Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Isfahan is one of Iran's largest cities, renowned for its Persian architecture and rich history, often referred to as 'half of the world'. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps, with some locations offering higher connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Iranian Rial (IRR), estimated exchange rate is 1 USD ≈ 420,000 IRR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Hamrah-e Aval, MCI, and Irancell, with affordable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are not widely accepted; cash transactions are preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include traditional guesthouses, Airbnb, and hotels in various price ranges. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options, primarily cash is used for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Khajoo Hotel and Isfahan Traditional House, priced around $10-25 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historical Jolfa district and around Naqsh-e Jahan Square are recommended. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The central area near the Imam Square is ideal for amenities, cafes, and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cafe Darvish offers a great working atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kaveh provides a cozy setting and reliable internet for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups or community centers for expat meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for gatherings through expat communities on social media. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp is a popular ride-hailing app in Isfahan. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available nearby Naqsh-e Jahan Square. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Isfahan is inland, but Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province's lakes are reachable. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air operates regional flights within the country. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways offer international flights connecting through major hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Isfahan is well connected by highways, including the Tehran-Isfahan Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Isfahan Railway Station connects to several major Iranian cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus services are available, but primarily cash is needed for tickets. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train and bus services connect Isfahan to neighboring cities like Yazd and Kashan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Faghihi Hospital is one of the main healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes can be found in various gyms throughout the city. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Popular choices include Gym Mehregan and Fitness Park Isfahan. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries can be found across the city, typically costing around 100,000 IRR per service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | SnappFood is a popular choice for food delivery within the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss local dishes like Biryani Isfahan and Persian kebabs. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan-friendly options exist at Green Deli and other local cafes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Shekar Khaneh serves traditional Iranian desserts like Baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, like the bazaar, offer affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sites like Digikala provide online shopping for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery services can be arranged through local grocery stores in Isfahan. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars are limited due to cultural restrictions, but you can find cafes open late. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is banned, but non-alcoholic beverages are available at cafes. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Non-alcoholic cultural cafes provide various drink options. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is vibrant in Isfahan with stalls selling Jujeh kebab. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Gilaneh offer international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Si-o-se-pol Bridge are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Isfahan Museum of Natural History highlights local ecology and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ali Qapu Palace and Chehel Sotoun are significant historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Isfahan Flower Festival in spring is a colorful local event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Jolfa district showcases Armenian culture and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Vahdat Hall often features local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Grand Bazaar is a captivating experience for shopping and cultural engagement. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music performances are held regularly at local venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art showcases can be found within the city’s newer developments. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes on traditional Persian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries like Golestan display contemporary Iranian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the unique Safavid architecture throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Isfahan is known for its Persian carpet weaving as a significant cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Zayanderud River offers scenic walks and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Zand Mountains offer hiking and natural scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths around Naqsh-e Jahan Square are ideal for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Si-o-se-pol Bridge provides stunning views of the river and city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands around the Zayandeh River attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Parks along the river have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services such as Post Iran offer delivery solutions. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics shops in Isfahan can perform repairs on various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers host table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Persian language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library of Isfahan is a good study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers in Jolfa host community events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes offer gaming facilities for tech enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal; however, online alternatives may be considered. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €36,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% applicable for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax rate is 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Intended for residents and non-residents, taxes are based on income generated in Iran. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is around 9%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not explicitly implemented in Iranian tax law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are based on local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate applies to property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | While Iran has a unique tax structure, digital nomads may benefit if registered local income is below thresholds. |