Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#126
51.12822, 71.430668
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana, is the capital city of Kazakhstan, renowned for its modern architecture and rapid urban development. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1,200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 30 Mbps; can reach up to 100 Mbps in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KZT ≈ 0.0021 USD; ATMs and banks are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2; purchase at airports and stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Services from banks like Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank; international cards accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels; prices vary from $20 to $100+ per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, but cash is still common in smaller businesses. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms offer flexible short-term accommodation options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel 'Hostel 20' offers dorms starting from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Technopark Astana - a large coworking and innovation center, offering high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Duarte Cafe - known for its cozy atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are held regularly at KAZGUU University and various business centers; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Expats in Nur-Sultan' Facebook group for updates on social gatherings and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go is the most popular app for ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through local services like 'Scooter Astana', offering hourly rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Algatuz beach at the shores of the Caspian Sea - approximately a 2-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana is the national carrier, offering flights to various Kazakh cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Astana, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Key highways include the A1 and A2 routes connecting to Almaty and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nur-Sultan Railway Station serves as the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly metro cards cost around 5,000 KZT ($10), covering all public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are available to cities like Almaty and Karaganda. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | National Research Center for Maternal and Child Health offers quality healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center 'Yogajam' provides various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | World Class Fitness provides modern gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Service 'Clean City' offers laundry services with pickup and delivery. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Glovo are popular for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak - a traditional Kazakh dish of boiled meat and noodles. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Vegan Bar' and 'Healthy Food' offer vegan-friendly meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery 'Pavlova' offers a variety of cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Eat Street offers a variety of budget food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kolesa.kz for various goods; Olx.kz for second-hand shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local services like 'Kaspi Grocery' offer convenient delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The 'Left Bank' area has several lively bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery 'Zheti Suyak' offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | 'Wine House' offers an extensive selection of wines to try. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Available in various markets, serving traditional Kazakh dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Chinese restaurants like 'Fellini' and 'Dimsum' are popular. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation are iconic sights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Kazakhstan showcases the country's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historical complex 'Khazret Sultan Mosque' and the 'Kazakh Eli Monument'. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Hazret Sultan Mosque is a key religious site for the nation. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Nauryz Meyrami (Spring Equinox) celebrated with festivals and community events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | 'Old Town' area features historical architecture and local markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kazakhstan Musical Theatre hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The 'Green Bazaar' is great for fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Clubs like 'Gorky' feature live music and local bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore areas near the 'Center of Modern Art' for vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at 'Kazakh Culinary School' offer a taste of local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | 'Kasteev State Museum of Arts' showcases contemporary Kazakh art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Nur-Astana Mosque and the Presidential Palace are notable structures. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural influences from various nomadic tribes are reflected throughout the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Khan Shatyr Park offers a unique blend of indoor and outdoor experiences in a massive tent structure. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Burabay National Park is about 30 km away, known for its scenic beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The scenic paths near the Yessil River are popular for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Bayterek Tower offers stunning panoramas of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The area around the Yessil River is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks allow for bonfires during the summer months. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like 'Kazpost' and DHL provide reliable parcel and shipping options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops like 'iFix' cater to various tech devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have tables available for play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools such as 'Bilin' offer classes for English and Kazakh. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a good study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | 'Astana Community Center' hosts various workshops and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local places like 'Neo Gaming' provide gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino 'Zodiac' offers various gaming options for visitors. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial taxation system for non-residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply to certain entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% of the property value during transaction. |