Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Visakhapatnam, commonly known as Vizag, is a coastal city located in the southeastern part of India, known for its beaches and as a major port. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for higher speeds available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD, ATMs and banks are widely available, major providers include SBI, HDFC, and ICICI. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered safe for drinking; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D and M sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea, providing good coverage and 4G services. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International credit cards widely accepted; digital wallets like PayTM and Google Pay are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, OYO Rooms, and long-term rentals available on local platforms. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless transactions are widely accepted, with many vendors preferring digital payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and OYO Rooms offer various short-term rental options in popular areas. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'The Beach House' and budget hotels like 'Hotel Akshaya' provide affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Beach Road area is popular for its proximity to attractions and scenic views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The MVP Colony area is ideal due to its amenities, coworking spaces, and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive, located in MVP Colony, offers comfortable workspaces and good Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Coffee Day and Chai Point are popular for remote work with comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and events are hosted occasionally at local cafés and coworking spaces; joining Facebook groups helps. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Expats of Vizag' Facebook group offers insights on social events and gatherings for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ola and Uber operate in the city, providing convenient transport options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental services like Vogo and Bounce provide bikes and scooters for short-term use. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Rama Krishna Beach is the closest and most popular beach in Visakhapatnam. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air India and IndiGo serve regional flights connecting to major cities in India. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air India, Emirates, and Qatar Airways offer international flights from Visakhapatnam. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Highway 16 provides major connectivity through the city to other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Visakhapatnam Railway Station serves as the primary transit hub with connections across India. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses run by APSRTC; passes available for daily and monthly travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Visakhapatnam to nearby cities like Vijayawada and Bhubaneswar. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | KGH (King George Hospital) is the largest and most well-equipped hospital in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bharati Yoga Institute offers yoga classes, meditation, and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Talwalkars are popular fitness chains with various facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and services like **Laundry Basket** provide laundry facilities throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Swiggy and Zomato are popular among locals for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Hyderabadi Biryani and Pesarattu are local specialties not to be missed. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'The Vegan Station' and 'Udupi's' cater to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sri Sairam and Chappal Cafe are known for their sweet dishes and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Jagadamba Centre and Daba Gardens offer great local shopping experiences. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Flipkart and Amazon are widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | BigBasket and Grofers provide grocery delivery services within the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Beach Road area and MVP Colony host popular bars and clubs for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Visakhapatnam does not have notable breweries; local bars serve regional and international beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | VIZAG Amphitheatre serves wine and light bites in a cozy environment. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Daba Gardens is famous for its street food, offering snacks like pani puri and vada pav. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'TGI Fridays' and 'Barbeque Nation' offer popular international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Submarine Museum and Kailasagiri Hill are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Visakha Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient Buddhist sites near the city reflect its rich history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Kali Temple and Simhachalam Temple are significant religious sites in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Visakhapatnam Beach Festival is held annually, showcasing local culture and festivals. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The area around the Marine Drive showcases local art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Ravindra Bharathi Auditorium hosts plays and cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Jagadamba Junction and Scindia Beach Road Markets are ideal for local shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events occur across various venues, particularly in Beach Road cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be seen at various locations, particularly along the Beach Road. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local workshops offer classes on traditional South Indian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art galleries like 'Kalakriti' promote local artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Visakhapatnam Port Trust and the local railway station are architectural landmarks worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's history as a port and cultural mixing pot is reflected in its architecture and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Araku Valley offers stunning landscapes and a nature retreat just a few hours from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tarkund Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Visakhapatnam, promoting eco-tourism. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The scenic promenade along Beach Road is perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Kailasagiri Hill provides the best panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for birdwatching and nature walks. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The beach at Rama Krishna provides designated areas for bonfires during certain times. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DTDC and Blue Dart provide reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops are available near main markets for gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local clubs and community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language classes are available, including English and Telugu languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The District Library and Visakhapatnam Central Library are good for study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community halls around MVP Colony hold various cultural and social events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes like 'Game On' are popular spots for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Visakhapatnam does not have dedicated casinos, but other gaming options are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹1,800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹1,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹5,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹3,300,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹2,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹5,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹4,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹3,040,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based; global income taxed for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% standard GST rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules governing taxation of foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property's annual rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Up to 7% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits, but reasonable taxation for expatriates. |