"Wear dark clothing..."
From: VISITORS' ORIENTATION KIT, US Embassy,
Tbilisi [all rights reserved] See:
http://www.sanet.ge/usis/welcome.html
"...
Walking or Riding about Town
Note: This information was created for
official Embassy visitors: however, some information may be useful
for other travelers to Georgia. Much
of the city can be explored by foot, but the Embassy recommends
this only during daylight hours. See "Security Tips" for
more information on security in the city streets.
...
Walking or Riding About Town:
On Foot:
Keep your wallet or cash in your front
pockets, inside a zippered jacket pocket, or in a money belt
under outer clothing [Ed.]. Women can use money belts also or
wear slim purses with an outer garment over the purse and purse
strap. It might be wise to keep small currency in a separate
pocket from your higher denomination Lari notes and/or dollars.
This way you can pay for most items without showing how much money
you really have. Avoid flashing bills anywhere. Try to tone down your dress [Ed.] and blend in
with the general public. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry (unless
you are going straight to a party or function). Wear dark
clothing [Ed.] when possible. When
walking in town during daylight hours, travel with companions when
possible. If you speak Russian or Georgian, use it. Avoid
speaking English [Ed.] in a loud tone. The later it gets in
the evening in Tbilisi, the less police presence there is on the
streets with a corresponding increase in criminal activity. Don't
stop to give someone a "light for their cigarette." Stay
away from dark areas, recessed parts of buildings, or alleys. Try
to limit the length of your evenings [Ed.]. Don't walk home
after a long evening. Call for a ride. For after hours
transportation, call 93-38-03. If you must walk somewhere at
night, travel with companions. Don't
use the Metro system [Ed.] unless necessary and only to
transit between the major stops in the center of town. If you see a fight or demonstration [Ed.] in
the street (unless your reporting requirements dictate otherwise)
leave the area. If there appears to be a major demonstration
[Ed.], particularly if it is violent, after leaving the immediate
area call and advise other Embassy personnel (RSO, Duty Officer).
By Car:
If someone other than the police try to flag
down your car (particularly at night), don't stop [Ed.].
You may have to slow down to determine if they are police or not.
If they don't have some type of uniform, speed off [Ed.].
If you are stopped by police, immediately identify yourself as
an American diplomat [Ed.]. Always keep all car doors locked,
no matter how short the distance of your trip. Never open a car
door for anyone. Communication can be made through a partially
open window. If you are involved in a minor accident don't get
out of the car [Ed.]. (This is particularly applicable if
someone lightly hits the rear of your car.) Motion to the person
to follow you and find the nearest policeman. This is a common
ploy to rob people and/or steal their car. If you are involved in
an accident, don't admit to being at fault [Ed.] or sign
anything. Insist you be allowed to call the American Embassy.
Outside Tbilisi
There are many interesting areas to see on
day trips outside of Tbilisi. Services on the road are extremely
limited. It would be a good idea to take along extra gasoline,
a spare tire, jack and tool kit, a flashlight, some bottled water,
a first aid kit, toiletries, etc. PLEASE CONSULT WITH THE RSO
OF DUTY OFFICER BEFORE SETTING OUT.
..."
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