Aktobe, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#129
,
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Aktobe is a bustling city located in western Kazakhstan, known for its industry and cultural diversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 440,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). 1 USD ≈ 460 KZT. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Kcell, Beeline, and Tele2. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank, which accept cards widely. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, hotels, and guesthouses, with prices ranging from $300 to $600 per month for rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted through cards and mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer many short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Dostyk Hostel' offer beds starting from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center is recommended for tourists due to its proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying in the Bolashak neighborhood for a quieter environment and good cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Fabrika is the most popular coworking space with good facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kosta Coffee offers a cozy atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are held at local cafes and community centers, often announced via social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join expat groups on Facebook for networking events and social activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is the most used ride-hailing app in Aktobe. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently, there are no widespread bike or scooter rental services in Aktobe. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Balqash is approximately 3 hours away by car, offering beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana operates regional flights from Aktobe. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is connected by the A1 highway, facilitating travel to Almaty and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Aktobe Railway Station serves as the central transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport does not require passes; buses accept cash or card payments. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are available for travel to nearby cities such as Astana and Karaganda. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Regional Hospital Aktobe is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio in Aktobe offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | SportCity and Fitness House are popular gym options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is a popular app for food delivery in Aktobe. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Beshbarmak', a traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat and pasta. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are limited; consider 'Veggie Cafe' for plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Home Bakery is known for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars like 'Aktobe Bazaar' offer affordable fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kaspitomarket.kz offers a range of products for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Fruits and vegetables can be delivered via Atameken service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars in the city center like 'Chill Out' offer a lively atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Aktobe Brewing Company offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Try 'Vin&Co' for a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the city center offer kebabs and pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Serendipity Restaurant serves a mix of local and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Aktobe Regional Museum is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The State Museum of Arts features local artworks and exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Abai Monument and the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Memorial are significant sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Central Mosque of Aktobe is one of the largest in Kazakhstan. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Aktobe City Day is celebrated in the summer with various festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center houses a variety of cultural institutions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Aktobe State Drama Theater showcases local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Altyn-Emel Bazaar is a vibrant market for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Explore jazz performances often hosted at local cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | There are various murals in the city center showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops are available through local cooking schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Ambassador Art Gallery features contemporary Kazakhstani art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Aktobe City Hall is an architectural landmark worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kazakh traditions are prominent in local events and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve is 2 hours away and offers stunning landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kalkaman National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paved paths along the embankment provide scenic walking and cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Aktobe River offers beautiful spots for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching opportunities exist at local reservoirs. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated spaces in park areas allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Kazakhstan Post provide reliable shipping options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like 'TechnoService' offer gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sport complexes in the city often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes in Kazakh and Russian. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library is a quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are available, particularly for esports enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are a few casinos in the city offering gaming experiences. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $51,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $39,000) |
| 🏡 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 | Corporate tax is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Kazakhstan has a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Kazakhstan has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is 2%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Kazakhstan has attracted digital nomads with lower taxes and simpler regulations. |