Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#126
,
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana, is the capital city of Kazakhstan, known for its modern architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 40 Mbps in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 460 KZT. Major banks include Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers: Kcell, Beeline, and Tele2. Prepaid SIMs are available at the airport. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard widely accepted. Cash is still common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, hotels, and platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban centers. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local rental agencies like HomeAway. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Almaty and Nest Hostel offer affordable rates. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, particularly near Baiterek Tower and Nurzhol Boulevard. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Left Bank area, close to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Chamber of Entrepreneurs has co-working facilities and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mokka offers a quiet environment and excellent coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized by local tech groups and expat communities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community events can be found on Facebook groups like 'Expats in Nur-Sultan'. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is widely used and reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rental services available near parks like the Central Park. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; however, the riverside parks are popular for relaxation and leisure. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana operates regional connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Astana and Lufthansa operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to major highways leading to other cities like Almaty. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nur-Sultan Railway Station is the central transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single ride tickets and monthly passes are available for buses and trams. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect to major cities; check platforms like KTZ for schedules. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | National Scientific Medical Center is a leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Life Studio offers various classes for wellness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness World and Arlan Fitness have excellent facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Yandex.Eats provide fast delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak, a traditional meat dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Thanks to percent and My Veggie serve tasty vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie D'Art offers a variety of exquisite desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Gorky Street hosts various small markets for local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kolesa.kz is a local marketplace for varied goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Small supermarkets like Magnum have delivery options through mobile apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Quay club and The Bar offer lively nightlife experiences. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Svetly Ruch has local beer that you can try. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Enjoy a selection of local wines at Winehouse. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local shashlik and pastries at street vendors near parks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants offer Italian, Chinese, and Indian dishes in the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Baiterek Tower and Nur-Astana Mosque are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Kazakhstan showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Ak Orda Presidential Palace is a notable historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Hazret Sultan Mosque is an architectural masterpiece. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Nauryz Meyrami celebrates the Kazakh New Year each March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center boasts art installations and cultural centers. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Kazakh State Academic Drama Theatre features local plays. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Nazarbayev Market offers a vibrant shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Several venues in the city showcase local and international music acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals around the city celebrating local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes in Astana offer hands-on experiences with local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Artpoint Gallery features contemporary Kazakh artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation stands as a landmark of modern architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Jawhar Attan symbolizes the mix of ancient and modern in Kazakh culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ile-Alatau National Park is a short drive and ideal for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Borovoe National Park offers stunning lake landscapes perfect for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The riverside walkways are popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The city offers stunning views from the top of the Baiterek Tower. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Astana Eco Park is a good spot for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Numerous parks allow for bonfires with permits; check local laws. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services provide reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair services are available in big shopping malls like Keruen. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have game facilities including table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | International House Astana offers Kazakh and Russian language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Library of the First President is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers provide classes and events for various interests. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers can visit venues like Cyber Game Zone. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Emerald City Casino offers various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 💼 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 | Yes, regulations apply for overseas companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% for property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on foreign income for individuals working remotely. |