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Guide
Sheki, Azerbaijan π¦πΏ
#1555
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Sheki is a historical city in the northwestern part of Azerbaijan, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful architecture. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 64,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with options for fiber optic in some areas. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 AZN (Azerbaijani Manat) β 0.59 USD. ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to drink bottled water. |
π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type C/F sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Azercell and Bakcell are the main mobile providers offering various prepaid plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Revolut, PayPal and local banks like Kapital Bank are commonly used. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Airbnb is available with prices starting around 20 AZN per night. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Cash is preferred, but cards are accepted in larger businesses. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide many short-term rental options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Hayat and Sheki Palace Hotel offer affordable lodging starting at 15 AZN. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town area near Sheki Khan's Palace and the Silk Road is recommended. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Centers near the Sheki city center and close to coworking spaces like Sheki Business Incubator are ideal. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Sheki Business Incubator provides a conducive environment for remote work with good internet. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kafes offers a cozy atmosphere with free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating. |
πΌ Networking Events | Regular meetups and workshops are hosted at Sheki Business Incubator. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Sheki Expat Community on Facebook organizes events and meetups for foreign residents. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go operates effectively in Sheki for quick rides. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles are available for rent at local hotels, but scooter rentals are not common. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches nearby; Sheki is situated inland, but the nearby river offers some scenic spots. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Azerbaijan Airlines offers flights from nearby Gabala Airport. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways provide international flights to and from Baku. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Sheki is accessible via the M2 highway, connecting to major cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Sheki Railway Station connects to various destinations within Azerbaijan. |
π Public Transport Passes | Public transport passes are not available, but bus tickets are inexpensive. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Minibuses (marshrutkas) connect Sheki to Baku and other nearby cities, making regional travel affordable. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Sheki Central Hospital offers basic healthcare services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center Sheki provides classes and wellness sessions. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sheki Sports Complex has a gym and fitness facilities. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Many hotels offer laundry services; local laundromats are available. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food provides food delivery services with various local restaurants available. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional Sheki pakhlava, a sweet pastry unique to the region. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Kafes offers vegetarian-friendly options on their menu. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Chayxana Cafe is a local favorite for desserts and tea. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | The local bazaar offers fresh produce and snacks at very low prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores operate online through social media for ordering products. |
π Grocery Delivery | Local delivery services can be arranged via social media or directly contacting vendors. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Sheki does not have a vibrant nightlife, but local tea houses are popular for socializing. |
π» Local Brewery | There's no local brewery, but several cafes offer Azerbaijani wines. |
π· Wine Bars | Some restaurants serve local wines from the nearby region. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell pastries and kebabs near the bazaar. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Vino serves Italian dishes alongside local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Sheki Khan's Palace and the 18th-century Juma Mosque are essential visits. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Sheki History Museum showcases the city's rich heritage. |
π° Historical Sites | The ancient ruins of the Sheki Fortress are worth exploring. |
π Religious Sites | The Sheki Albanian Church is an important historical religious site. |
π Annual Events | The Sheki Silk Festival celebrates the city's silk production every June. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Old Town area is rich in culture and architecture. |
π Theater Venues | The Sheki Musical Comedy Theatre hosts local performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The Sheki Bazaar is lively and a great place for shopping. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local music is primarily folk-oriented, with performances in the streets. |
π¨ Street Art | Sheki has been promoting local painter's murals around town. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer traditional Azerbaijani cooking classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Local artisan galleries showcase traditional crafts and artwork. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Many buildings in Sheki reflect the city's architectural heritage. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Sheki is known for its unique craftsmanship in silk and carpets. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Shahdag National Park offers stunning hiking trails. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Goygol National Park is approximately 1.5 hours away, known for its natural beauty. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The city has designated walking paths and cycling routes near the parks. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints near the Sheki Fortress provide stunning vistas of the city and mountains. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Riverside areas near Sheki attract various bird species, ideal for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in nearby parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Azercosmos provides postal and delivery services throughout the region. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Sheki offer mobile and computer repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | The sports complex has facilities for table tennis. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language centers offer Azerbaijani and English classes for expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Sheki Central Library provides resources and study areas. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Community activities are organized at local cultural centers, fostering expat integration. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues are limited; social gaming is often done in homes. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | There's no casino in Sheki; gambling is largely informal. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 650 AZN per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 26,000 AZN) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 500 AZN per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 20,000 AZN) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,000 AZN per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 60,000 AZN) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800 AZN per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 48,000 AZN) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 900 AZN per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 72,000 AZN) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 700 AZN per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 56,000 AZN) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 20% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
π¦ Tax System | Worldwide income basis applied for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
π§Ύ VAT | 18% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Yes, based on the property's cadastral value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 4% standard rate. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Expatriates can benefit from simplified tax procedures and possible tax breaks. |