Tourist Scams to Avoid when Travelling to Tbilisi Georgia

[@aj75852]

Thanks for the info! I have been to Tbilisi in 2017 and it's such a wonderful place! Hope to come back soon for a longer stay there! 🙂

[@mr.lostrip495]

Nice advice Miss Teona! I'd like to come back to Georgia this winter. I am glad I found your channel. It is very informative. Thank you.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and support! That’s nice to hear that you plan to revisit Georgia 🇬🇪 Wish you nice nice trip!

[@Sean-y8g5f]

The best channel to guide tourist .Also some resaurants add tax 20% instead of 15% .Do not trust Taxi drivers . Their airport must have supervision against cheaters Taxi , (money exchange in Batumi airport !) But some georigian people are good.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

@@Sean-y8g5f thank you for the comment and support!

[@tayfunayhan3634]

We watched ur whole videos. Absolutely amazing informations for tblisi. If someone think about to travel tblisi, absolutely right channel. Thanks for everything🙏🧿

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and support!

[@johnshort5003]

I did not arrive via Tbilisi airport, I came by bus from Gori. At the bus station I got a taxi to Freedom Square and it cost 13 Lari. If you arrive by plane it's not necessary to take a taxi, you can jump the 377 bus to Dusheti Street and walk down to the centre. Best experience for me was a bar in Samgori market where the wine was 1 Lari a glass. Worst scam was 20 Lari for a pomegranite juice up at Narikala fortress.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. The bus 337 stops directly at freedom square itself in the city centre. The costs on products are higher in the center /touristic areas than in other parts of the city

[@zaidalimughal3142]

​@tbilisilocalguide-Teona yes your information is correct . Total international level scams in georgia Exactly the same, I went to Georgia 2 weeks ago, I bought texi, restaurant, and money exchange.

[@ex-setorwofia]

Thanks for sharing. I copied your text to have in mind for my 1st upcoming trip to Tiflis.

[@johnshort5003]

@@tbilisilocalguide-Teona Thanks, I did not know that bus continues to the centre. After initially staying in the touristic part and seeing the sights, I moved over to the area near Dusheti Street, which is cheaper and more reflective of real life, as you know. The metro is an experience.

[@mikko_mikko_mi]

Or just use local taxi application like yandex or maxim

[@k0u0s0h0a0g0r0a0]

My experience 1. Taxis demand 5-10 times the usual fare 2. SIM card is 2-3 times overpriced, but it is still not a significant expense 3. Exchange rates are the biggest rip-off. Fake shops (even at airport) display 0% commission, but charge 20-25% on USD (100 times higher than genuine price). 4. If you don't know where to stay / eat, that's another area where you can be scammed. Someone will approach you for helping you buy a SIM, and then introduce you to the Fake exchange shop and the Fake taxi. Avoid anyone who tries to help you without being asked for.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experience. Yes, avoiding communication with strangers / “helpers” prevents from unpleasant surprises

[@AshishMachado]

Thank You, Ms Teoni. Very helpful.

[@zeecarnage3768]

Wow. Your video and your way of explaining are so educational. Thanks for your efforts.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for your comment and support. Information is power and I hope many travelers find this content helpful for their memorable visits in Georgia 🇬🇪

[@jackisonthemap]

Thank you for the tips Teona! Very informative. 😁🇬🇪

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and support

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and support

[@IndustrialMilitia]

Knowing a local goes very, very far in Tbilisi. I didn't encounter any scams when I was in Georgia but I think that's because I knew some of the locals already. I received their protection.

[@richardcgs2001]

Yesterday my prearranged taxi did not show up in TBS airport and I was advised to go to the official taxi service booking at the Central Taxi office reachable if you go to the the left side of the furthest right exit before exiting the airport to the street (turn right after exiting the Customs control area). Prices posted are 60 or 80 lari depending on location in Tbilisi city. For Vere neighbourhood, the charge is 80 lari. This is a kind of official scam almost double the cost for an online pre-booked taxi. Another scam the woman does not relate pertains to people, usually men, who approach you asking "Вы говорите на русском? / Do you speak Russian?" Always say "No, I don't" and speed off at great pace to avoid being pressured to give money for some phoney catastrophe. This is not strictly applicable to Tbilisi exclusively but in any Russian-speaking country. I also encountered the same in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in a poorly-lit street near the Hilton. In Tbilisi, on Rustaveli, near the Marriott. These ne'er-do-wells tend to congregate around areas near five star hotels where they are more likely to encounter rich foreigners.

[@derriendoffenheim8661]

I live in Tbilisi and frequently fly, so I rely on taxis for transportation, and I can say for a fact I've never paid more than 25 Gel for a ride, and I live around the saburtalo area. Scams are super common, and they are because people fall for them constantly, be it inflated prices in restaurants, random people selling fake branded clothes and especially taxi drivers. I suggest anyone that goes to Tbilisi download one of the many apps that offer prepaid taxis, Yandex go, maxim etc. And just compare that to what people offer outside the apps for perspective. Another thing is food, if you see any single item that isn't something you consider a delicacy go for more than 20gel, don't even consider the place. Many restaurants offer amazing food for less than that per item.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and for sharing your experience. Unfortunately sometimes such things happen in many cities and information is power to avoid /prevent from this

[@nandinibasu4316]

I was planning to visit the beautiful country of Georgia this Christmas but after seeing multiple videos of gypsy kids troubling tourists and robbing them, I'm scared to visit & ruin my holiday. Hope the authorities do something to protect the tourists from such trouble. Its such a beautiful country! I love watching your videos as they're very informative n helpful.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Hi and thanks for the comment. My video was done 1 years ago and much has been changed and improved since then. This video has preventing mission to stay well informed in advance. You can find these gang of kids in many countries and not only in Georgia. So as a local guide I wouldn't advice to reject visiting of Georgia because of this "possible negative" experience that's also minimized from today's reality what I see.

[@MohamedNagyEG]

hello there, I had my wallet robbed last week thanks god that my passport was in a separate place in Tbilisi near liberty square exactly in front of Zara outlet next to Galleria Mall, by Gypsy girls and that wasn't the worst part of the story, i called the police and after waiting for about 2 hours 45 mins at night from 6:45PM to 09:30PM they called me back and asked me to go to the police station behind the Opera house in rostaville street, and for sure as expected with no results... I'd never try to visit this country again not because of the robbery this may happen anywhere in the world but because of the police attitude for sure i have the calls recorded in case you don't believe me

[@bearlh40]

My experience was very different, but it was quite a few years ago. The police are much less corrupt now than in earlier times. But, even then, they know all the local thieves and can hunt them down. They're not trying to just let foreigners have such a bad experience and develop a bad reputation.

[@olivesebere119]

The airport thing is so true, many approached us and tried to sweet talk us saying they will drive us at a very discounted fee! Which was 4x what we later paid using bolt taxi. Thanks goodness we were informed b4 we got to the calm, beautiful city of Tbilisi.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and sharing your experience. That’s nice to hear that you were able avoid scamming. Have a nice stay in Georgia!

[@sunnytidaa]

Hi, we are visiting in December for a fortnight, could you please recommend a reputed transport service for airport transfers, travel to Bakuriani and Gudauri from Tbilisi and also day tours from Tbilisi. We are a family of 4

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and question. I will be glad to assist with this:[phone] whatsapp

[@gregruth9854]

Genuinely the nicest person ever

[@THOOSIMUTHUM]

True I pay airport to tbilisi 291 gel

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. That’s pity to hear.., please check my video about Tbilisi Airport. Hope you find this helpful for next visit

[@derdak372]

hello,i dont wanna use a taxi for my trip from airport to old city. is there any public tranportation available to use ? if so, how can i use it?

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. Have you been able to check tbilisi airport video? There is public bus that operates from airport till the city center and its the cheapest way yo get to the city. Please check airport video at the channel for more details

[@Adamadam12402]

Thank you .. we need more videos about Georgian wine 🍷 please 😊

[@alexiniceland]

what about change money at airport?

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for comment. Please check this on money exchange in Tbilisi: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn_QeWhnqtummrMsi=hhHA7YbZKsKYI-m8

[@SaraKharbe-b6i]

Why are your videos not download able?

[@jay.pressplay]

They are for me

[@TerriblePerfection]

Any tips for getting a local sim card? Thanks!

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and question. Look through this video on airport/SIM card topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q36wZJyXmpmksNUsi=c-atJrpZUPg_JEk7 MAGTI - has best coverage and diversity in packages to choose as per your travel duration

[@TerriblePerfection]

@@tbilisilocalguide-Teona Thank you for the fast reply! Can't wait to visit in April! 🥰

[@98004ajay]

I live in Tbilisi and I can 100% confirm that all she’s saying is right. Let me add one more thing, basically use your common sense and ask price first before you hop on anything.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. Yes, asking price of tourist services in advance can save a lot from later misunderstanding

[@williams.carpenter2362]

Can you please do a video or link a video on how to rent an apartment in Georgia as a foreigner? Thank you in advance.

[@assafnaor5752]

I always exchange money through RICO.They are in every city and open 24/7. Use only Bolt for taxis.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and sharing your helpful experience to travelers

[@kamarte]

What are tour guide daily service rates there?

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. All tours are different with duration and specific. For sightseeing, tours and guidance for Georgia please contact via WA:[phone]

[@刘刘贵-n1l]

Thank you for sharing，and how can I contact you Coz I will work in Tbilisi.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. For Georgia trip planning and guidance please reach via WhatsApp [phone]

[@Amityt07]

Hi I’m planning to visit Georgia in August, so can you please how to book taxis for 4 days , as coming with family including kid, basically taxi for 3 couples !! Also how much it will cost

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. While you are traveling as group of 6, I would advise to have driver and guide during trip who makes proper sightseeing plan for you and helps you arrangements and lunch places for your memorable visit here. WA :[phone]

[@ced4298]

Very good advice 🎉🎉🎉

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for your comment and support!

[@omarelkhatib150]

I got scammed in every place from sim card, to exchange to taxi. I bought sim card for 100 GEL for 30 days and unlimited internet. Money exchange ripped of 20$ out of 200$ Taxi charged 300 GEL from tbilisi airport to old town hotel. Now I need to rent a small room for 1 or more months and very afraid to get scammed again, so I may leave this country soon.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. That’s so pity to hear.,.. where have you taken the SIM card? Haven’t you used bolt app? (What I am mentioning in my videos)? Money exchange in touristic center isn’t also good idea .. Please check video for money locations in Tbilisi

[@omarelkhatib150]

@@tbilisilocalguide-Teona sadly I watched the video after coming here and getting scammed to know about the scams in this country. Do you have a video about renting a house here?

[@kapilpawaskars]

I was scammed by taxi too. This has to stop!

[@omarelkhatib150]

@@kapilpawaskars for how much? how the taxi driver look like?

[@kapilpawaskars]

@@omarelkhatib150 round face .. white sedan.

[@shafiuzzaman1355]

Very good. God bless you dear.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thanks a lot!

[@odonchimegidersaikhan8043]

Thank you.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and support!

[@kidssquarepublicschool1037]

Dear madam i m Kamal Verma from India yeah see your video and want to visit Georgia but I have not enough idea. So pls guide me

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. For guidance and trip planning in Georgia please reach via WhatsApp:[phone]

[@kidssquarepublicschool1037]

@@tbilisilocalguide-Teona thank you very much mam

[@harshadamhaske3129]

have u visited??

[@Kurosaka]

thank you!!!

[@MuhamadMugamad]

How meet you. we like come tbilisi this summer

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. For tours and trip planning/guidance in Georgia please reach via WhatsApp:[phone]

[@MuhamadMugamad]

​@@tbilisilocalguide-Teonathanks so much

[@megha6865]

Near Sulfur bath near the bridge there are two guys with musical instruments. They were singing and I went and paid them 10 laris. They stopped me and asked me to take photograph while they are singing. I did. And next moment they demanded 100 laris and they didnt let me go. I have to pay 100 laris to escape them.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and for sharing your travel experience. That’s pity to hear.. unfortunately sometimes such things happen in tourism industry and information is power.

[@luisdiego6270]

Hi! Thanks for the video :) I'm traveling in October to Georgia :)Do you know How much money per day I need to have in cash? Not sure if inmigration officers will ask me about it. I Will be there 2 weeks.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and question. it all depends if you have already prepaid accommodations /transportation or not. If all is paid,then abt 50$-70$ per person per day (meals and minor costs) should be reasonable amount to consider

[@luisdiego6270]

@@tbilisilocalguide-Teona thank you very much 😊

[@ChefEarthenware]

I understand that rental prices in Georgia have increased since the Russians arrived. Is this correct?

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the message. Yes prices on rental have been increased recently

[@londonbali4334]

thnxxx

[@vaughngelo7477]

By any chance is it possible for someone to ask for your service as a tour guide?... by the way i just subscribe to your channel.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. For guidance or trip planning you can reach via WhatsApp :[phone]

[@Moneygamecraft]

wow now you you got my attention.

[@travelwithstyle400]

what to do if kids try to rob?

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. Avoid contact with them and push them away to maintain the safe distance

[@चेतन_महाराष्ट्र]

Very good video

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the message and support

[@AshishMachado]

Yes. It happened to us. 200 Gel. 4th Aug, early morning. The Govt must control taxi touts. Ashish Machado - Goa.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. Such things can happen in many countries and knowledge is power. Please watch videos before travel and always use bolt when taxi is needed

[@MuhammadSaad078]

The worst treatment ever in an airport in Georgia, if you don't like some nationalities to visit your country, just don't allow them to get visa instead of bad treatment in the airport

[@rumaysahbintaftab6048]

@@MuhammadSaad078 where are you from

[@Sparksenergyraj]

Information is good

[@jeetendra207]

Hiii mam i m one of ur subscriber i coming in georgia with in few days will u plz help or guide me about country i m from India

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. For guidance and trip planning please reach via WhatsApp:[phone]

[@docallaintravelvlogs]

hello i would like to ask if u can recommend a company will provide a group of 6 persons tour in tbilisi? thanks 🙏

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. For guidance and trip planning please reach via WA:[phone]

[@AnneWannyy]

im in tbilisi right now, yesterday when i landed some guy offered us a taxi ride to our hotel stating that the price would be counted via a taxi meter, unknowingly we accepted the ride, at the end he charged us 225 GEL for a 15km ride.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and sharing your experience. That’s pity to hear.. it would be great if you had been able to watch this video before arrival to avoid taxi scammers.. wish you nice stay in Georgia!

[@НикитаЧеранев-щ7д]

Yeah, me too. 4 days ago he asked me to pay him for 120 gel, but the real price was less then 20. Someone must to do something with this guys

[@Farzanlobo]

Hello mis I would like to visit Georgia! Please can I get your contact

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. For Georgia trip guidance and itinerary planning please reach via WA:[phone]

[@Sparksenergyraj]

Can I ask any affordable staying

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment and question The prices depends on location and other aspects Please check stays at avlabari/isani areas (in old city prices are higher )

[@IndustrialMilitia]

Just make sure that the room as air conditioning, specifically in the summer. Tbilisi gets very hot and very dry in the summer months.

[@claudiotova6163]

There is always Bolt and Yandex taxi. They are very cheap.

[@poisedgamer9588]

Like how much cheap

[@claudiotova6163]

@@poisedgamer9588 like 3 dollars a ride.

[@ArafatSarip-vw5zf]

How I wish I watch this video before I travel to Georgia. I fall for a scam and it ruined my first visit.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thanks for the comment and sharing your experience. That’s so pity to hear.. I hope you will have much more positive travel experience in the future

[@Hkolncvbj3067]

We met scamming twice while we rent apartments in Tbilisi. Be careful.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. Yes, It’s important to be careful

[@poisedgamer9588]

How?

[@waseemullahkhan]

Great thanks, I am visiting soon, late Dec, love to take your services as guide to plan tour. Also do share your contact details so I can reach you, me and my family will be in Tbilisi from 27Dec onwards then will visit Kazbegi, it’s a short trip. We will be back by 31 Dec thx

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for comment.you can reach via this number for guidance/planning:[phone]

[@harshadamhaske3129]

have u visited??

[@waseemullahkhan]

Yes I did and it was amazing

[@ZUCKERWATTEQ]

Ich habe einige Videos über Georgien gesehen in letzter Zeit. Ich denke es ist ein schönes Land aber auch ich habe diese Videos zu den Kinderbanden gesehen. Sie hängen sich an die Beine und Arme von Touristen. So ein Verhalten ist extrem abschreckend und schlecht für den Tourismus.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. Unfortunately These things happen in many countries though information is power and supports prevention. Fortunately, The situation has been greatly improved now in Tbilisi 🙂

[@jacob2g]

I ahould have watch this before i left

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. Information is power and I hope you consider this video for your next visit

[@smdsyd]

I came after 2 days thanks for lovely information .

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thanks for the comment. Have a nice stay!

[@mohammedaldosary4382]

i bought 420 lari

[@miker4430]

Gomarjoba!!!

[@danieldota2]

lol i wonder how no one hack your account yet

[@sublikeheroes4656]

What is the government doing about this? Tourists have been scammed since arriving at the airport, so what can tourists believe? Is the government administration really so weak that tourist guides have to cover for them? The Tbilisi, Georgia government needs to take action or step down for someone who can do a better job. For tourists, please consider avoiding Tbilisi, Georgia until it is officially cleared of scams. This is the only way to help make Tbilisi great again.

[@tbilisilocalguide-Teona]

Thank you for the comment. Unfortunately such things can happen in many cities.. the situation has been improved for much better since that time. Just general self safety precautions is always recommended during travel

[@sublikeheroes4656]

@@tbilisilocalguide-TeonaIt's true that scams can happen anywhere, but in case you didn't know, there are so many upload and reviews online about being scammed in Tbilisi. It is the responsibility of your government to address this issue, especially if they care about your country's reputation. While improvements have been made, a recent scam was mentioned in a review on TripAdvisor just 5 days ago. I'm sorry that this significantly impacts tour guides, but it needs to be fixed locally

[@TakoGoksadze]

Our government is the biggest scam

[@tontonlolo6487]

Dont tread on me

[@georgiodavid]

Are you sister of Borat?😂

[@anahowana]

Goergia is truly a terrible destination for any tourist. If you hate your mother in law ?( you surely do don’t deny it) then go get her a flight ticket to Goergia.

[@tontonlolo6487]

Give me a honest price for a clever , resoureful , savy of her social environment I pay her twic the price u ask Need a Fixer not a scammer anti scammers If u get me U will get all my crowd My little UA Sister Garsi : Yaspis - Garsi Cant beat her in advertising Saint George land