- Home
-
Guide
Glasgow, United Kingdom π¬π§
#621
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, known for its rich culture, vibrant arts scene, and friendly locals. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 635,000 residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 70 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | GBP (British Pound). 1 GBP β 1.30 USD. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable and high quality. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type G sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Popular providers include Vodafone, EE, and O2. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Common banks include HSBC, Lloyds, and Revolut. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local rentals. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely with contactless payments available. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local hosts provide ample short-term rental options. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel G11 and Eurohostel Glasgow offer affordable stays. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The West End is popular for its eclectic vibe and proximity to attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Centre, particularly around Merchant City and Finnieston, are ideal for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Spaces Glasgow offers a vibrant coworking environment. |
β Best Cafe for Work | The Hidden Lane Tea Room provides a cozy atmosphere for remote working. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetup groups often host events at The Glue Factory and other venues. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Glasgow Expats Facebook Group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt are popular ride-hailing options. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Nextbike offers bike rentals across the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Cumbrae is the closest beach, about 50 minutes away by ferry. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Loganair serves many regional routes. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair are major carriers from Glasgow Airport. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major highways include M8 and M74, connecting Glasgow to other cities. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Glasgow Central Station is the main transit hub. |
π Public Transport Passes | SPT offers various travel passes including day and weekly options. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Train services are available to Edinburgh, Stirling, and other nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Queen Elizabeth University Hospital provides excellent healthcare services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Hot Yoga Glasgow and The Wellbeing Centre offer yoga classes and wellness therapies. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | PureGym and David Lloyd Gym provide access to fitness facilities. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundrette offers self-service laundry facilities in several locations. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are widely used for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Cullen skink is a traditional Scottish soup worth trying. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The 78 and Mono are popular vegan and vegetarian restaurants. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | The Cup and Cail Bruich are famous for their desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Barras Market is a great place for budget-friendly food and goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK and eBay are widely used. |
π Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Sainsbury's offer grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Merchant City and West End are popular for nightlife. |
π» Local Brewery | WEST Brewery in the Templeton Building offers brewery tours. |
π· Wine Bars | The Wine House 1821 is a cozy wine bar to visit. |
π² Street Food Stalls | The Big Feed is a popular street food market in Glasgow. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Dishoom serves excellent Indian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Glasgow Science Centre. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Hunterian Museum and Gallery are must-visits. |
π° Historical Sites | The Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis are significant historical sites. |
π Religious Sites | St. Mungo's Cathedral is a prominent religious site. |
π Annual Events | The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is a major highlight. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The West End is a hub for cultural activities and events. |
π Theater Venues | The Kingβs Theatre hosts a variety of performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Barras Market is famous for its antique and craft stalls. |
πΌ Music Scene | The Barrowland Ballroom is iconic in Glasgow's music scene. |
π¨ Street Art | The City Centre hosts numerous impressive street art installations. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | The Cook School Scotland offers various culinary classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | The Modern Institute is a leading contemporary art gallery. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Lighthouse is a prominent architectural landmark. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The cityβs industrial heritage is celebrated throughout Glasgow. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Glasgow Botanic Gardens provides beautiful outdoor space. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a short drive away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Clyde Walkway and the Forth and Clyde Canal offer scenic trails. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The Necropolis offers stunning views of the city skyline. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve is great for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Royal Mail and ParcelForce provide reliable delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | FixIT and PC Repair offer satisfactory tech repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Glasgow provides places to play ping pong. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | The Glasgow School of Languages offers various language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The Mitchell Library is one of the largest public libraries in Europe. |
ποΈ Community Centers | The Gorbals and specifically the Southside Community Centre offer various activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | The Saltmarket and Arena Gaming Center host gaming lounge experiences. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grosvenor Casino provides gaming facilities and entertainment options. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β£3,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β£140,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β£2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β£112,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β£3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β£192,000) |
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£3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β£240,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β£2,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β£184,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 19% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for residents, up to 38.1% for non-residents. |
π¦ Tax System | UK income tax system applies, with residency affecting obligations. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for over Β£150,000 income. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | UK has CFC rules applicable to certain overseas profits. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on valuation. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Land and Buildings Transaction Tax rates vary by purchase price. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives, but relatively low living costs. |