Georgia-Connect

Editors Notes

Our Story

Arriving in Georgia on the 3rd of January 2020 my son and I anticipated touring the country for 2 months before returning to South Africa. Then, Covid struck - Nobody could enter or leave the country.

As It happened, we could not have been in a better place. I had been researching Georgia for some years, always in the back of our minds but we were always too busy to visit.

Now, we were in Tbilisi. We met up with other South African’s just walking around the city and they showed us how to use the subway and public transport systems. We took probably 20 different tours around the country and there was always more to see and experience - so I bought a car.

We went down to Batumi, a city on the Black Sea where I rented an apartment and set up an office from which we started Georgi-Connect. The car I bought in Tbilisi just was not going to cut-it on the mountain trails to the villages and areas I wanted to visit, so I bought a 4x4.

Now the exploring began

We travelled many roads in Georgia - picked up hitch-hikers and brought supplies to villagers, snowed in during winter. We fished in mountain streams, hiked and camped in some of the most far out places I have ever been to.

Never more than a few hours from a major town or city, you turn a corner and you are in a different world.

It is hard to concentrate on spreadsheet columns when my office has a 360 degree view of the snow capped mountains, the vast Black Sea, Batumi City with all its sky-scrapers and villages on hill tops. But, the phone rings and you are back in business mode.

Batumi is a fantastic place for those who are working remotely or like me, on a computer. The internet is lighting fast - super cheap and everything you need is close by.

All bills can be paid by App’s or on your phone, banking is a dream and the locals are super friendly, so whenever you need something, you can simply ask someone on the street or your neighbor - if you haven’t bothered them too much that day.

We never expected to fall in love with Georgia - it just happened. It is a country that is growing at an incredible rate and anyone that invests or moves to Georgia has a chance to start something they can be proud of.

The language is not easy but the Georgians will help you learn, if you take the trouble to try. They are proud of their country and want to share their history and culture.

It is difficult to compare Georgia with other emerging countries…. Because Georgia has a culture that predates most - even the Greeks by millennia.

They are generally an organized and disciplined nation, with very high and strong morals and a well formed code of ethics, even if things don’t always go as planned.

So… We have fallen in love with the country and truly feel this would make a fantastic place for South Africans and others to both retire to and start anew.

Being a small country - everyone knows everyone else… So - watch your behaviour and be careful of what you say and - to whom.

The Climate: is warm-hot in summer and cold in winter with snow at high elevations.

The Autumns and Springs are spectacular and if the 3 months of winter get too much it is a 1 hour flight (or a $50 bus ride) to the warm sandy beaches of the Mediterranean.

Comparing to south Africa

Buying a car and registering it in your name takes 35 minutes - Similar to opening a bank account, registering a company or buying a house and registering it - in your name. You do need some guidance and advice when doing this….. Which is why we have opened Georgia-Connect.

The police and municipal employees are professional, friendly, polite, efficient and will go out of their way to help where they can. The country is growing, the people are inviting and there is virtually no theft or crime.

I do not lock my car or my front door in Georgia. If you breakdown on the road someone will help you or give you a lift to the next town and your car will be there when you get back.

Initially you will need a translator or interpreter but once you have figured the systems out you are good to go.

Learning some Georgian goes along way to breaking the ice.

Georgia-Connect

This site has been created to help those looking for a better life.

My son and I started Georgia-Connect to help people relocate which is always difficult, time consuming and mistakes can be expensive. It is always easier if you have a friendly face and a helping hand.

Regular events and activities in the form of BBQ’s / Braai’s, day-trips, meet-ups and hang-outs will ensure you are not lonely in a new country and give you a forum to bounce ideas around in.

There are very few countries that match South Africa’s beauty - Georgia is one of them. Beautiful, with gentle kind and friendly people who treat all respectfully and generously.

And… Georgians play rugby!

Georgia And Its People

• Georgians are very family conscious and have a love for the outdoors, their country, history and traditions. They love to have large family gatherings and weddings and enjoy celebrating life’s milestones.

• And… They play Rugby!

• Being a country that has had its independence for less than 20 years (from Russia)…. The incredible growth and development accomplished by a population of less than 3 million (living in the country) out strips South Africa by miles!

• The Dubai styled Batumi water-front and the new residential developments in Tbilisi have spurred phenomenal growth in surrounding areas and renovation of suburbs is driving the economic upsurge.

• The government in Georgia has invested billions of Dollars into its infrastructure and cities - opening industries and public projects to international tenders. One of these is a 300 km long highway system cut into the mountains connecting Tbilisi and Batumi.

• With crime rates among the lowest in Europe - cost of retirement at least 30% lower than South Africa and world-class medical care and facilities - Georgia offers a safe and stable environment to start a new life - or to simply relax and retire with peace of mind.

• Whether you want to go farming, start a business or simply have a safe environment for your family to grow up in - Georgia is worth considering.

• University education is a fraction of the price of South Africa - campuses and facilities are modern and degrees or diplomas are EU recognized.

• The medical system in modern, professional and the quality of service is very high.

• Georgia is invested in its development and future. It has strong ties and free trade agreements with the EU and USA and is on good political and economic terms with its neighbors.

• Having 3 sea ports - 3 large international airports and being on the direct new rail line between China and Europe - communications and transport of goods and people has never been easier.

• Georgia is around 1-2 hours from - Istanbul - Israel - Germany - Moscow - Dubai - Greece & Cyprus and around 4-5 hours from Beijing - Singapore - Thailand - UK & Ireland.

• There is business potential everywhere you look and in every facet of the economy. The potential is endless. The countries global location/position cannot be better - being on the crossroads between Europe and the East.