Grodno, Belarus ๐ง๐พ
#670
53.683459, 23.834264
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| ๐๏ธ City | Grodno is a historical city in western Belarus, located near the borders with Poland and Lithuania. |
| ๐ฅ Population | Approximately 370,000 residents. |
| ๐ป Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 30 Mbps. |
| ๐ธ Currency & Banking | Currency is Belarusian Ruble (BYN), with an approximate conversion of 1 EUR โ 3.20 BYN. |
| ๐ฐ Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended for the best taste. |
| ๐ Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, and uses Type C and F sockets. |
| ๐ถ SIM Card | Major providers include MTS, Velcom, and life:), offering prepaid SIM cards with data packages. |
| ๐ณ Banking for Expats | Local banks like BelVEB and Belarusbank are available. Digital services like PayPal are limited, so alternatives like Zolotaya Korona are popular. |
| ๐ Accommodation | Options range from hotels to Airbnb and local guesthouses. |
| ๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban areas, but it's advisable to carry cash. |
| ๐ Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms provide various short-term rental options. |
| ๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Griboedova offers bed space for around 15 BYN per night. |
Working and Networking
| ๐ข Best Coworking Space | Loco Coworking is a popular space with good facilities located in the city center. |
| โ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Dada offers a calm atmosphere and free Wi-Fi, great for working remotely. |
| ๐ผ Networking Events | Tech and startup meetups are organized monthly; check local Facebook groups for updates. |
| ๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | The Grodno Expats group on Facebook regularly posts community events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| ๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is the most widely used app for ride-hailing in Grodno. |
| ๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | City bikes are available for rent at various points, encouraging eco-friendly transport. |
| ๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | Shchara River beaches are the closest and popular in summer, approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Belavia operates regional flights to and from Grodno. |
| โ๏ธ Top International Airline | Lufthansa offers routes connecting through Minsk International Airport. |
| ๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | M6 highway connects Grodno to major cities like Minsk and Brest. |
| ๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | Grodno Railway Station serves as the main transit hub for regional and local trains. |
| ๐ Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for buses at an affordable price of about 30 BYN. |
| โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Local bus services connect Grodno with nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| ๐ฅ Best Hospital | Grodno Regional Hospital is well-equipped for general health services. |
| ๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Zorichka offers classes for various skill levels. |
| ๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | FitCurves Grodno provides a good environment for fitness enthusiasts. |
| ๐งบ Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available across the city, with many offering wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| ๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | ะะบััะฝะพ ะธ ะขะพัะบะฐ (Delicious and Zero) provides a reliable platform for local food deliveries. |
| ๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Holodnik', a cold beetroot soup which is popular in the region. |
| ๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant ะะฐัะบ offers plant-based meals with local ingredients. |
| ๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | ะะพะฝะดะธัะตััะบะฐั ะะธะปะบะฐ (Confectionery Pilka) is renowned for its pastries and cakes. |
| ๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market offers fresh produce and local delicacies at great prices. |
| ๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce platforms like Moyo.by offer a variety of goods including electronics and home essentials. |
| ๐ Grocery Delivery | Delivery services like Eda can provide groceries to your door from local shops. |
| ๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center features bars like Bar 13, known for its vibrant nightlife and cocktails. |
| ๐ป Local Brewery | Grodno Brewery offers tours and tastings of locally brewed beers. |
| ๐ท Wine Bars | Wine Bar Vinoteka serves a selection of local and international wines. |
| ๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Food stalls at the Central Market are good spots for quick local eats. |
| ๐ Popular International Cuisine | Sushi Club offers a variety of sushi and Japanese dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| ๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | The Old Castle and the Kalozha Church are must-see historical landmarks. |
| ๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | The Grodno History Museum showcases local culture and history. |
| ๐ฐ Historical Sites | The 18th-century Jesuit Collegium is a notable historical site. |
| ๐ Religious Sites | St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is a significant religious site worth visiting. |
| ๐ Annual Events | The Grodno City Day is celebrated in September with various festivities. |
| ๐จ Cultural Districts | The city center is vibrant with shops, cafes, and galleries showcasing local artists. |
| ๐ญ Theater Venues | Grodno State Drama Theater presents a range of performances throughout the year. |
| ๐๏ธ Local Markets | Local markets like the Central Market attract both locals and visitors for fresh produce. |
| ๐ผ Music Scene | Various bars host live music events on weekends featuring local bands. |
| ๐จ Street Art | Grodno has a growing street art scene, particularly in the city center. |
| ๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Classes are offered at local culinary schools, allowing you to learn traditional Belarusian cooking. |
| ๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Grodno Art Museum features works from local and national artists. |
| ๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | The Old City showcases various historic buildings and architecture. |
| ๐ด Local Heritage | The region celebrates its multicultural heritage, which includes Polish, Lithuanian, and Jewish influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| ๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | The Neman River provides beautiful hiking and biking opportunities alongside natural scenery. |
| ๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, about a 3-hour drive from Grodno. |
| ๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths along the Neman River are perfect for cycling and walks. |
| ๐ Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint near the Old Castle offers picturesque views of the city and river. |
| ๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | The forests near Grodno are ideal for birdwatching. |
| ๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated campsites near the river allow for bonfires and outdoor gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| ๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | Postal services like Belpost manage local and international shipping reliably. |
| ๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair shops are widely available in the city center. |
| ๐ Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis tables available for free use. |
| ๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Private language schools offer Russian and Belarusian language courses. |
| ๐ Libraries & Study Spots | The Grodno Regional Library is a good place to study and access resources. |
| ๐๏ธ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural events and activities, promoting community engagement. |
| ๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes like Gamer's Zone provide gaming facilities and high-speed internet. |
| ๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Europe offers gaming and entertainment options in a lively setting. |
Business
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ1,200 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = โฌ48,000) |
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ900 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = โฌ36,000) |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ1,500 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = โฌ90,000) |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ1,100 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = โฌ66,000) |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ1,750 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = โฌ140,000) |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ1,300 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = โฌ104,000) |
| ๐ผ Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 18%. |
| ๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 13%. |
| ๐ฆ Tax System | Belarus operates on a flat tax system with a 13% personal income tax rate. |
| ๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 13%. |
| ๐งพ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| ๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules apply. |
| ๐ Property Tax | Annual property tax rates are relatively low based on value. |
| ๐ Property Transaction Tax | A property transaction tax of 1% applies during purchases. |