Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Tabriz is the capital of East Azerbaijan Province in Iran, known for its rich history and cultural significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.7 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 20-30 Mbps, with fiber optic connections available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 44,000 IRR, 1 USD ≈ 40,000 IRR. Banking services include Bank Melli and Saderat Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable but it's advisable to use filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN Irancell and Hamrah Aval are popular mobile providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted. Cash transactions are common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels like the Tabriz International Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited, cash is predominantly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings available, average price of $20-40 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Tabriz Backpackers starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historical district near the Bazaar, providing easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas close to the University of Tabriz provide a vibrant atmosphere with cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Tabriz Coworking Space - a friendly environment for remote workers and creative projects. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Shahrad offers a cozy atmosphere with good Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local meetups through social media platforms and expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Several cultural and social events are hosted by the expat community through Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Snapp is the leading ride-hailing app in Tabriz. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability, but bicycles can be rented from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Urmia, about 1.5 hours away, is a popular getaway for nature lovers. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Iran Air operates regional flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have connections through Tabriz International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via national highways to Tehran and other provinces. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Tabriz Railway Station connects to several major cities in Iran. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single ride tickets and monthly passes are available for buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses connect Tabriz to other cities at affordable rates (around $5-$10). |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Zahra Hospital is one of the prominent healthcare facilities in Tabriz. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Various centers offer yoga classes but check for availability locally. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Bodyfit Gym offer workout facilities for both locals and visitors. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries are available throughout the city, prices start from $2 for basic service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zoodfood and Talab are the popular food delivery apps in Tabriz. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Dizi', a traditional Iranian stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are available at most restaurants, like Sabzich, which specializes in plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Aouni has great local desserts, including saffron ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Tabriz Bazaar have a range of affordable produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping via Digikala is popular for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Bamilo offer grocery delivery within the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is relatively low-key; cafes stay open late but bars are limited due to cultural factors. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol consumption is restricted, but some establishments offer non-alcoholic beverages. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Unavailable, alcohol is limited due to religious regulations. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell local snacks such as 'Roasted Nuts' and 'Cotton Candy'. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants offering kebabs and rice dishes are popular and inexpensive. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Azerbaijan Museum showcases local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Arg-e Tabriz is a historical citadel in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Blue Mosque is a famous mosque known for its stunning tiles. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Tabriz Carpet Festival held annually attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historical district near the bazaar is vibrant with traditional shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Tabriz City Theater hosts various cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Tabriz Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music cafes often feature traditional Iranian music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is gradually emerging in urban renewal areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary schools offer classes in creating traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries display works from Iranian artists, such as the Tamiran Art Gallery. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Influenced by Persian architecture, many buildings offer stunning designs. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Tabriz is known for its rich carpet weaving tradition, representing local heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Sahand offers hiking opportunities near the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Golestan National Park is within a few hours' drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Parks like Shahr Park provide paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | High points around Tabriz offer views of the city and surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular around Lake Urmia, 1.5 hours away. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Parks near the city allow for casual picnicking and bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Iran Post and private couriers offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide mobile and electronic device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools provide Farsi language classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Tabriz Central Library offers study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host events and classes for locals and expats alike. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming cafés cater to the local youth culture. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not allowed within the country. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $18,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $30,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
| 🏡 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 | A dividend withholding tax of 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Flat tax rate based on territoriality for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rates for individuals can go up to 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 9%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules but monitored regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Real estate transaction tax is approximately 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax benefits; standard rates apply. |