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Guide
Bochum, Germany π©πͺ
#505
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Bochum is a vibrant city located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, known for its cultural landmarks and educational institutions. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 365,000 people. |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speed is 100 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 1.07 USD. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Banks such as Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and TransferWise are commonly used. |
π Accommodation | Options include apartments, Airbnb listings, and student housing. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo are popular platforms. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Bochum and DJH Jugendherberge Bochum offer affordable lodging. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The City Center, especially around KortumstraΓe. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Ruhr University area provides a good mix of accommodation and co-working options. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Mietraums Bochum is a popular coworking space. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Fritze offers a relaxed atmosphere with good Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Events at Ruhr University and Meetups in the area foster networking. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Join the Bochum Expats Facebook group for social meetups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Free Now and Uber operate in Bochum. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Nextbike is available for bike rentals. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Baldeney is a popular nearby escape, around 30 minutes away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Eurowings serves as a primary regional carrier. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Lufthansa provides major international connections. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | A40 and A43 highways are nearby. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Bochum Hauptbahnhof (main station) is the primary transit hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for the VRR network are available. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Bochum to nearby cities like Dortmund and Essen. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Evangelisches Krankenhaus Bochum is a leading healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Loft Bochum offers a variety of classes. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | McFIT and Fitness First are popular gym chains in the area. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Waschsalon Bochum provides convenient laundry services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Lieferando and UberEats are widely used for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local specialty, Bochumer Kirsche. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarisch Bochum and NENI offer great plant-based choices. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | CafΓ© Blum is famous for its delectable pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Food markets at Stadtgarten Bochum provide budget-friendly local produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and eBay are commonly used online marketplaces. |
π Grocery Delivery | Netto and REWE offer grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around BahnhofstraΓe has vibrant nightlife with various bars. |
π» Local Brewery | Bochum has several craft breweries including SchlΓΆsser Alt. |
π· Wine Bars | Vini is a cozy wine bar worth visiting. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Food trucks and stalls frequently set up at events and markets. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like El Greco (Greek) and Pho 24 (Vietnamese) offer international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the German Mining Museum and St. Peter's Church. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Kunstmuseum Bochum houses modern art collections. |
π° Historical Sites | The historic Jahrhunderthalle is a notable venue. |
π Religious Sites | St. Peter's and St. Maximilian's churches are significant. |
π Annual Events | The Bochum Christmas Market attracts visitors every year. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The area around Bochum West features creative spaces and galleries. |
π Theater Venues | Bochumer Schauspielhaus is the main theater for performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | The weekly Wochenmarkt offers fresh produce and local crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music can often be found at venues like Zille. |
π¨ Street Art | Explore the creative urban artworks around Hauptbahnhof. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Taste of Bochum offers cooking classes showcasing local cuisines. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Visit the Galerie Pott for contemporary artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Alte Synagoge is an important architectural landmark. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The mining history is a key aspect of Bochumβs cultural identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Stadtpark Bochum is ideal for relaxation and walks. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Sauerland National Park is about an hour's drive away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ruhr Area includes numerous bike paths along the river. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Some elevated areas near the city provide panoramic views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Local parks have areas suitable for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain designated areas in parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Hermes are widely available for parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | MediaMarkt offers tech repair for various devices. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have ping pong tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Goethe Institute offers German language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliothek Bochum provides excellent study resources. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Bochum Cultural Center hosts various events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Various gaming cafes can be found around the city. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Bochum offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬100,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬80,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬180,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬150,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬256,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬216,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 15%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 26.375%. |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 19%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 6.5%. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | In some cases, lower tax rates may apply to non-resident freelancers. |