Osh, Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
#674
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Osh is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, known as the 'Gateway to the Fergana Valley.' It has a rich history and is famous for its diverse culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average connectivity around 10-20 Mbps, with options for higher speeds in certain areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KGS ≈ 0.012 USD. Local currency is Kyrgyz Som (KGS). ATMs are available, but credit card acceptance is limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type F plugs commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Beeline, O! and MegaCom offer various prepaid plans. SIM cards available at the airport and shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted in some places, but cash transactions are preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short-term rentals. Expect prices from $10 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is commonly used and it's recommended to carry local currency. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local Facebook groups often list available apartments. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Sulaiman Too' offer beds from $5-$10 a night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center near Ala-Too Square is ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Neighborhoods around the central bazaar provide vibrant local life and access to amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Osh Tech Hub is recommended for remote work with reliable internet and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | 'Coffee Lounge' offers good coffee and decent Wi-Fi for working nomads. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups organized by local expats can be found through Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Osh Expat Community Facebook group hosts regular events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Taxi operates here offering affordable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | 'Osh Bike' offers rental services for exploring the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; however, Lake Sary-Chelek is about 3 hours away for swimming and relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Manas connects Osh to Bishkek and other regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines offers flights from Osh to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Key roads connect Osh to Bishkek and the Fergana Valley. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus station in Osh connects to regional towns and cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; bus fares are generally very low, around 15 KGS. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available to nearby cities and villages. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Osh Regional Hospital offers basic medical care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'Elysium Yoga Studio' offers classes for relaxation and fitness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 'FitPlus' is a popular gym with various equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at numerous local establishments, starting from 200 KGS per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo delivers food from various restaurants across the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Plov,' a traditional rice dish, widely available in local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Green Corner' offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Dastan Cafe' has a good selection of local sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Osh Bazaar is a great place for affordable local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Osh has limited online shopping options; major retailers use local delivery services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local markets offer grocery delivery services, but options are limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Explore the area around the city center for small bars and restaurants with nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | 'Bishkek Brewery' produces local brews available in stores and bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine options are limited, but local restaurants may offer selections of Kyrgyz wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors selling 'Samsa' and 'Beshbarmak' can be found throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Sofia' offer Italian and fast food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sulaiman-Too Mountain and the Osh Bazaar are must-visit landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Osh Regional Museum offers a glimpse into the city's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient minaret of Babur and the nearby mausoleums. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Osh has several mosques and religious sites, with the main mosque located near the center. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Osh Festival celebrates local culture and traditions every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the neighborhoods around the bazaar for authentic local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The State Opera and Ballet Theater is the main venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Osh Bazaar is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Central Asia. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music venues offer traditional music and dance performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some neighborhoods have murals that celebrate local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available through community centers for hands-on experience. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Explore local art at 'Suyun Art Gallery' promoting Kyrgyz artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Mosque of Koshoy Kelech for historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Osh carries a rich blend of Kyrgyz and Uzbek cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Alay Valley is famous for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Padyshat National Park is an accessible area for nature lovers, about 2 hours from Osh. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling routes along the river offer scenic views of the landscape. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts near Sulaiman-Too Mountain offer panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Chatyr-Kul, a few hours away, is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the Alay Valley allow for bonfires and camping. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers international shipping services from Osh. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide repair services for smartphones and computers, mainly in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis available for locals and expats. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language institutes offer classes in Russian and Kyrgyz for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Osh State University Library is a quiet place to study with internet access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers organize various events open to expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | A few internet cafes cater to gamers in the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not prominently featured, but local venues may have gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $44,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% for limited liability companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax on dividends is generally around 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system applicable to residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Earners over 2 million KGS face a maximum rate of 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited regulations regarding foreign-owned companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Fixed annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 1% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Up to 0% tax on foreign income for non-resident digital nomads. |