Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mashhad is the second largest city in Iran, known for its religious significance as the site of the Imam Reza shrine. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 10-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Iranian Rial (IRR). 1 EUR ≈ 41,000 IRR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, and Type C/I sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MCI, Irancell, and Rightel. Starter packages are available for around 200,000 IRR. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is predominantly used; international cards are not widely accepted. Local banking options include Bank Mellat and Bank Saderat. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from hotels to short-term rental apartments, with services like Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless payment options; cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and regional platforms such as Eshterak offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Aseman Hostel provide budget-friendly lodging starting around 800,000 IRR per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The area around the Imam Reza shrine is popular with tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The neighborhoods near the university are recommended for digital nomads due to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | DigiCowork is the most popular coworking space, offering a vibrant environment for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Laleh has a good atmosphere for work, offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often organized by local universities; checking platforms like Meetup can be helpful. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for expat groups on social media, such as Facebook's Expats in Mashhad. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snap is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Mashhad. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are less common, but local rentals may be available near parks. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mashhad is inland; access to beaches requires travel to the Caspian Sea, about 5 hours by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air and Aseman Airlines |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Mahan Air and Turkish Airlines |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect Mashhad to other cities, including Tehran. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mashhad Railway Station is the central transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus services are available; passes can be purchased at local kiosks. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect to nearby cities like Neyshabur and Torbat-e Heydarieh. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Imam Reza Hospital is the top healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Mashhad offers various wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | BodyLab is a popular gym chain with locations throughout the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in most neighborhoods; self-service laundromats may be limited. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | ZoodFood is a popular food delivery service in Mashhad. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional Khoresh Gheymé, a delicious stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Tara serve a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Shirin Asal Bakery offers a range of traditional Persian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars such as the Razavi Bazaar offer a mix of food and shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Iran’s local e-commerce platforms include Digikala and Bamilo. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are available, such as Hyperstar. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Mashhad has limited nightlife due to cultural norms, but some cafes stay open late. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol production is prohibited in Iran, but traditional herbal drinks are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Unavailable due to local regulations. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for Kebab stalls around the bazaar area. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Tavalod offer diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Imam Reza Shrine is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Nishapur Museum offers insights into the regional culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient city of Tus nearby holds historical importance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Imam Reza's shrine is one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Ghadir Festival celebrates an important religious event in the city. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old quarter around the shrine has rich cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Mashhad Theater hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bazar-e Reza is the main market, vibrant with local shops. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in cafes, mostly featuring traditional Persian music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some neighborhoods showcase murals and local artists’ work. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes can be arranged through local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Emerging local artists exhibit their work in downtown galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visiting the Tomb of Omar Khayyam in nearby Nishapur is a cultural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The cultural heritage is reflected in its mosques and public squares. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Binalud Mountains provide ample hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Golestan National Park is accessible for weekend trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several parks have designated paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint from the top of Binalud is spectacular at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Mashhad are good for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas in parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Mail and parcel services like Post Iran operate locally. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer smartphone and electronics repair, mainly in central areas. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis setups. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutes offer Persian language classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Mashhad offers public access for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers host cultural events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check out local internet cafes that cater to gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Iran. |
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. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €96,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is about 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Iran uses a progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 9%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is levied based on estimated property values annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A tax of approximately 4% is applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads, but the cost of living is relatively low. |