Qom, Iran 🇮🇷
#1993
34.642293, 50.880118
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Qom is a significant religious city in Iran, known for its religious sites and as a center of Shia scholarship. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1,200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 40 Mbps, though it can vary significantly. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 35,000 IRR, 1 USD ≈ 32,000 IRR; cash is widely used, and few cards are accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz; uses Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Hamrahe Aval and MCI; prepaid SIMs are available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are generally not accepted due to sanctions; local accounts can be opened. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals through local agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through local platforms; ranges from $20 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include Hotel International and various guesthouses starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, coworking spaces are limited; some cafes offer suitable environments. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Ghandi is popular for its cozy ambiance and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local universities and cultural centers occasionally host academic and cultural events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats and local clubs often organize meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp and Tap30 are popular ride-hailing apps in Qom. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental options are minimal; walking or taxis are more common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches nearby; Qom is inland but visit Caspian Sea resorts about 7 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aseman Airlines offers regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Iran Air provides some international services. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via the Tehran-Qom Highway and extensive road network. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Qom Railway Station connects to major cities in Iran. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus service available, but no formal passes are offered. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequently run to Tehran and other nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Baqiyatallah Hospital is a well-known healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; local gyms may offer group classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Popular options include Fitness Club and local sports complexes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Various laundromats available, including Lavazem Ehtiyaji. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zoodfood is a popular choice for food delivery in Qom. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Tahchin', a saffron rice and chicken dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; vegetarian dishes are available in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Shirin Asal offers a variety of traditional Persian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Qom Bazaar is great for affordable local foods and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online marketplace is Digikala for electronics and goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few options; most people shop in local markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife due to religious culture; socializing often occurs in cafes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is banned; alternatives like non-alcoholic drinks are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Unavailable due to local laws. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food carts selling local snacks and fast food, commonly found in busy areas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local restaurants serve Middle Eastern cuisine; other options are limited. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Fatima Masumeh Shrine and the Qom Historical Bazaar are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Qom Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Significant religious historical sites within the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Numerous mosques and religious schools, including the famous Qom Seminary. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Islamic religious observances and ceremonies throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old city area is rich in cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theatrical performances, mainly religious in nature. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Qom Bazaar is vibrant and great for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Minimal, focused mostly on traditional music forms. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art due to cultural norms. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes focusing on Persian cuisine may be available. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries; primarily in cultural centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Significant ancient structures like the Qom Mosque. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Qom is a center of religious heritage in Shia Islam. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Zarand Mountains provide hiking opportunities nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Karkas National Park is about a 2-hour drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Pedestrian-friendly areas around religious sites. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hilltops around Qom offer views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Areas around the outskirts of the city; check local parks. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the surrounding mountains, but check regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services are available but often slow; DHL is present. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available, but service quality may vary. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Many local gyms and community centers offer table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some language centers teach English and Persian; check local listings. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Libraries are available, but primarily serve local communities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural activities often held at local community centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; most gaming is done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited under Islamic law. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $36,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on annual income in Iran. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 9% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on asset value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property transactions. |