Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Qeshm is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, located south of Iran, known for its unique geological features and beautiful landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of around 20-30 Mbps, although availability can fluctuate. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Iranian Rial (IRR); currency exchange centers available, but international cards may not work. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MCI and Irancell offer good coverage; a local SIM can be bought at the airport or major shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is king; major credit cards are not accepted. Some local banks allow foreign accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses; Airbnb is limited in availability. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No; cash is primarily used, and mobile payments are not widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Limited options available; traditional guesthouses are common. Airbnb may not be as reliable. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are available like Sunrise Hostel, offering beds from approximately IRR 500,000/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The northern coastal area near Hengam Island is popular among visitors. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying in the city center for better access to amenities and internet cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking options are scarce; however, local cafes offer space for work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Delice is favored among locals and provides a conducive environment for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited but local tourism events offer a chance to network with fellow expatriates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Informal meetups at local parks or cafes can foster connections. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, or you can use Snapp (an Iranian ride-hailing app). |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles are available for rent near popular tourist areas. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shibder Beach, easily accessible and a great spot for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air is a primary regional airline connecting to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Mahan Air offers international flights from international airports in larger cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Primary access is via road from Bandar Abbas; connectivity is decent. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services on the island; travel is primarily via car or bus. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No centralized public transport system; local minivans and buses operate. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Qeshm to Bandar Abbas; approximately 45 minutes by ferry from mainland. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Qeshm Hospital provides basic services; specialized care may require travel to Bandar Abbas. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; some local gyms may offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Fitness Qeshm cater to residents and offer basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer services, often found in residential areas. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Snapp Food is widely used for local food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood dishes, especially grilled fish, are highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but vegetarian dishes can be found in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Traditional Persian sweets such as baklava can be found at local bakeries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Qeshm offer fresh produce and traditional goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sites such as Digikala provide online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery options are limited; personal shopping is common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; local cafes often serve as social gathering spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is prohibited; local beverages are typically non-alcoholic. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available due to local laws against alcohol. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell snacks like falafel and fresh fruit. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local restaurants offer Persian and Middle Eastern dishes predominantly. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Geologically unique sites like the Stars Valley and the ancient Portuguese Castle. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Qeshm showcases the island's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Portuguese Castle is a key historical site attracting tourists. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local mosques offer cultural insight; visitors are welcome outside prayer times. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals celebrate Persian culture, particularly during Nowruz. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the old town areas for local crafts and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events occur in community centers, though traditional theaters are minimal. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The market in Qeshm offers a rich array of local products and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music can be enjoyed during cultural events and festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art is not prominent, but some variations can be found in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional culinary workshops featuring local cuisine are offered. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited gallery space; artisan shops may feature local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Architecture reflects Persian influence, particularly in older structures. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The island's heritage is deeply linked to its maritime culture and natural beauty. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hengam Island is a popular nature excursion, known for dolphin watching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Qeshm Island is home to the Qeshm Island Geopark, offering unique geological formations. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths offer scenic views for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along the coast provide stunning vistas of the Persian Gulf. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hengam Island is also a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches allow bonfires in designated areas, especially during events. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services are available, but international shipping can be slow. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; check local markets for mobile repair shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have recreational facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited language schools; informal groups often practice English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are available but may have limited English resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers often host informal events and meetings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; social gaming often happens in homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not permitted in Iran. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. IRR 1,500,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = IRR 60,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IRR 1,200,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = IRR 48,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. IRR 2,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = IRR 120,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IRR 1,600,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = IRR 96,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. IRR 1,800,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = IRR 144,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IRR 1,500,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = IRR 120,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No dividend taxation applicable. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Iran's tax system is based on residency; expats taxed on local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for higher income levels. |
| 🧾 VAT | 9% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No CFC rules applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Municipal taxes based on property value are collected. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction taxes vary; generally around 4%-6%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Income earned outside Iran is generally not taxed. |