Mashhad, Iran 🇮🇷
#188
36.297494, 59.605923
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran and is a major religious center, known for the Imam Reza shrine. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 3 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30-50 Mbps, with limited availability in rural areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 45,000 IRR, cash is still widely used although major cards like Visa and MasterCard are not accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, and Type C plugs are commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | IRANCELL and Hamrah-e Aval are the major mobile providers offering good prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks typically do not accept international cards, consider using money exchange services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels like Koryan Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred as cards are not widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms like Divar provide short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include the Mashhad Youth Hostel and budget hotels in the city center. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWorking Mashhad - a modern space offering reliable internet and office amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Sadra - a vibrant place with a good atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local expat groups on social media platforms for casual meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat Network Mashhad on Facebook for community gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snap is a popular ride-hailing app in Mashhad. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | There are limited options for bike rentals; consider walking or using taxis. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest coastal area is about 600 km away; no beach nearby. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air and Mahan Air for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways offer international flights from Mashhad. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to major highways like the Qom-Mashhad Highway facilitates travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mashhad Railway Station connects to major cities across Iran. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport includes buses; passes are available but not widely used by foreigners. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and bus services connect Mashhad to nearby cities like Neyshabur and Sabzevar. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Emam Reza Hospital is one of the top healthcare facilities in Mashhad. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at local gyms, check out Karma Fitness Club. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic Fitness and Laleh Gym are popular local fitness centers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; hotels also offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Snapp Food is the leading food delivery app in Mashhad. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Dizi, a traditional clay pot stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Some vegetarian options available at local eateries, such as Café Tara. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Shirin Asal serves some of the best Persian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars like Bazaar Reza offer budget-friendly food and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | DigiKala is a popular site for online shopping in Iran. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery options available through local online shops, check out Bamilo. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Mashhad is conservative; nightlife is limited and mostly centered around family venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is banned in Iran; no local breweries exist. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not applicable due to local laws. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Available, especially around the markets—try Kebabs and Saffron ice cream. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and fast food chains like KFC are present but limited. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Imam Reza Shrine is a must-visit; it is the largest mosque in the world. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Mashhad Museum of Glass and Ceramics is notable for its collection. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nadir Shah Afshar Tomb is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Imam Reza Shrine attracts millions of pilgrims each year. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The International Book Fair is held annually in Mashhad. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center around the shrine features traditional bazaars. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Several local theaters host performances; check for events at the main cultural center. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bazaar Reza is a bustling market for traditional goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Limited due to cultural restrictions; check local cafes for occasional live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Minimal; the city does not have a prominent street art scene. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes can be found; check cultural centers for schedules. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries exist, but some private exhibitions can be found at local venues. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Architectural sites include the Goharshad Mosque and the Tomb of Ferdowsi. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mashhad has a rich historical and cultural heritage connected to Persian history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Haraz offers hiking opportunities and natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Binalud Mountain Range nearby, known for its scenic nature. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited trails, but parks like Mellat Park provide walking areas. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Falak-ol-Aflak Castle at sunset provides stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mahmoudabad Wetland is a nearby site for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas like parks permit bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and local courier services cover parcel delivery needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local malls have tech repair shops for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in community centers; check local sports complexes. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Several language schools offer Persian and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Mashhad Central Library is a quiet place for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some local cafes offer gaming and entertainment options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited under Islamic law; no casinos exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $25,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $15,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = $31,500) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $250 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = $17,500) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 100 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $220 per m² (e.g., 100 m² = $22,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No dividend tax; profits are subjected to corporate tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Iran has a progressive tax system based on personal income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 9% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations for foreign investments and companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% of the sale price. |