Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rasht is the capital city of Gilan province in northern Iran, known for its lush, green landscapes and proximity to the Caspian Sea. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 800,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps, with various ISPs available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 50,000 IRR, 1 USD ≈ 42,000 IRR. Most transactions are done in Iranian Rials (IRR). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but it's recommended to use bottled water, especially for foreigners. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz, with Types C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Hamrah-e-Aval (MCI), Irancell, and Rightel, with mobile data options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banking services are limited; cash is commonly used. Local banks like Tejarat Bank offer services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and services like Airbnb with prices ranging from $10 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Not very cashless friendly; many places accept cash only, but some may accept card payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services are available with prices around $15 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as 'Hammam Hotel' offer budget options starting at around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center near Rasht's famous bazaar is recommended for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Neighborhoods such as Pasdaran Avenue and Piroozan are favorable for digital nomads with cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Rasht is still developing coworking spaces; look for options like 'Workhub' which offers a creative working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafes like 'Cafe Dehkhoda' are popular among individuals seeking a quiet place to work with good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking opportunities exist through local meetups; check social media groups for expat events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join groups on platforms like Facebook where expats share information about local activities and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp and Tap60 are popular ride-hailing apps used for transportation in Rasht. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are limited; it's common to find rental services for scooters locally. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Anzali Port Beach is approximately 40 km from Rasht, roughly a one-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air operates flights from Rasht International Airport to major cities in Iran. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways are major international carriers that connect through Tehran. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the Qazvin-Rasht Highway connecting to larger cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rasht Railway Station serves as the primary transit hub for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are available but typically do not offer daily passes; cash payments are required. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are the main options for traveling to nearby cities like Anzali and Lahijan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Razi Hospital is a well-known public hospital providing general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness centers are limited; consider local gyms that may offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Popular fitness centers include 'Havayeh Roud' offering various equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundry services are available; inquire locally for washing and dry cleaning options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Apps like 'Snappfood' allow users to order food from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Mirza Ghasemi', a traditional eggplant dish from Gilan. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Although less common, some restaurants offer vegetarian options, particularly in the city center. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit 'Shirin Saz' for a selection of local sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars and markets such as Rasht's Grand Bazaar offer budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local platforms like 'Divar' and 'Sheypoor' can be used for buying and selling items. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited grocery delivery options are available; larger supermarkets may offer online ordering. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rasht has a more subdued nightlife; cafes often serve as social gathering spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol sales are restricted in Iran; there are limited local beverages available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine consumption is largely informal due to legal restrictions; local cafes may serve fruit drinks. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer snacks like 'Bajis' (corncakes) and fresh fruit. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Try 'Pizza Malek', popular for its local take on international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the beautiful Rasht Grand Mosque and the historical Gilan Rural Heritage Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gilan Museum of Natural History showcases the region's biodiversity. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old bridges like the 'Rasht Bridge' enhance the city's cultural landscape. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Great Mosque of Rasht is an important Islamic site worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Rasht hosts a cultural festival celebrating local music and food each summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city's bazaar area is vibrant and reflects local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host cultural performances, inquire locally for schedules. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Gilan's bazaars are popular for traditional crafts and food products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes host traditional music performances, particularly during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals can be found around the city, especially near colleges. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs may offer cooking classes focused on Gilan cuisine; check community boards. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art collectors and galleries showcase talented regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many buildings retain traditional architecture, especially within the old town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rasht is noted for its rich cultural heritage that includes traditional crafts and arts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the lush landscapes of the Caspian Hyrcanian forests nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Golestan National Park is approximately 3 hours away and offers stunning flora and fauna. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths are plentiful near the Caspian Sea; biking trails are limited. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Overlooking Gilan's rolling hills from the concert hall area provides great sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit the Anzali Wetland for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas near the coast may allow bonfires, but specific rules apply. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services handle parcel delivery; international delivery may require local banks. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various electronics shops offer repair services, but selection can be limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local universities and institutes may offer Persian language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | 'Library of Rasht' provides a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers host cultural activities and workshops; check postings for events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; look for cafes that feature gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Iran, so no casinos are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €45,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €88,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% (subject to ongoing changes in regulation). |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax for dividends is around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Gradual personal income tax system; expats may face different regulations. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 35% depending on income level. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 9%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply regarding taxation of foreign assets. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is implemented but varies widely. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax for property purchases is about 4% of the property's value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits for digital nomads; expatriation tax implications may apply. |