Karakol, Kyrgyzstan ๐ฐ๐ฌ
#673
42.48174, 78.400292
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| ๐๏ธ City | Karakol is a town located in northeastern Kyrgyzstan, lying at the eastern end of Lake Issyk-Kul. |
| ๐ฅ Population | approximately 70,000 |
| ๐ป Internet Speed | average download speed of 10-20 Mbps |
| ๐ธ Currency & Banking | 1 USD โ 85 KGS. ATMs are available, accepting Visa and Mastercard. |
| ๐ฐ Tap Water | Not entirely drinkable; it's recommended to drink bottled water. |
| ๐ Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
| ๐ถ SIM Card | Providers include Beeline, MegaFon, and O! with good coverage and data packages. |
| ๐ณ Banking for Expats | Banks such as KyrgyzPromoBank and Optima Bank accept foreign cards. |
| ๐ Accommodation | Various options including hotels, guesthouses, and home stays available on platforms like Airbnb. |
| ๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Limited, cash is preferred; cards accepted in larger establishments. |
| ๐ Short Term Rentals | Airbnb has several listings and guesthouses for short stays. |
| ๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Altyn Almas and Karakol Hotel offer affordable lodging options. |
Working and Networking
| ๐ข Best Coworking Space | Great Place Co-Working offers a dedicated space for remote work. |
| โ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee House is a popular spot among locals and nomads for a quiet work environment. |
| ๐ผ Networking Events | Local meetups may be found through social media groups focusing on expats and digital nomads. |
| ๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Check out Karakol Expats Facebook group for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| ๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi operates in Karakol, providing affordable rides. |
| ๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | For biking, renting through local shops near the city center is available, prices around 150 KGS per day. |
| ๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | The beach at Lake Issyk-Kul, 20 km away, is the closest spot for swimming. |
| โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Air Kyrgyzstan is the main regional carrier. |
| โ๏ธ Top International Airline | Flydubai and Turkish Airlines connect to international destinations. |
| ๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | Karakol is accessible via the A365 highway, connecting to Bishek and surrounding areas. |
| ๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no direct train lines; local minibuses serve as the primary public transport. |
| ๐ Public Transport Passes | Minibuses operate on a cash basis; no passes available. |
| โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Minibuses connect Karakol to Bishkek and other nearby towns frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| ๐ฅ Best Hospital | Karakol City Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| ๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at the Studio of Movement. |
| ๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Fit & Slim offer basic facilities. |
| ๐งบ Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available along with services like 'Laundry Express'. |
Food and Drink
| ๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | Dostavista and 24h.in are popular for food delivery. |
| ๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak is a local dish you must try. |
| ๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Food Cafe offers a good selection of plant-based meals. |
| ๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Try the pastries at Cafe Gherdan for a sweet treat. |
| ๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Karakol Bazaar offer fresh products at low prices. |
| ๐ E-commerce/Online Store | OZON and other regional sites deliver goods to Karakol. |
| ๐ Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is limited, but some shops offer phone orders. |
| ๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | Explore the local nightlife at Naberezhnaya and Lantern Bar. |
| ๐ป Local Brewery | Karakol has local breweries offering tasting sessions. |
| ๐ท Wine Bars | Visit ะะธะฒะธ for a nice selection of wines. |
| ๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around the bazaar offer affordable local delicacies. |
| ๐ Popular International Cuisine | Sample Italian at Sorrento Restaurant for a change. |
Culture and Attractions
| ๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | Karakol's wooden Russian Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque are must-sees. |
| ๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | Check out the Karakol Historical Museum for local history. |
| ๐ฐ Historical Sites | Visit the nearby remnants of the ancient Silk Road. |
| ๐ Religious Sites | Dungan Mosque exemplifies unique architectural blend. |
| ๐ Annual Events | Horse games and Jyrgalan Mountain Festival attract tourists annually. |
| ๐จ Cultural Districts | The market area is lively and rich cultural experience. |
| ๐ญ Theater Venues | Karakol only has local theater performances, inquire locally for schedule. |
| ๐๏ธ Local Markets | Karakol Bazaar operates daily and showcases local products. |
| ๐ผ Music Scene | Some cafes host live music events occasionally. |
| ๐จ Street Art | Street murals are limited but can be found throughout the city. |
| ๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Some guesthouses offer local cooking classes. |
| ๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Local talents exhibit their works at pop-up events. |
| ๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | Visit the Karakol Boarding House, a remnant from the Tsarist era. |
| ๐ด Local Heritage | Karakol is rich in nomadic culture and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| ๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Altyn Arashan Valley offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. |
| ๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | Karakol National Park is just a short distance from the city. |
| ๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails around Lake Issyk-Kul for biking and walking. |
| ๐ Scenic Viewpoints | Issyk-Kul Lake viewpoints provide stunning backdrops. |
| ๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | Karakol Valley is a good spot for birdwatching. |
| ๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the lake allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| ๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Karakol. |
| ๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the center repair mobile phones and laptops. |
| ๐ Table Tennis Spots | Available at community centers like Sport Club. |
| ๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | English language classes can be found at the local center. |
| ๐ Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries are quiet and suitable for study. |
| ๐๏ธ Community Centers | Community hubs engage locals and expats for events. |
| ๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | Several cafes offer gaming areas with consoles. |
| ๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited; check local listings for betting options. |
Business
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = $28,000) |
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = $20,000) |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = $48,000) |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = $36,000) |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = $72,000) |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = $56,000) |
| ๐ผ Corporate Tax | 10% for businesses in Kyrgyzstan. |
| ๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applicable to distributions. |
| ๐ฆ Tax System | Flat income tax rate of 10% for individuals. |
| ๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| ๐งพ VAT | Standard Rate is 12% in Kyrgyzstan. |
| ๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Kyrgyzstan has CFC regulations. |
| ๐ Property Tax | Based on the property value, rates can vary. |
| ๐ Property Transaction Tax | Sales tax of 1-2% on property purchases. |