Cardiff, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
#632
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful waterfront. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 370,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 65 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | GBP (1 GBP ≈ 1.29 USD) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include O2, Vodafone, and EE, offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like HSBC, Barclays, and Revolut are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local letting agents. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely throughout the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com are popular for short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | YHA Cardiff Central is a good budget option. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Cardiff Bay offers a vibrant mix of attractions and dining. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center and Cathays are ideal for longer stays, offering coworking spaces and cafés. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Tramshed Tech and Office Space offer great environments for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Merchandise Coffee in Cardiff Bay is popular among remote workers. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various networking events in Cardiff, especially in tech and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Cardiff' offer community gatherings and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt operate in Cardiff, providing reliable transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Nextbike offers bike rentals, while Lime scooters are available for hire. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Barry Island, approximately 30 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cardiff Airport provides regional flights, including to Ireland and other UK cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and British Airways serve major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | M4 motorway connects Cardiff to London and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cardiff Central Station is the main hub for trains and buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Cardiff Bus Pass and travel cards offer convenient public transport options. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains from Cardiff to nearby cities like Swansea and Newport are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University Hospital of Wales is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga for All and The Wellbeing Centre offer classes and services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Dave's Gym and PureGym are popular fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | There are several laundromats available, including Cardiff Laundrette. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cawl, a traditional Welsh stew, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Grazing Shed and Anna Loka are popular vegan spots. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Pudding Pantry and Milkwood offer delicious desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Cardiff Market features various affordable food stalls. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK delivers to Cardiff, along with local delivery services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Sainsbury's offer online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center, particularly Womanby Street, is renowned for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brains Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Potted Pig and Vinomio are popular wine bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street Food Cardiff hosts various vendors, especially on weekends. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bully's Restaurant serves award-winning Welsh and international cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum Cardiff offers a rich collection of art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | St. Fagans National Museum of History features Welsh heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Llandaff Cathedral is a notable historical church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cardiff Festival of Voice takes place annually, attracting performers and enthusiasts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Cardiff Bay is a vibrant area featuring culture and entertainment. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Wales Millennium Centre presents a wide range of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Cardiff Market is a bustling spot for food and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Clwb Ifor Bach hosts live music events and is popular among locals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city has various street art spaces, particularly in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cookery offers various cooking classes and workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Cardiff Contemporary showcases local talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Library is an iconic historic building in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Red Dragon is a symbol of Welsh heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bute Park offers a large green space for walking and relaxing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Brecon Beacons National Park is about an hour away, ideal for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Taff Trail offers scenic routes along the River Taff. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout from Caerphilly Mountain provides stunning views of Cardiff. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | North Cardiff has several green spaces and parks for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Royal Mail and DHL offer reliable shipping services within Cardiff. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Smart Repair and iFix offer quality electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers facilitate table tennis, including Cardiff City Gym. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cardiff Language School offers courses in multiple languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Cardiff Central Library is a great space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Butetown Community Centre hosts various local events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On is a popular spot for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grosvenor Casino provides entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £160,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £116,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £162,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 19% (Standard in the UK) |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Nil |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency taxation on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% on income over £150,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable in some circumstances. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value through Council Tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp Duty Land Tax (varies based on property value). |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | UK offers a relatively simple tax system with personal allowances. |