Question 1

How to get from Kutaisi airport to Batumi cheaply?

Accepted Answer

Georgian Bus and Omnibus Express shuttles run from Kutaisi airport to Batumi (30–35 GEL, ~2.5–3 hours, schedule adjusted to flights). Budget options include the train (around 2 GEL), a regular bus, or a shared ride.

Question 2

Which district of Batumi is best for renting an apartment for a month with good residential complexes and infrastructure?

Accepted Answer

The old town is more atmospheric but has no parking and is pricier; Heroes Alley is the optimal choice — everything is close but noisy. The new boulevards have ongoing construction but easier parking, plus Metro City and a park; avoid areas near the airport, Makhinjauri, Aliа, and anything beyond Chavchavadze street. Tip: rent an Orbi apartment for 3 days, explore the city, and choose a district on the spot.

Question 3

Are there luggage lockers at Batumi airport, and where in the city can a suitcase be stored for a few hours?

Accepted Answer

There are no luggage lockers at Batumi airport, and there is almost nowhere to sit before check-in. A suitcase can be left at You Cube on Angisa street, but it is not cheap.

Question 4

Is it possible to find a job in Batumi without knowing Georgian (outside of IT)?

Accepted Answer

Finding a job is realistic: with English and Russian it is not difficult, most often in hospitality, cleaning, or construction. You will need a work permit, which you must obtain yourself or through an employer.

Question 5

Does Georgia treat old-series and new-series US dollar banknotes differently?

Accepted Answer

There is practically no difference — old-series banknotes are accepted everywhere, except for very worn issues from the 1990s.

Question 6

What is the cheapest way to get from Batumi to Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

The most economical option is a flight from Rize-Artvin airport in Turkey.

Question 7

What non-touristy places are worth visiting in Batumi?

Accepted Answer

Cross the House of Justice off the list — it has been demolished; the center and old town are mostly touristy areas. Add the botanical arboretum — it is very beautiful there.

Question 8

What is the most convenient way to get from Batumi to Tbilisi?

Accepted Answer

The train is the most convenient option, but tickets sell out quickly — a bus is an alternative. Many take a minibus: fast and comfortable.

Question 9

Which exchange offices in Batumi accept old-series US dollar banknotes?

Accepted Answer

Old-series US dollars are accepted at any exchange office in Batumi — there are no restrictions.

Question 10

Where in Batumi can I order or buy a birthday cake for a child?

Accepted Answer

Fresh ready-made cakes are sold at Geamo and La Jele; Mary's Cake on Inasaridze makes custom cakes (very tasty bento cakes). There is also a wholesale bakery (address via the link in the answer) that sells to walk-in customers — come before 11 am; a 2 kg cake costs about 25 GEL, cash only.

Question 11

Which district or street in Batumi is the quietest — minimal noise but not too remote?

Accepted Answer

A quiet option is the area from Lake Nurigeli towards Pushkin street. The private sector near Adlia is also considered peaceful.

Question 12

How much does it cost for a family of three to live in Batumi or Tbilisi, including rent?

Accepted Answer

A decent long-term 1+1 apartment costs $450–500 per month, utilities with internet about $100; initial expenses are $200–300, budget from $1500 for the first month with restaurants, then $1000 or less is enough. Paid kindergarten is about $300; a rough method: rent + 100–200 GEL for internet/utilities + a weekly grocery basket from Glovo/Wolt multiplied by 4, plus 10% for extras.

Question 13

What to see in Batumi in a week besides the botanical garden, the sea, and restaurants?

Accepted Answer

Take a tour to mountainous Adjara, visit the canyons and Prometheus cave; if you are up for climbing, head to Mtirala National Park. The cable car with views and a digital exhibition are also good options.

Question 14

Where in Batumi is it easiest for a non-resident to open a bank card?

Accepted Answer

Easiest at TBC or Credo. At TBC you need a Georgian phone number and your address of stay: fill in the form on the website, take a queue ticket, sign the contract — the virtual card is available right away, the plastic is issued in 3 days, the fee is 10 GEL.

Question 15

Where in Batumi can I buy vegan and vegetarian steaks, sausages, and hot dogs?

Accepted Answer

Vegan meat alternatives (such as Beyond Meat) are sold at Gastronom. The Naturall store at Takaishvili 36/38 offers sausages, hot dogs, and many other vegan products.

Question 16

Where in Batumi can I buy fitted sheets 140×200 and duvet covers 140×200?

Accepted Answer

140×200 fitted sheets are rare (mostly 160×200 is available); look at Yusk, Hopa market, and English Home — the right size was found at Yusk.

Question 17

Which men's barbershop in Batumi is considered good?

Accepted Answer

Barbernikas and Black Panther Batumi have good reviews — the latter also suits those with long hair.

Question 18

Where in Batumi can I exchange US dollar banknotes from 1990–1993 that exchange offices refuse to accept?

Accepted Answer

Exchange offices in Batumi accept banknotes from about 1996 onwards; older ones (1990–1993) are refused almost everywhere. Options are to deposit them onto a bank card via a terminal or try handing them in at a bank.

Question 19

How much does a bus ride in Batumi cost, and is cash payment accepted?

Accepted Answer

Cash payment is not accepted — card only, the fare is 70 tetri. If you have no bank card, buy a Batumi transit card at the office on Gorgasali 55 or at chain supermarket checkouts; top it up at street terminals.

Question 20

Where can you eat tasty and cheap in Batumi without any pretense?

Accepted Answer

Tasty and affordable places in Batumi include Sachashniki, Sazandari and Oliva. Gourmet (reasonable prices) and Pirosmani are also recommended.

Question 21

Is it worth waiting a month to rent an apartment long-term in Batumi — do prices drop from October?

Accepted Answer

There is no point in waiting a month: prices do not drop significantly from October, and finding the right option may take time. A long-term rental apartment can easily be found for around $300.

Question 22

Where can those who have already moved to Batumi permanently get insurance?

Accepted Answer

In Batumi, insurance is provided by GPI, Unison and Ardi. If you do not have a residence permit, you should get insurance where you did before.

Question 23

Where to buy a SIM card with unlimited internet at night in Batumi?

Accepted Answer

At night you can get a SIM card on the operator's website, which works 24/7. There is also Selfie — an eSIM: 7 days free, then you need to pay for the SIM card or it will be blocked.

Question 24

Where to buy copybooks for learning to write in Georgian in Batumi?

Accepted Answer

Copybooks for learning Georgian writing are sold at Biblusi bookstores and almost any stationery shop. You can also buy them at a store at Selim Khimshiashvili 20, which sells toys, cosmetics, souvenirs and stationery.

Question 25

Which restaurants with a panoramic view of the city or the sea are there in Batumi, besides 360 Sky Bar and the Alphabet Tower?

Accepted Answer

Besides 360 Sky Bar and the Alphabet Tower, panoramic views of the city and the sea can be enjoyed at the Panorama restaurant and the restaurant on the top floor of the Hilton hotel.

Question 26

Where in Batumi can you catch a minibus to Kutaisi?

Accepted Answer

Batumi — Kutaisi minibuses depart from the old bus station, near the Church of the Holy Spirit, where they are usually stationed. The departure point changes from time to time, so it is better to confirm the location before your trip.