Overview
Georgia is in South Western Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia. The climate is warm and pleasant. It is mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast. The official language is Georgian. English is increasingly spoken and understood by the younger generation. Russian is widely understood, but people prefer to speak English when possible. The main religion is Christianity. The economy of Georgia has traditionally revolved around Black Sea tourism, cultivation of citrus fruits, tea and grapes; mining of manganese and copper; and output of a big industrial sector producing wine, metals, machinery, chemicals, and textiles. In Georgia, friendship and socialising are highly valued. Eye contact during conversation is particularly important. Expatriate business dress is typically a suit. Expatriates will often be invited to dinners with frequent toasts. Male expatriates, in particular, will be expected to join their hosts in drinking numerous shots of vodka. The security risk for expatriates in Georgia is medium, but high in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, where conflict can occur between Georgian security forces and informal armed groups as well as the danger of landmines. Risks in the rest of Georgia include petty crime, particularly in expat areas such as Vake-Saburtalo and Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, as well as risks related to sporadic political protests. The currency of Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL). Credit cards are widely accepted in Tbilisi, but to a lesser extent in the regions. ATMs are available in larger towns. Prices are often quoted in US dollars and Euros, however by Georgian law all goods and services should be paid for in local currency (Georgian Lari). Medical facilities in Tbilisi are generally good but expensive. In other areas medical facilities are limited. The population of Republic of Georgia is 3.7 Million (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is 2.2% for Georgia as at January 2019. Xpatulator Hypothetical Tax for the Republic of Georgia is based on the current personal income tax rate which is a flat rate of 20%.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Republic of Georgia as at 1 January 2019 is very low in comparison to other places in the world. In Republic of Georgia, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports): 1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Very Low 2) Clothing: High 3) Communication: Very Low 4) Education: Very Low 5) Furniture & Appliances: Very Low 6) Groceries: Very Low 7) Healthcare: Very Low 8) Household Accommodation: Average 9) Miscellaneous: High 10) Personal Care: Very Low 11) Recreation & Culture: Low 12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Very Low 13) Transport: Very Low Republic of Georgia is for example -33.9% cheaper than USA for groceries, -15% cheaper for household costs than UK, and 32.6% more expensive for transport costs than India.Republic of Georgia is ranked as a high degree of hardship location. The hardship premium for Republic of Georgia for an expat from Australia, is for example 20%, i.e. host location (Republic of Georgia) premium of 30% minus home (Australia) location premium of 10%.Want to know more about cost of living, hardship (quality of living) or expat salary in Republic of Georgia? Register subscribe to your home location and Republic of Georgia and run your personalised reports.