Sheki, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
#1555
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sheki is a historical city in the northwestern part of Azerbaijan, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 64,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with options for fiber optic in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AZN (Azerbaijani Manat) ≈ 0.59 USD. ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Azercell and Bakcell are the main mobile providers offering various prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut, PayPal and local banks like Kapital Bank are commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Airbnb is available with prices starting around 20 AZN per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is preferred, but cards are accepted in larger businesses. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide many short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Hayat and Sheki Palace Hotel offer affordable lodging starting at 15 AZN. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town area near Sheki Khan's Palace and the Silk Road is recommended. |
| 🏙️ 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
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sheki Business Incubator provides a conducive environment for remote work with good internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kafes offers a cozy atmosphere with free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and workshops are hosted at Sheki Business Incubator. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Sheki Expat Community on Facebook organizes events and meetups for foreign residents. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go operates effectively in Sheki for quick rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles are available for rent at local hotels, but scooter rentals are not common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches nearby; Sheki is situated inland, but the nearby river offers some scenic spots. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Azerbaijan Airlines offers flights from nearby Gabala Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways provide international flights to and from Baku. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Sheki is accessible via the M2 highway, connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sheki Railway Station connects to various destinations within Azerbaijan. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport passes are not available, but bus tickets are inexpensive. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses (marshrutkas) connect Sheki to Baku and other nearby cities, making regional travel affordable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sheki Central Hospital offers basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center Sheki provides classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sheki Sports Complex has a gym and fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many hotels offer laundry services; local laundromats are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food provides food delivery services with various local restaurants available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional Sheki pakhlava, a sweet pastry unique to the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Kafes offers vegetarian-friendly options on their menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chayxana Cafe is a local favorite for desserts and tea. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local bazaar offers fresh produce and snacks at very low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores operate online through social media for ordering products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local delivery services can be arranged via social media or directly contacting vendors. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sheki does not have a vibrant nightlife, but local tea houses are popular for socializing. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There's no local brewery, but several cafes offer Azerbaijani wines. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Some restaurants serve local wines from the nearby region. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell pastries and kebabs near the bazaar. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Vino serves Italian dishes alongside local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Sheki Khan's Palace and the 18th-century Juma Mosque are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Sheki History Museum showcases the city's rich heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient ruins of the Sheki Fortress are worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Sheki Albanian Church is an important historical religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Sheki Silk Festival celebrates the city's silk production every June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area is rich in culture and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Sheki Musical Comedy Theatre hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sheki Bazaar is lively and a great place for shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music is primarily folk-oriented, with performances in the streets. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Sheki has been promoting local painter's murals around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer traditional Azerbaijani cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artisan galleries showcase traditional crafts and artwork. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many buildings in Sheki reflect the city's architectural heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Sheki is known for its unique craftsmanship in silk and carpets. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Shahdag National Park offers stunning hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Goygol National Park is approximately 1.5 hours away, known for its natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The city has designated walking paths and cycling routes near the parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints near the Sheki Fortress provide stunning vistas of the city and mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Riverside areas near Sheki attract various bird species, ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in nearby parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Azercosmos provides postal and delivery services throughout the region. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Sheki offer mobile and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The sports complex has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language centers offer Azerbaijani and English classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Sheki Central Library provides resources and study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community activities are organized at local cultural centers, fostering expat integration. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues are limited; social gaming is often done in homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There's no casino in Sheki; gambling is largely informal. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 650 AZN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 26,000 AZN) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 500 AZN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 20,000 AZN) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,000 AZN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 60,000 AZN) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800 AZN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 48,000 AZN) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 900 AZN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 72,000 AZN) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 700 AZN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 56,000 AZN) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis applied for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the property's cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 4% standard rate. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Expatriates can benefit from simplified tax procedures and possible tax breaks. |