Osh, Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
#674
40.530361, 72.791009
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Osh is the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, known for its vibrant bazaars and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 300,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 20 Mbps, though some cafes and coworking spaces may offer better. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 84 KGS. Numerous banks and ATMs available across the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Beeline, MegaCom, and O!. Prepaid SIMs are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted in most places; consider using local banks like DemirBank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and local apartments. Airbnb and Booking.com are also popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is preferred, but some places now accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Baza offers dormitory beds starting from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Osh Tech Hub offers good facilities for remote work, with prices around $5 per day. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Sultan Cafe is a popular spot with free Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local meetups on social platforms like Facebook or at Osh Tech Hub. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Osh Expats' Facebook group for community events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is the most popular and reliable app in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options, but bike rentals can be found at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Sary-Chelek, approximately 2 hours away, is a lovely lakeside destination. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Manas and Kyrgyzstan Airlines operate flights to Bishkek. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines offers the most international connections to Osh. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected via the A372 highway, providing access to Bishkek and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Osh Railway Station serves as the city's main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are inexpensive at around 10 KGS; passes are not common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Marshrutkas (minibuses) are available for nearby city travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Osh Regional Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Osh offers classes, with prices around $5 per session. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Ulan is popular, with single visit fees around 200 KGS. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are scarce; look for local laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo provides food delivery services from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak is a traditional dish to taste. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan-friendly cafes like Green Cafe offer plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Aigul is known for its local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Osh Bazaar is a great place for budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is limited; try local platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; grocery stores usually require in-person shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Check out the bars along Lenin Street for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Aral is popular among locals. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine options are limited; check local markets for selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is abundant around Osh Bazaar. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Beshbarmak serve cuisines from around the world. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sulaiman-Too Mountain and the Osh Bazaar are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Osh Historical Museum showcases the local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient city of Osh, one of Central Asia's oldest cities. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Osh Mosque is a prominent site in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Osh International Caravanserai Festival highlights local culture each summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local bazaars for a taste of everyday life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Osh State Musical Drama Theatre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Osh Bazaar is a huge market providing local goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes often feature live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some walls in the city display colorful murals and arts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes, mainly focusing on traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few art galleries exist; check local cultural centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many houses in the old part of the city reflect historic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Osh's diverse heritage reflects its position as a trade hub throughout history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve offers scenic nature views and trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Alay Valley National Park is a few hours away and offers trekking options. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Talgat Park has paths suitable for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sulaiman-Too offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Osh has several parks that attract diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Camping sites around Sary-Chelek allow for bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Kyrgyz Post are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and laptop repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes in Russian, Kyrgyz, and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Osh State University Library is a good study location. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host various community programs and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges are present; check local cafes for gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling facilities are limited; inquire locally. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $16,000) |
| 🏠 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 | 10% in Kyrgyzstan. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rates rise up to 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are not strictly enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are minimal. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% on property transfers. |