Rasht, Iran 🇮🇷
#191
37.27936, 49.58461
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rasht is the capital of Gilan Province in northern Iran, known for its lush greenery and wet climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 700,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 15-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 37,000 IRR, cash is preferred, credit cards are usually not accepted due to international sanctions. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; advisable to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage: 220V, Frequency: 50Hz, Plug types: C and F |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers: Hamrah-e Aval, MCI, Irancell; Prepaid SIM cards available at the airport and local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Difficult for expats; local bank accounts require residency; cash is king. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, Airbnb, and traditional houses; average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around 20,000,000 IRR. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No; cash is primarily used for transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available; prices start around 1,000,000 IRR per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Rasht Youth Hostel offer affordable rates around 300,000 IRR per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | As of now, specific coworking spaces are limited; however, cafes with reliable Wi-Fi are available. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Niaz offers a conducive environment for work with great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | There are occasional local meetups, check social media platforms for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local expatriate groups can often be found on Telegram or Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp is the popular app for on-demand rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options for rentals; exploring the city is best done on foot. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Caspiann Sea beaches, approximately 40 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air operates flights to various cities within Iran. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways for international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Proximity to the Haraz Road connects Rasht to Tehran. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rasht Railway Station connects to Tehran and local destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are available, tickets purchased on the bus; no specific transit passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available for travel to nearby cities like Anzali and Lahijan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Rasht Razi Hospital is one of the main healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Snap offers classes in Rasht. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like BodyLand are available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide services, usually around 300,000 IRR for full wash. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Snapfood is popular for food delivery in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Testi Kebab and local Gilan sweets are a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian dishes are widely available in traditional restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pazhoohesh Sweets offers a variety of traditional Iranian pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars such as Rasht Grand Bazaar, offering fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Divar and Sheypoor are popular online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some grocery stores offer a delivery service, check local apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife due to cultural restrictions; local cafes are the main gathering spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcoholic beverages are restricted; few non-alcoholic breweries exist. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available due to restrictions. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offering traditional snacks like Kebab wraps can be found in areas like Ayatollah Kashani Street. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and fast food options exist, but local food is recommended. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rasht Museum of Anthropology is a unique cultural site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Gilan Rural Heritage Museum showcases local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic Rasht Grand Mosque is a local landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Rasht's various historical mosques are points of interest. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Gilan's traditional festivals occur primarily in spring; check local news for dates. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Rasht features traditional Persian architecture and local shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters often feature traditional performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Rasht's bazaars, especially at the weekend, are vibrant with local produce and handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music played at cafes and restaurants showcases regional folk tunes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some areas have traditional murals but limited street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes for traditional Gilan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Some local galleries showcase regional artists; check local listings. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Rasht bazaar features historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rasht is known for its unique Gilaki culture, celebrated through festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Anzali Lagoon and the Caspian Sea beaches are popular getaways. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Golestan National Park, around 200 km away, is well-known for trekking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The pathways along the Caspian Sea offer scenic views for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills surrounding Rasht provide beautiful overlooks of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Anzali Lagoon is a great location for birdwatching, especially during migration. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the Caspian Sea allow for safe campfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Post offices in Rasht provide parcel delivery services; international services may be limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks in Rasht have setups for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Persian language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Rasht Public Library offers study spaces and quiet areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers often host events and activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited in Rasht; gaming parlors offer video game facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Iran; such establishments do not exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 5,500,000 IRR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 220,000,000 IRR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 4,000,000 IRR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 160,000,000 IRR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 6,500,000 IRR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 390,000,000 IRR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 4,500,000 IRR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 270,000,000 IRR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 5,800,000 IRR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 464,000,000 IRR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 4,200,000 IRR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 336,000,000 IRR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax is applied based on various income levels; it can be complex. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Income over a certain threshold is taxed at 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Currently set at 9% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Complex regulations in place, make sure to consult a local expert. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Local taxation based on property value, variable rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 4% upon property transfer. |