#ESTSS2025
18th biennial conference of the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
Exploring New Approaches for Healing and Recovery in Times of Global Uncertainty
and Extreme Stress
GETTING AROUND
Tbilisi is a rapidly growing destination that’s popular with digital nomads, entrepreneurs and tourists looking for a cultural stay. But getting around a city that’s thousands of years old and spread out over many miles and sites all over the place, what’s the best way of getting around Tbilisi? Whilst walking is an option, taking a taxi, metro, tram or bus are other great options.
Bolt Taxis
Bolt is the most popular taxi app in Tbilisi by far with plenty of cars about at all times of day. If you’re in the city center it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to be picked up. Trips around the city shouldn’t cost more than 5-8GEL (1-3€).
Find more information here: Bolt Taxi
Note: Uber is not available in Tbilisi
Public Transport
There are several types of public transport available in Tbilisi.
The Tbilisi Metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city. It has two lines (red and green) and covers most of the city’s main attractions and neighborhoods. It operates from 6:00 AM to 12:00 M. Metro stations are identified by the red (M) sign.
Tbilisi has an extensive bus network that covers most parts of the city. Buses are generally cheaper than the metro, but they can be slower and more crowded.
Marshrutkas are small minibusses that run on fixed routes throughout the city. They are a popular and affordable way to get around Tbilisi, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable at times. The passenger may ask the driver to stop the mini bus at the bus stations. Minibuses usually cost 1 Lari (35 cents). They run from 7:00 to 12:00.
Communications
The international code for Georgia is +995. The local code for Tbilisi is +995-32. The number for emergency services is 112. This will connect you to the patrol police, fire/rescue and medical services.
Free Wi-Fi is available almost in every cafe and restaurant in Tbilisi and other cities, shopping centers (Tbilisi Mall, East Point, Karvasla, etc.), and hotels.
Postal services, including sending and receiving parcels, are available through:
Currency
Lari is the currency of Georgia. One lari is divided into 100 tetri. Currently, banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 lari are in circulation. As for the use of foreign currency in Georgia, US dollars, Euro and rubles are widely used throughout the republic.
Lari (GEL) 1 USD = 2.65 GEL, 1 EURO = 2.87 GEL
Banking
Banks generally work from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and from 10:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays.
VISA and MasterCard cards are accepted almost everywhere in Georgia.
Many banks located in Tbilisi offer currency exchanging services. Banks like TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia, and Liberty Bank are some of the reputable institutions where you can transact.
ATMs can be found all over Tbilisi. They provide the convenience of withdrawing cash 24/7. Most ATMs allow international bank cards, and they dispense Lari directly.
Opening Hours in Tbilisi
Tbilisi Metro working hours are from 06:00 to 00:00 every day.
Public transport operates every day from 07:00 to 23:00.
Tbilisi shopping centers and supermarkets are generally open from 8:00 to 22:00 - 23:00.
On Saturdays and Sundays, most shopping centers and supermarkets mostly work from 10:00 to 21:00 - 22:00.
As a rule, Tbilisi markets are open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, although there are exceptions.
Some shop opening hours may vary.
Tipping
Most restaurants do not add a discretionary service charge to the bill. If a service charge is not included, it is customary to tip 10-15% for the service.
