Scam in GeorgiaNightlife
Huge bar bills and forced payment in Georgia
How it works
Some bars, clubs and restaurants present an enormous bill for only a few drinks. Tourists are then forced to pay. This is a serious risk in this particular area.
Warning signs
- The venue is in the named Shardeni streets.
- Drink prices or the full cost are unclear before you order.
- Staff pressure you over a bill you did not expect.
How to avoid it
- Avoid drinking establishments in this area.
- Check the price of each drink before ordering.
- Leave before ordering if staff will not explain the prices.
If it happens to you
Put your safety first. If threatened or prevented from leaving, contact police on 112 when you can do so safely.
- Get to a safe place. If you are threatened or need urgent police or ambulance help, call 112.
- Write down what happened while you remember it. Save the location, time, agreed price and amount paid.
- Keep receipts, booking details and screenshots. Record vehicle or venue details only if it is safe.
- If a card or phone was stolen, contact your card issuer and secure the affected accounts promptly. Ask about disputed payments where relevant.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for your insurer.
- Contact your insurer about a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/solotravel2022Scammed In Georgia/Tbilisi First Solo Trip. BE CAREFUL!!!!!!. Full STORY!!A solo traveller describes women leading him to a bar where security blocked his departure and demanded payment of a 1,500-lari bill.Read on Reddit
- News2024Georgian police arrest four for defrauding foreign touristsPolice reported arresting four people over a scheme that lured foreign men to a Tbilisi restaurant and used psychological coercion to collect exorbitant bills.Read on News
- Redditr/Sakartvelo2024Scams to avoid, general recommendations for tourists.A commenter describes dating-app encounters leading to huge cocktail bills and intimidation by security staff.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the huge bar bills and forced payment scam in Georgia?
Some bars, clubs and restaurants present an enormous bill for only a few drinks. Tourists are then forced to pay. This is a serious risk in this particular area.
How can I spot it early?
The venue is in the named Shardeni streets. Drink prices or the full cost are unclear before you order. Staff pressure you over a bill you did not expect.
How do I avoid huge bar bills and forced payment in Georgia?
Avoid drinking establishments in this area. Check the price of each drink before ordering. Leave before ordering if staff will not explain the prices.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Put your safety first. If threatened or prevented from leaving, contact police on 112 when you can do so safely.
Where in Georgia does this happen?
The Shardeni area between Kote Apkhazi Street and the river, including Chardin, Bambis Rigi and Rkinis Rigi streets. It has been reported in Tbilisi.
How much can it cost me?
Upwards of US$1,000 for a few drinks.
How common is this scam in Georgia?
Common. Georgia is generally very safe for visitors. The main risks described here are taxi tricks, inflated tourist prices and a few serious bar scams in Tbilisi. Pickpocketing by young children is also a concern in part of Batumi.
Are there similar scams in Georgia?
Yes: short change in cheap bars.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for urgent help involving threats, theft or forced payment. For a non-urgent report, approach police and provide the location, time, payment details and any evidence. Card issuer or bank: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Ask whether a disputed payment can be challenged. Taxi app or transport company: report the ride through the app or company's support channel. Include the trip record, agreed fare and amount demanded. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, medical records and any police report. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need consular help. Postal company: for a missing or damaged parcel, submit the posting receipt and tracking details and request an investigation.
What number do I call in an emergency in Georgia?
Police: 112, Ambulance: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck