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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Ahvaz is the capital of Khuzestan Province in Iran, known for its historical significance and as a center for oil production. |
👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
💻 Internet Speed | Average fixed broadband speed is around 15 Mbps |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 Iranian Rial (IRR) is approximately 0.000023 USD. Local banks include Bank Mellat, Bank Saderat. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable without filtration; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | Electricity in Ahvaz is 220V, 50Hz, and uses Type C/I plugs. |
📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Hamrah-e Aval and MCI, with prepaid options available. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Cash and debit cards widely accepted; international cards may not work. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Alborz Hotel, and local apartments via platforms like Divar. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals available through local real estate agents. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and affordable hotels include Amir Hotel and local guesthouses. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Ahvaz; close to museums and parks. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the banks of Karun River; quieter areas suitable for work. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, no established coworking spaces; recommend cafes with Wi-Fi. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Eshq offers good atmosphere and Wi-Fi for remote work. |
💼 Networking Events | Local meetups are rare, but Facebook groups exist for expat communities. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for events advertised on social media; few expat groups actively meet. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp is a popular local ride-hailing app. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bicycles can be rented from local shops. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shahretan Beach is about 1.5 hours away by car. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air offers domestic flights; check before booking. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways operate from Ahvaz. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Ahvaz-Khorramshahr highway; well-connected to other cities. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ahvaz railway station connects to major cities. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; pay-per-ride system. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities such as Khorramshahr and Dezful. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Golestan Hospital is a major healthcare facility in Ahvaz. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited, but growing popularity; check local gym offerings. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Bodyline Gym available for memberships. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available, typically self-service. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Snapfood is a popular option for food delivery. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Fesenjan, a traditional Iranian stew, at local restaurants. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but some local restaurants offer vegetarian dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Saffron offers a variety of local sweets and desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars and markets like Shahrak for fresh produce. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local platforms include Digikala for various products. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services available through local grocery apps. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Ahvaz has limited nightlife; cafes serve as social spots. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol banned in public; look for non-alcoholic local drinks. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Not available due to national regulations. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer Kabab and Samosa; popular snacks. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and fast-food chains are available in city. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil and Ahvaz Cultural Center. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ahvaz Museum features local history and artifacts. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient ruins of Susa nearby. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Ali ibn Mahziar Mosque is an important local site. |
🎉 Annual Events | Persian New Year (Nowruz) celebrations in March. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the bustling streets of the old town. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host various cultural performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Ahvaz Bazaar for traditional goods and produce. |
🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music performances are common during festivals. |
🎨 Street Art | Emerging scene; check local areas for murals. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional classes offered through community centers. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few local galleries showcasing Iranian artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Ahvaz has several noteworthy mosques and structures. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Dominant Persian culture celebrated during festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shadegan Wetland is a nearby natural reserve. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Protected areas include Khouzestan National Park. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Riverside paths along the Karun River are popular. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts along the Karun River provide beautiful views. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Shadegan Wetland for diverse bird species. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near riverside parks. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local delivery services available; check post office. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Ahvaz provide tech repair services. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited to local sports clubs, check for schedules. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited, but look for private tutors in the city. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Iranian National Library branch has study facilities. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various programs. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming centers; check local ads for locations. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No gaming halls due to national laws. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €128,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €80,000). |
💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% |
🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
🧾 VAT | 9% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 4%. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Non-residents may avoid taxation on foreign income. |