Ahvaz, Iran 🇮🇷
#1425
31.323063, 48.67932
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ahvaz is the capital of Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran, known for its rich history and significant oil industry. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 1.2 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 14 Mbps, but varies widely depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Iranian Rial (IRR), and it is 1 USD ≈ 42,000 IRR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz, and plugs are Type C and F. |
| 📶 SIM Card | SIM cards are available from providers such as Irancell and Hamrah-e-Aval. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include Bank Melli and Saderat Bank; international bank cards may not work. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Common options include Airbnb, local hotels, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is preferred; credit cards are not widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies are available in Ahvaz. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; however, budget hotels are available at around $20-$30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are currently no dedicated coworking spaces; working from cafes is common. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Laleh is popular for remote work with decent internet and a quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are rare; connecting with locals through social media groups is recommended. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join expat groups on social media platforms for updates on social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp and Tap30 are popular ride-hailing apps in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services are limited; private rentals can be arranged. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is about 2.5 hours away in the Persian Gulf; cities like Khorramshahr have coastal access. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Iran Air and Mahan Air provide connections to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main highways include routes to Tehran and the Persian Gulf coastal cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ahvaz railway station connects to major cities in Iran. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | There are no unified public transport passes; buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are available for nearby cities like Khorramshahr and Dezful. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Golestan Hospital is one of the best healthcare facilities in Ahvaz. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The city has a few yoga studios, such as Studio Kiani. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Popular gyms include the Fitness First chain and local independent gyms. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available in local neighborhoods; services might be rare. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Snapp Food is a widely used food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Khoresht-e Gheymé, a traditional Persian stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are limited; vegetarian dishes are available in most restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Shirin Khari offers popular local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets and bazaars offer various affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Divar and Sheypoor are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer limited delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; cafes and family restaurants are popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol production is restricted in Iran; soft drinks are common. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not applicable; alcohol consumption is limited. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is widely available and includes options like kebabs and saffron ice cream. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Fast food chains and some Italian and Chinese restaurants can be found. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The White Bridge (Pol-e Sefid) and the ancient Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Khuzestan Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ancient ruins of Susa are located nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Imam Ali Mosque is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals are held around Nowruz (Persian New Year). |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town of Ahvaz offers a glimpse of local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited mainstream theaters; some cultural shows are conducted in community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Traditional bazaars are lively and offer diverse goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music events are occasionally held; traditional music is popular. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is minimal; however, community murals can be found. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited cooking classes; some local families offer cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries are few; the main focus is on traditional art and calligraphy. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical architecture includes the Khalaj Palace. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Khuzestan province is known for its rich cultural diversity, influenced by various ethnic groups. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Khouzestan Wildlife Sanctuary is nearby, known for its wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Golestan National Park is further away and worth a visit. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Riverside paths along the Karun River provide scenic routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along the Karun River are popular for sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby wetlands host various bird species, best visited during migratory seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks allow bonfires, but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local agencies offer parcel delivery; international options are limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Available at local electronics shops for smartphones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local clubs may have table tennis facilities; inquire at community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private language schools offer Persian language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited public libraries; some cafes are quiet for study purposes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers offer cultural programs and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues are limited; some cafes provide gaming stations. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Iran; gaming is informal and restricted. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 300,000,000 IRR (approximately $7,200) per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 225,000,000 IRR (approximately $5,500) per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 400,000,000 IRR (approximately $9,600) per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 300,000,000 IRR (approximately $7,200) per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 500,000,000 IRR (approximately $12,000) per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 375,000,000 IRR (approximately $9,000) per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is approximately 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax is around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Iran's tax system is mainly based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is generally 9%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are strict; taxation applies to foreign-owned entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are applied based on local assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction taxes can range around 4%. |