Karaj, Iran 🇮🇷
#1424
35.822489, 50.990468
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Karaj is the capital of Alborz Province, located near Tehran, known for its industrial activities and beautiful mountain views. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 50,000 IRR; cash is commonly used, and major banks include Tejarat Bank and Bank Melli. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type C/I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Hamrah-e Aval, MCI, and Rightel with good coverage in urban areas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash transactions are preferred; some local banks provide services for expats, but availability may vary. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, Airbnb, and short-term rentals ranging from €200-€400/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash transactions are more common, and many vendors do not accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local rental websites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels can be found starting around €10-€20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Makan Co-Working Space in Karaj provides a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Noghreh offers a quiet atmosphere and Wi-Fi for remote workers. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local business meetups occasionally organized through social media channels. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups and local expat forums organize social events sporadically. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp and Tap30 are popular ride-hailing apps in Karaj. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; local bike rentals are available in some parks. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is around 2-3 hours away at the Caspian Sea coast. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ATA Airlines operates domestic flights from nearby Tehran. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Iran Air and Mahan Air offer international departures from Tehran. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Tehran-Karaj Freeway allows easy travel to Tehran and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Karaj Railway Station facilitates train travel to and from Tehran and other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metro and bus passes available; public transport is affordable. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses from Karaj connect to major cities in Iran. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Imam Ali Hospital offers quality medical services in Karaj. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Karaj provides classes for various levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Iranian Sport & Fitness Club offers various gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available in local communities and some hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zoodfood and Snapp Food deliver a variety of cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kebab with rice; a must-try during your stay. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian dishes available at most local eateries; consider Alborz Cafe. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Shirin Asal Bakery for traditional Iranian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Panjganeh Bazaar for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Digikala is a popular online shopping site for various items. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket chains like Hyperstar offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife options; cafes are more common. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is restricted; local drinks include non-alcoholic options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available due to local laws. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various street vendors sell local snacks and foods, especially around parks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Fast food chains like KFC and local pizza shops are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Karaj's Golestan Palace is a notable site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Karaj Museum of Fine Arts showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Qajar-era mansion in Karaj is a historical site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Holy Shrine of Shah Abdol Azim is nearby. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local cultural festivals occur throughout the year; check local calendars. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kian Abad Street is known for its cultural significance. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Tehran's theaters are close by for a broader range of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Various bazaars throughout the city offer local handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events can be found in cafes and local venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; mostly traditional murals can be seen. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes can be arranged through community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries occasionally exhibit Iranian contemporary artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Karaj features traditional Persian architecture in various neighborhoods. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural elements reflect a mix of Persian history and modern urban life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Alborz Mountain range offers hiking and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Golestan National Park is within a few hours' drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the Karaj River are popular among locals. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Inaccessible points in nearby mountains offer breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Alborz Mountains are great for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks allow for bonfires but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Various delivery companies operate, including Pishro and Behshahr. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Karaj offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English classes available at local language institutes like ALC. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries available, with the Karaj Central Library being notable. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers host events and classes for community engagement. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes in the city provide gaming services. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not permitted in Iran. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No dividend withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income taxes are based on local residency and start around 15%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Income tax may reach up to 35% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 9% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific controlled foreign company rules exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on assessed value; varies by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 4%. |