Karaganda, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#128
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Karaganda is the fourth largest city in Kazakhstan, known for its industrial background and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 500,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps, with options for fiber connection. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 450 KZT (Kazakhstani Tenge), 1 USD ≈ 410 KZT. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable, it's recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/K sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Kcell and Beeline, with reasonable prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted widely. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments available on Airbnb, local real estate websites like Krisha.kz. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments and cards accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is a popular choice for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel MZ and Kamila Hostel offer budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, near Abai Park and the Karaganda Regional Museum. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Pavlodar Street is popular for its access to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Space Karaganda offers flexible workspaces and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee House is highly recommended for a work-friendly atmosphere and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events on platforms like Meetup or Facebook Groups focused on expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Karaganda Expats community on Facebook for social meetups and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi and Uber operate locally for quick rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Public bikes can be rented in the city center during warmer months. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shyshkin Lake, approximately 100 km away, is a popular summer getaway. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana is the main carrier serving regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa operate flights to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected to the A1 highway for travel to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Karaganda Railway Station connects to larger cities including Almaty and Nur-Sultan. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus cards are available for about 2,000 KZT. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses frequently connect Karaganda with other cities like Pavlodar and Ekibastuz. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Karaganda Regional Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Karaganda provides classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House is a popular gym with a variety of equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available at several locations in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Yandex.Eda provide food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak - traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat and pasta. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Vostok offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Shokoladnitsa provides a delightful array of desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market for fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kolesa.kz and Olx.kz for various goods and services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | GreenMart offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Karaoke Bar Atmosfera is popular among locals for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Karaganda Brewery produces local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar & Shop offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for vendors selling Samsa (savory pastries) near parks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sushi House and Italian Pizzeria are highly rated. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Karaganda Necropolis and the Palace of Culture named after Lenin. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Karaganda Regional Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The site of the Karlag labor camps is an important historical monument. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Karaganda hosts the International Jazz Festival every April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Karaganda is the cultural heart of the city. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Abay Cultural Center offers various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Local markets like Baiterek Market offer traditional crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various local bars host live music events regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found around the city center, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn Kazakh cuisine at local workshops offered by culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Contemporary Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Karaganda's Train Station is an architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city has a rich mining heritage reflective in local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Karaganda is close to the Kazakh Steppe, providing beautiful landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Karkaraly National Park is a stunning location for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Karaganda River provide scenic routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Panoramic views can be enjoyed from the hills surrounding the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lakes in the nearby areas attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas around Shyshkin Lake allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Kazpost and DHL provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city center offer electronic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables set up for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Darina Language School offers classes for English and Russian. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Karaganda Regional Library provides study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Youth Center offers cultural activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Paradise offers a fun place to play video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Galaxy Casino offers table games and slot machines. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $30,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $22,500). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 1% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax benefits specifically for digital nomads. |