Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Semnan is a city in northeastern Iran, known for its historical significance and stark landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 45,000 IRR, 1 USD ≈ 38,000 IRR |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Hamrah-e Aval (MCI), Irancell, and Rightel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is widely accepted; Visa and Mastercard are not generally accepted due to sanctions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to city center hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; primarily cash-based transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, though options are limited compared to major cities. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels such as Hotel Ghods offer affordable rates. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historic center near the Grand Mosque. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City center, close to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | No dedicated coworking spaces available; local cafes and homes serve as alternatives. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Shater Abbas offers a peaceful environment with good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited; check local university bulletin boards for tech talks or seminars. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join local Facebook groups to connect with other expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp is a popular ride-hailing app in Iran. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; biking is not common in Semnan. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No nearby beach; desert landscapes dominate the region. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air operates local flights from Semnan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Mahan Air offers international flights from Tehran. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Tehran-Mashhad Highway (AH1) is available. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Semnan's train station connects to Tehran and other major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is primarily bus-based; passes are not common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses regularly travel to Tehran and Yazd. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Dr. Sabzevari Hospital is the main healthcare facility in Semnan. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; no dedicated yoga studios. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs such as Fitness Land offer basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available; check local listings. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Snapp Food offers delivery from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Zereshk Polo', a traditional saffron rice dish with barberries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafes hold limited vegetarian options; salad and rice meals are common. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Khoshbakhti offers sweets like Baklava and local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars provide an array of affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Divar and Sheypoor are popular online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local supermarkets are accessible. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Semnan has few bars; the nightlife is low-key. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No local breweries due to restrictions on alcohol. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; alcohol consumption is highly regulated. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer kebabs and local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few international restaurants; local cuisine dominates. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Grand Mosque of Semnan and the historical bazaar. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Semnan Museum exhibits local history and artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ziggurat of Semnan is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Grand Mosque is a primary religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Ashura and other local celebrations attract visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town area features traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited theaters; check local bulletin boards for events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The historical bazaar is vibrant and full of local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Iranian music is prevalent; few venues for live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; most cultural expressions are traditional. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary classes can be found via local schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited local galleries; check community centers for exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical homes and mosques throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural symbols include traditional Persian architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Semnan Nature Reserve offers hiking and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Alborz Mountain range provides outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; local roads can be used for cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints around the mountains provide stunning vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Desert areas nearby are suitable for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check local regulations for bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Iran Post offers reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for phone and tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may host table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in the city offer Persian language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library available, mostly for locals. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers hold community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options available for gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal 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. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €42,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €48,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on a progressive income system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 9% Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific foreign tax benefits available. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 4% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Income earned abroad is generally not taxed. |