Isfahan, Iran 🇮🇷
#185
32.670787, 51.665
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Isfahan is known for its stunning Persian architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. It is located in central Iran and serves as one of the country's largest cities. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is about 20 Mbps, with some areas providing faster access. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Iranian Rial (IRR); current exchange approximately 1 EUR ≈ 40,000 IRR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not considered drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Hamrah-e Aval and MCI with prepaid plans for data coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are not widely accepted; cash transactions are common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, as well as Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash transactions are preferred in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available, starting around €15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Travellers’ House starting at €10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Isfahan, a popular spot among freelancers and remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Dastaan is favored for its atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events organized by local expat communities on platforms like Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Isfahan' often host gatherings and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp is the most popular ride-hailing app in Iran. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited; however, bike rentals are available in some tourist areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beaches are approximately 500 km away on the Caspian Sea. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air operates flights throughout the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Iran Air and Turkish Airlines connect to major cities globally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Good access via the Tehran-Isfahan highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Isfahan Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes available; ticket prices are generally low. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Isfahan with cities like Yazd and Shiraz. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Alzahra Hospital is the main facility offering a range of medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Dena Yoga Center offers various wellness classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Gym Isfahan provide various workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and hotel services available; expect prices around €2 for basic washes. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zoodfood is popular for local food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biryani is a must-try; restaurants serving this dish can be found throughout the city. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Keshmesh Cafe offers vegetarian dishes and local flavors. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Shahrestan Cafe for traditional Persian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars offer a range of products at budget prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Digikala is a popular online marketplace for goods in Iran. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery through Telegram channels/service apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited and usually subdued; local cafes are the main spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is restricted in Iran, but non-alcoholic beverages are popular. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are not permitted; focus on non-alcoholic drinks. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer kebabs and local snacks across the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and fast food are available at various outlets. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the Shah Mosque are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Isfahan Museum offers insights into local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Chehel Sotoun and Ali Qapu Palace are significant historical attractions. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Imam Mosque is a major place of worship and a historical site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Persian New Year (Nowruz) celebration is vibrant in Isfahan. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Jolfa district is known for its Armenian heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances are held at venues like Isfahan Theater. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Grand Bazaar of Isfahan for traditional goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Persian music can be experienced in cultural venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals and street art can be found in specific urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Contemporary Iranian art featured at Gallery F. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Ancient bridges like Si-o-se-pol are key historical landmarks. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Isfahan is renowned for its Persian carpets and handicrafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Zayandeh River park offers outdoor spaces for relaxing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dasht-e Kavir National Park, approximately 350 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Zayandeh River are popular for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Si-o-se-pol bridge at sunset is picturesque. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the city are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks allow for small bonfires during summer events. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Post Iran handle domestic and international parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer repairs for devices; pricing varies by service. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Persian language classes for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Isfahan's public library is available for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers often host language and cultural exchange events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; local arcades exist. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Iran, so there are no casinos. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000) |
| 🏠 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. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €136,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income is subject to progressive tax rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Income tax rates can go as high as 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 9% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, certain regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax system based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 4% of the sale price. |