17/03/2021
Poti-
City in Georgia
Poti is a port city in Georgia, located on the eastern Black Sea coast in the region of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti in the west of the country. Built near the site of the ancient Greek colony of Phasis and deriving its name from the same, the city has become a major port city and industrial center since the early 20th century. It is also home to a main naval base and the headquarters of the Georgian Navy. Adjacent to the Poti port area is the RAKIA-owned Free Industrial Zone.
Why did we decide on Poti to settle and grow?
Being a South African family from the beautiful small Fishing town of Gansbaai we loved our surroundings and our country. But in the current political climate we didn't see a future for ourselves or our 3 young boys.
The decision wasn't one made overnight and we thought this trough for 2 years while trying to sell our small cottage near the sea. Our search brought us to Georgia in the end and communicating with people to find out if we would be able to start a new life here.
And on a whim one day early in September our cottage was sold and we arranged everything in 3 weeks.
Poti for us was from the get go the place we wanted to be because its near the Black sea beach ( one of only 2 sandy beach areas). its a small city that has most of what you would need, property need attention but is priced fairly well and the living cost is much lower than the bigger busier cities like Tbilisi, Kutaisi ex.
Poti has so much potential if only you want to see the opportunities and are willing to invest your time into your new life here.
Don't take me wrong Georgia overall is a Big culture shock for many and many people feel disappointed when they finally arrive here in this still developing country. When people ask me about our experiences I am very truthful in that Georgia in General is not for everyone especially for those with to high expectations. In Most parts Georgia is still very primitive with that dash of the modern where it comes to most business, government institutions and banking.
Now? what for us stood out from the rest of Georgia besides the beach here in Poti?
Cost of living for us as a family of 5 is less than 3000 Lari ( Georgian currency) that is if you buy your home and do not rent then it could be anywhere up to 1500 lari more depending on what you and your family would need.
Utilities is very low and there is a slight difference in especially electricity in summer and winter. for example electricity summer is around more or less 35/55 lari = R150/250. winter if electric heating is used it could be between 100/250 Lari=R 450/1100 so it is better to install gas heating as its much more cheaper and cost effective.
Gas costs also differ from season but like I said is much more cost effective we use for cooking and heating in the winter : summer 25/35 Lari=R112/157 winter: 35/65 lari =R157/290. Water could cost anything between 4/15Lari =R18/70 we never paid more than in these almost 2 years. You also do not pay any Property tax on Residential property unless you rent it to anyone.
Meat and Veggies are in abundance and we buy from only 2 butcheries here as we find them clean and not over priced, Veggies is a dime a dozen and prices are good on the open market. You can buy almost anything at this market from good second hand clothing to Kitchen ware and new furniture all you need in one spot. Yet Poti offers a lot of new business opportunities ie. South Afican kind butchery, service and auto shop ( wheel alignment ex). I will blog about some opportunities in the coming future.
Poti has quite a few appliance shops and 4 big food stores ie. Carrefour, Nicora,Wallmart and our favorite Market shop we just call it the Trolly shop. Spar has also opened a few small markets.
Our food on average costs us round about 850 to 950 Lari per month. Cleaning supplies which we do not buy from the bigger chain stores but at a cleaning shop that is best priced on all cleaning products. these supplies cost us round about 150 to 200 Lari depending if we used most of it in one month ie, washing powder, bulk shampoo and conditioner ex.
Poti has so much to offer for us and for our family the only difference is the language, the local are very helpful and friendly when they see that you are willing to integrate into their
community.
I will blog about Poti in the surrounding every week and introduce you to this lovely up and coming Town
