Sheki, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
#1555
41.20336, 47.180262
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sheki is a picturesque city in Azerbaijan, known for its historical architecture and natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 63,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1.70 AZN. Several banks are available; ATMs widely accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Azercell and Bakcell, with reasonable data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Access to international banks and mobile banking options like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and local B&Bs; Airbnb is also popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited acceptance of cards; cash is preferred in smaller establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb listings available at competitive prices; average nightly cost is around $20-40. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses starting around $10 per night in the city center. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Local coffee shops offer good Wi-Fi; no formal coworking spaces available. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Sheki with reliable Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local community groups and cafes often host informal meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join Facebook groups for expats in Azerbaijan for event listings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is available in Sheki for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental options are limited; most travel is done by foot or taxi. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is about 2 hours away at the Caspian Sea. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Azerbaijan Airlines serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa operate flights from Baku. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected via the Qazax road to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sheki Railway Station provides limited services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transport passes; fares are nominal and paid directly to drivers. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Sheki to Baku, Ganja, and Gabala; fares around $5-10. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sheki Central Hospital for primary healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; check local listings for classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Several small fitness centers available; membership costs around $15/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; washing services typically cost $2-5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Yemeksepeti and local phone services offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Sheki plov, a traditional rice dish with saffron and meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; check local restaurants for salads and vegetable dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Sheki offers traditional sweets like halva and baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets for fresh produce and groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local e-commerce sites like Kontakt.az provided limited access. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores do not typically offer delivery; shopping usually in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; cafes serve local drinks and snacks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local brands are available, but microbreweries are limited. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine can be found in traditional restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local kebabs and bread stalls scattered throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | International options usually available in hotels or high-end restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Sheki Khans' Palace is a must-visit for its stunning architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sheki Museum of Local Lore showcases regional history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient ruins of Kish are nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Albanian Church in Kish is an important historical site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sheki hosts local cultural festivals; check local calendars. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Historic center of Sheki with traditional houses and bazaars. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Sheki does not have prominent theater venues; local cultural events may be held. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the local bazaar for handmade crafts and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music is popular at cultural gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local artists feature in community events. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes may be available; check with local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local exhibitions available; inquire at cafes or community centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Sheki’s architecture showcases Persian and local influences. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Sheki is known for its rich craftsmanship and silk products. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hiking in the Greater Caucasus Mountains is a popular activity. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Goygol National Park is about 2 hours by car. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths available in town; nature trails outside city limits. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills around Sheki provide stunning views of the countryside. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Various areas in the mountains attract birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas in the outskirts of Sheki. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited options; check community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Available at local universities and cultural centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries provide quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host community events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; most gaming is done at homes or with friends. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; local entertainment is more cultural. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $14,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% dividend withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Azerbaijan taxes residents on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Income tax rates range up to 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules exist for foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 2% on property sales. |