Ganja, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
#836
40.531127, 46.257945
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ganja is the second largest city in Azerbaijan, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 20-30 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces providing faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AZN ≈ 0.59 USD, major banks include Kapital Bank and Pasha Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Azerfon (Nar Mobile) and Bakcell are popular providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards are accepted, including Visa and Mastercard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from hotels to guesthouses. Airbnb is available with rates starting from $15 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; card payments are accepted in urban areas but cash is preferred in markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Ganja is a budget option starting around $8 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Ganja Coworking Space offers a supportive environment for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 7 offers good coffee and Wi-Fi, making it ideal for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups can be found through local Facebook groups for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Ganja Expats Meetup organizes events monthly for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the preferred ride-sharing app in Ganja. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently, there are no dedicated bike/scooter rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shikhovo Beach is about 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Buta Airways provides domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines) operates flights to major destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Baku-Ganja highway provides easy travel to the capital. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ganja Train Station is the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes; pay per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and minibuses connect Ganja with nearby cities like Sheki and Quba. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ganja State Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Ganja Yoga Center offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | World Class Fitness Center provides modern fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in most hotels and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food is the most commonly used food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local dish Plov, a rice pilaf served with various meats. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are limited; however, Sweet Life Café offers some. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Eldar is known for its sweet treats and traditional pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ganja Bazaar offers fresh produce and local goods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local platforms like Az24 provide online shopping services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | BakuShop offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Plaza Baku provides a nightlife experience in Ganja with various bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Ganja serves locally produced beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Cellar Ganja offers a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors can be found in the Bazaar area offering local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Mangal Steak House serves a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ganja Fortress and Nizami Mausoleum are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ganja State Museum of History and Ethnography showcases local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Imamzadeh is a highly regarded historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The mosque of Shah Abbas is a notable religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Ganja hosts the Nizami Festival annually in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the old town for local artisan shops and markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Ganja State Musical Drama Theatre hosts performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Ganja Bazaar features various local products and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local concerts are held at various venues; check community boards. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found near the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at local culinary schools, focusing on Azerbaijani cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Gallery of Ganja showcases local artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic mosques like the Javad Khan Mosque are notable buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ganja is known for its contributions to Azerbaijani literature and poetry. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Goygol is a scenic spot about 40 minutes from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Goygol National Park offers hiking and nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the city and along the river are suitable for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The mountain views from the Qabala region provide stunning photography opportunities. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby lakes and parks are good for birdwatching, especially in spring. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas around Lake Goygol are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Pasha Express offers parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city center provide phone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks sometimes have tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Azerbaijani and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library of Ganja offers quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural events are hosted at the Ganja Community Center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Locally operated gaming centers exist for video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no licensed casinos; local gaming halls exist but are sparse. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €136,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 14% to 25%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Azerbaijan has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax exists, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 20% transaction tax on property sales. |