Omar

Bank of Georgia and TBC are the two main expat-friendly banks

Opened Bank of Georgia account on Rustaveli with just my passport. USD and GEL accounts, free Visa debit card. TBC is also good and has a better mobile app. Both have English-speaking staff at main branches.

Bolt taxi is cheapest — always use the app, never street hail

Bolt rides across Tbilisi are typically 8-12 GEL ($3-4.50). Much cheaper than flagging a taxi on the street where tourists get quoted 30-50 GEL for the same trip. Yandex Go is a good alternative.

AT&T Mexico for unlimited data if you stream a lot

Switched to AT&T Mexico for unlimited data at 350 MXN/month. Slower than Telcel in some areas but no throttling. Good for Netflix and video calls. Buy at any AT&T store or Liverpool department store.

Albert Heijn everywhere but Lidl is much cheaper

Albert Heijn is convenient but expensive. I do a big Lidl shop weekly and top up at AH for fresh stuff. Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp for fresh produce at fair prices on weekdays.

Pararius for rentals — bring proof of income to viewings

Found my apartment on Pararius — 2-bed in De Pijp for €1,950/month. Listed Tuesday, viewing Wednesday, gone Friday. Bring proof of income (3x monthly rent) and BSN to viewings.

Get a Viva Viagem card for public transport immediately

Bought a Viva Viagem card at Oriente station for €0.50 and loaded €10. Covers metro, buses, and trams. The 24-hour unlimited pass for €6.60 is great value your first days exploring.

N26 or Wise for daily banking — avoid traditional banks

Opened N26 in 10 minutes with my passport photo. Free Mastercard, free ATM withdrawals 3x/month. Wise is better for international transfers. Traditional banks like Sparkasse require Anmeldung first.

Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A before eating street food extensively

Bangkok street food is excellent and generally safe but Hepatitis A risk is real for newcomers from low-incidence countries. BUMRUNGRAD and Samitivej hospitals both offer travel vaccinations in a walk-in setting. Two-dose Hep A series costs around 2,000–3,000 THB total and provides 20+ years of protection. Do this in week one before you start exploring food stalls extensively.

Don't skip private health insurance — public system has waiting times

Turkey's SGK public health system is good but requires employer registration and has long waits for non-emergency appointments. If you're a freelancer or arriving before your employer registers you, get private insurance immediately. Acibadem, Memorial, and Florence Nightingale hospitals have English-speaking doctors and accept international and private Turkish policies. Basic private plans start around 4,000–6,000 TL/year.