Financial Friday 143

Location: Tbilisi [Republic of Georgia]

Week 143….

Transportation

Thanks to the new regulation prohibiting bars and restaurants from staying open past 10 pm, I took zero taxis this week. I was able to use the metro to get around at a little over $0.15 per trip.

Accommodation

I don’t remember if this was included in last week, but the utility bill has been added to the cost of accommodation. That should be all the expenses for this month. The breakdown is gas ($26.28 which is expensive for Georgia in the fall), electricity ($14.25), water ($2.39). The total when added to rent and internet comes out to $8.13 per day. Which is still pretty good.

Other

I renewed my travel insurance this week. The new price is the same as the old one: $3.15 per day.

VPN: $0.26 per day.

Amazon Prime: $0.33 per day.

This blog: $0.31 per day.

Skype: $0.08 per day.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $0.41 per day.

Passport: $0.03 per day.

Password manager: $0.16 per day.

Summary

Week 143
Category	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Total
Travel	0	0	0.47	0.16	0.31	0.31	0.31	1.56
Lodging	8.13	8.13	8.13	8.13	8.13	8.13	8.13	56.91
Food	0	4.9	11	8.9	4.4	12.25	15.41	56.86
Other	5.03	5.03	5.03	5.03	5.03	5.03	5.03	35.21
Total	13.16	18.06	24.63	22.22	17.87	25.72	28.88	150.54

This is really good; even with the added housing costs. See you all next week….

Financial Friday 142

Location: Tbilisi [Republic of Georgia]

Week 142….

Transportation

There are a few metro rides ($0.16 per trip), and some taxi rides (under $2 per trip) in there. Getting around is so cheap….

Accommodation

This is $6.75 per night for this month.

Other

Travel insurance: $3.15 per day.

VPN: $0.26 per day.

Amazon Prime: $0.33 per day.

This blog: $0.31 per day.

Skype: $0.08 per day.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $0.41 per day.

Passport: $0.03 per day.

Password manager: $0.16 per day.

On Friday, I saw a deal for unlimited mobile data for a month: $0.30 per day. So of course, I had to grab it.

Summary

Week 142
Category	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Total
Travel	0	0.31	0	3.93	1.76	0.47	2.05	8.52
Lodging	6.75	6.75	6.75	6.75	6.75	6.75	6.75	47.25
Food	10.44	16.04	0	20.01	18.62	9.6	16.97	91.68
Other	5.03	5.03	5.03	5.03	5.03	5.03	5.03	35.21
Total	22.22	28.13	11.78	35.72	32.16	21.85	30.8	182.66

So yeah, another good week. See you all in the next one….

Financial Friday 141

Location: Tbilisi [Republic of Georgia]

Week 141….

Transportation

I took a few metro trips throughout the week at $0.16 per ride.

On Wednesday, I added a taxi ride to a metro trip: $1.88.

On Thursday, I took a couple taxis: $1.63, $6.93. The second one is ridiculous, and 3 times as much as it should have cost. I’m disputing it with the cab company, but even so, it’s still a hell of a lot cheaper than any Western country. Even when I get ripped off, I’m winning.

Accommodation

My current bill doesn’t include utilities. This week, the internet bill came in and I added it to the rest. So the per day amount is more than last week: $6.75. And that’s still a steal.

Also on Saturday, I had copies made of the keys to my new place: $7.85. That’s for a copy of 3 separate keys. Exterior doors have a lot of locks here.

Other

Travel insurance: $3.15 per day.

VPN: $0.26 per day.

Amazon Prime: $0.33 per day.

This blog: $0.31 per day.

Skype: $0.08 per day.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $0.41 per day.

Passport: $0.03 per day.

Password manager: $0.16 per day.

On Tuesday, I had a copy of my passport printed: $0.05. So now, if I lose it, I’ll have something to show the embassy. Always keep copies of important documents in case something happens to the original.

Also on Tuesday, I bought a pair of ear buds: $4.71. My old ones are on the verge of death, and I want to maintain my ability to listen to things without disturbing those around me.

On Thursday, I bought a kettle: $7.84. It’s a nice one with a wooden handle, and it whistles when the water’s ready. I’d been boiling water in pans, but they have a bad tendency of boiling over and putting out the gas flames when left unattended. We can’t have a bunch of gas building up in the house.

On Thursday, I also got me teeth cleaned: $31.38. This is pretty cheap (by Western standards), and now I can run my tongue over them and not feel disgusted. I really should take better care of my teeth between cleanings….

Summary

Week 141
Category	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Total
Travel	0.16	0.16	0	0	0.31	2.04	8.87	11.54
Lodging	6.75	14.6	6.75	6.75	6.75	6.75	6.75	55.1
Food	0	2.83	10.13	0	9.26	10.98	1.88	35.08
Other	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	9.49	4.73	43.95	77.09
Total	11.64	22.32	21.61	11.48	25.81	24.5	61.45	178.81

So, another decent week even with all the occasional bills hitting. I love this country!

Financial Friday 140

Location: Tbilisi Republic of Georgia

Week 140….

Transportation

Not much to report here…. Just a few metro trips at $0.31 per ride.

Accommodation

Last month was at $8.33 per day.

This month, I moved into a place that’s even cheaper: $6.45 per day! It’s a shared apartment, but my roommate and I are both introverts that require almost zero social interaction so it’s close to having my own place. Score another one for extreme introversion.

Other

Travel insurance: $3.15 per day.

VPN: $0.26 per day.

Amazon Prime: $0.33 per day.

This blog: $0.31 per day.

Skype: $0.08 per day.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $0.41 per day.

Passport: $0.03 per day.

Password manager: $0.16 per day.

On Friday, I renewed my mobile’s base plan for the month: $0.36.

On Monday, I renewed the mobile data portion of my plan: $9.54 for 20G and rolling over previously unused data.

On Thursday, I bought a pair of slippers to wear around the new place: $6.28. Not wearing street shoes inside makes it easier to keep the place clean.

Summary

Week 140
Category	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Total
Travel	0	0	0	0	0.31	0	0.16	0.47
Lodging	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	6.45	56.43
Food	11.92	10.04	0	9.1	1.88	10.04	9.04	52.02
Other	5.09	4.73	4.73	14.27	4.73	4.73	11.01	49.29
Total	25.34	23.1	13.06	31.7	15.25	23.1	26.66	158.21

A little more than normal, but still pretty good. And for September….

Sep 20
Category	Week 136	Week 137	Week 138	Week 139	Week 140	Total
Travel	2.76	0.8	0.33	0.33	0.31	4.53
Lodging	24.99	58.31	58.31	58.31	49.98	249.9
Food	25.25	38.6	37.67	35.17	42.98	179.67
Other	14.19	33.5	33.11	33.11	38.28	152.19
Total	67.19	131.21	129.42	126.92	131.55	586.29

And that’s really good. I love Georgia! See you all next week….

Financial Friday 139

Location: Tbilisi [Republic of Georgia]

Week 139….

Transportation

On Tuesday, I took the metro twice: $0.33.

Accommodation

For this month, the rent is $8.33 per day.

Other

Travel insurance: $3.15 per day.

VPN: $0.26 per day.

Amazon Prime: $0.33 per day.

This blog: $0.31 per day.

Skype: $0.08 per day.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $0.41 per day.

Passport: $0.03 per day.

Password manager: $0.16 per day.

Summary

Week 139
Category	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Total
Travel	0	0	0	0	0.33	0	0	0.33
Lodging	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	58.31
Food	9.86	3.29	0	15.71	1.97	4.34	0	35.17
Other	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	33.11
Total	22.92	16.35	13.06	28.77	15.36	17.4	13.06	126.92

Another great week. See you all in the next one….

Financial Friday 138

Location: Tbilisi [Republic of Georgia]

Week 138….

Transportation

I took the metro twice on Tuesday: $0.33.

Accommodation

Rent for the month is $8.33 per day.

Other

Travel insurance: $3.15 per day.

VPN: $0.26 per day.

Amazon Prime: $0.33 per day.

This blog: $0.31 per day.

Skype: $0.08 per day.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $0.41 per day.

Passport: $0.03 per day.

Password manager: $0.16 per day.

Summary

Week 138
Category	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Total
Travel	0	0	0	0	0.33	0	0	0.33
Lodging	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	58.31
Food	6.51	5.41	2.3	9.73	1.97	7.46	4.29	37.67
Other	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	33.11
Total	19.57	18.47	15.36	22.79	15.36	20.52	17.35	129.42

Nice! See you all next week….

Financial Friday 137

Location: Tbilisi [Republic of Georgia]

Week 137….

Transportation

I took the metro around town a bit. At $0.16 per trip, it’s an amazing deal.

Accommodation

Rent for this month comes out to $8.33 per day.

Other

Travel insurance: $3.15 per day.

VPN: $0.26 per day.

Amazon Prime: $0.33 per day.

This blog: $0.31 per day.

Skype: $0.08 per day.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $0.41 per day.

Password manager: $0.16 per day.

On Saturday, I was doing a lot of texting so I bought some extra SMSs: $0.49.

Summary

Week 137
Category	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Total
Travel	0.32	0	0	0	0.32	0.16	0	0.8
Lodging	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	8.33	58.31
Food	8.87	5.41	13	0	9.37	1.95	0	38.6
Other	4.73	5.12	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	33.5
Total	22.25	18.86	26.06	13.06	22.75	15.17	13.06	131.21

So, another great week for my wallet in Georgia. See you all in the next one….

Financial Friday 136

Locations: Borjomi, Tbilisi [Republic of Georgia]

Week 136….

Transportation

On Tuesday, I left scenic ბორჯომი (Borjomi), and returned to თბილისი (Tbilisi). Trains weren’t running due to this little virus thing, so I took a small bus / large van: $2.27. This was a slightly longer than 2 hour journey. Getting around this country is so affordable!

Also on Tuesday, I took the Tbilisi metro a few times: $0.49. That’s for 3 trips. Again, super affordable.

Accommodation

Friday and Saturday finished out a pay period at the apartment in Borjomi: $13.17 per night. This includes 2 meals a day.

I paid a little extra for Sunday and Monday to show my appreciation for my host’s hospitality: $16.25 per night. They are awesome! If anyone’s going to be in Borjomi, and wants a recommendation, let me know.

On Tuesday, I started a month-long rental in Tbilisi: $8.33 per night. And this is considered expensive by local standards.

Other

Travel insurance: $3.15 per day.

VPN: $0.26 per day.

Amazon Prime: $0.33 per day.

This blog: $0.31 per day.

Skype: $0.08 per day.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $0.41 per day.

Passport: $0.03 per day.

Password manager: $0.16 per day.

Summary

Week 136
Category	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Total
Travel	0	0	0	0	2.76	0	0	2.76
Lodging	13.17	13.17	16.25	16.25	8.33	8.33	8.33	83.83
Food	0	0	0	0	15.66	9.59	0	25.25
Other	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	33.11
Total	17.9	17.9	20.98	20.98	31.48	22.65	13.06	144.95

And for the month of August….

Aug 20
Category	Week 132	Week 133	Week 134	Week 135	Week 136	Total
Travel	0	0	0	0	0	0
Lodging	78.3	91	91.07	91.42	58.84	410.63
Food	9.07	21.49	17.58	22.62	0	70.76
Other	28.38	33.11	33.11	33.11	18.92	146.63
Total	115.75	145.6	141.76	147.15	77.76	628.02

That’s pretty good. I don’t know why more people don’t move here. It’s cheap, the culture is amazing, the virus is contained…. Anyway, see you all next week….

Financial Friday 135

Location: Borjomi [Republic of Georgia]

Week 135….

Transportation

Zero.

Accommodation

For this week, it’s $13.06 per day.

Other

Travel insurance: $3.15 per day.

VPN: $0.26 per day.

Amazon Prime: $0.33 per day.

This blog: $0.31 per day.

Skype: $0.08 per day.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $0.41 per day.

Passport: $0.03 per day.

Password manager: $0.16 per day.

Summary

Week 135
Category	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Total
Travel	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Lodging	13.06	13.06	13.06	13.06	13.06	13.06	13.06	91.42
Food	8.11	0	7.46	0	0	0	7.05	22.62
Other	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	33.11
Total	25.9	17.79	25.25	17.79	17.79	17.79	24.84	147.15

So not bad…. See you all next week….

Financial Friday 134

Location: Borjomi [Republic of Georgia]

Week 134….

Transportation

Zero.

Accommodation

This week it’s $13.01 per day.

Other

Travel insurance: $3.15 per day.

VPN: $0.26 per day.

Amazon Prime: $0.33 per day.

This blog: $0.31 per day.

Skype: $0.08 per day.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: $0.41 per day.

Passport: $0.03 per day.

Password manager: $0.16 per day.

Summary

Week 134
Category	Fri	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Total
Travel	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Lodging	13.01	13.01	13.01	13.01	13.01	13.01	13.01	91.07
Food	0	0	8.11	0	0	9.47	0	17.58
Other	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	4.73	33.11
Total	17.74	17.74	25.85	17.74	17.74	27.21	17.74	141.76

Another great week. See you in the next one….