h (68 mph) on highways. Pay close attention to road signs and speed cameras, especially near towns, as fines are issued automatically and can be hefty.

• Avoid night driving: Night driving can be risky due to poor road lighting and the possibility of encountering aggressive drivers or unexpected obstacles. It's safer to avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas.

• Be prepared for limited fuel stations in remote areas: Fuel is readily available in cities and larger towns. However, fuel stations can be scarce in remote areas like Svaneti or Tusheti. It's wise to fill it out and carry some cash, as credit cards may not be accepted in rural stations.

• Carry necessary documents: Always have your valid driver's license (an International Driving Permit isn't required if your license is in English, but it can help), passport, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance. 

• Know emergency numbers: In an emergency, dial 112 for all services (police, fire, and medical). If you're involved in an accident, wait to move your vehicle until the police arrive, as this is required by law.

Is it safe to meet locals in Georgia?

Meeting locals in Georgia is one of the most enriching experiences a traveller can have. Georgian hospitality is renowned, but it’s best not to assume you'll be treated like royalty just because you're visiting. People may feel compelled to share their limited resources with visitors in rural parts of the country. This gesture is heartfelt and genuine, but avoiding overstepping or taking advantage of their generosity is important. 

Georgia’s ethnic and cultural diversity is part of what makes it so unique. Visiting places like Pankisi Valley can provide some of the most genuine and memorable experiences. It’s essential to be mindful of various communities' different customs and traditions. The lifestyle in the mountainous regions differs significantly from life in urban areas like Tbilisi, and showing respect for these differences is crucial. Dressing conservatively in rural areas is always a good idea to show respect for local customs.

What precautions should be taken when hiking in Georgia?

Accurate information about weather and trail conditions can be difficult to obtain when hiking in Georgia, especially in remote areas. Consulting locals and preparing a backup plan are wise moves. The development of marked trails is improving, with initiatives like the Transcaucasian Trail making headway. However, some routes remain rugged and might need to be more suitable for inexperienced hikers.

For solo female travellers, it is advisable to hike with others whenever possible, whether in the mountains or on trails around Tbilisi.

Is Georgia safe for eating and drinking?

Eating and drinking in Georgia is generally safe, and the culinary experience is one of the highlights of visiting the country. Georgian cuisine is diverse, delicious, and deeply tied to the country’s traditions, offering everything from hearty meat dishes to fresh vegetables, bread, and iconic cheeses.

Food safety: Most food in Georgia is fresh and prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Street food and local restaurants are typically safe, but, as with anywhere, it's wise to stick to places that look clean and are popular with locals. This is a good indicator of quality. In rural areas, food is often homegrown or locally produced, which can be a delightful experience.

Don’t miss Georgian specialities such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (dumplings).

Tap water: Tap water in major cities, including Tbilisi, is generally safe, and many Georgians drink it directly from the tap. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are travelling to remote areas, you might prefer bottled water just to be cautious. Bottled water is readily available across the country.

Georgia is famous for its wine culture, and homemade wine is common, especially in rural areas. While it's usually safe, it can vary in quality. If you're not used to strong spirits, you may want to go easy on chacha, the local pomace brandy, which is considerably potent.

General tips:

• Avoid food that has been sitting out for a long time, especially in the summer when temperatures can be high.

• If you're buying street food, choose vendors with a high turnover, as this usually means the food is fresher.

• Peeling fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of exposure to any potential contaminants.

Overall, eating and drinking in Georgia are quite safe, and the flavours and experiences are not to be missed. Just take the normal precautions in any new country, and you’ll enjoy a wonderful culinary adventure.

Final thoughts: 

In conclusion, Georgia stands as an enticing and generally safe destination for travellers seeking a mix of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Despite regional tensions in occupied territories, most of Georgia remains secure, welcoming, and accessible to tourists, including solo female adventurers. The country’s high safety rankings speak volumes. While it’s crucial to remain vigilant—as in any unfamiliar setting—the precautions are mostly about applying common sense and respecting local customs.