Semey, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#1399
,
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Semey, previously known as Semipalatinsk, is a city located in northeastern Kazakhstan along the Irtysh River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 250,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT); 1 USD ≈ 465 KZT. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Kazakhtelecom, Kcell, and Altel offer good coverage and prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular among expats are Forex Bank and Halyk Bank, which accept various payment methods. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments for rent on platforms like OLX.kz and Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local classifieds like Krisha.kz provide short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel 'Khan' offers budget stays starting at 3,000 KZT per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center around Abai Street provides easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Residential areas like Gorny or Pakhtakar can offer long-term rentals and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-working Space 'Pavilion' is popular among freelancers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | 'Coffee Time' is known for its ambiance and Wi-Fi suitable for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups are organized through Facebook groups like 'Expat Life in Semey'. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups can be found regularly in local coffee shops and parks. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is widely used and reliable for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops, but due to weather, this may be seasonal. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Borovoe is approximately a 2-hour drive and is a popular recreational spot. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana services regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Astana and SCAT Airlines offer international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the A3 highway connecting to Almaty and Ust-Kamenogorsk. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Semey Railway Station is the primary transport hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single-ride tickets available; monthly passes are not commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Semey to major cities like Almaty and Shymkent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | City Hospital No. 1 is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'Yoga Life' provides various yoga classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 'Fitness Club Bison' offers gym facilities and fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | 'Clean & Press' provides laundry services at affordable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | 'Glovo' is a popular app for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | 'Beshbarmak' is a traditional dish made with boiled meat and noodles. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Green Life' offers a selection of vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Cafe Sweet' is known for delightful pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Semey Food Market offer fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Wildberries and Aliexpress are common online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local services such as 'Rakuten Delivery' can deliver groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The central area around Abai Street has several bars and cafes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | 'Semey Brewery' offers local crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | 'Vino Vino' is a known spot for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the plov from local street vendors, a popular street food dish. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | 'Pizza House' offers various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Semey Museum of History and Ethnography is a cultural highlight. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Saken Seifullin Museum showcases local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Borodulikha burial mound is an archaeological site to visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of St. George reflects the city's architectural heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The 'Semey Fair' is a popular event held every June attracting visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center serves as the cultural heart of Semey with various events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Regional Drama Theater offers various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Central Market is bustling with local vendors and products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check local venues for folk music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found in urban areas, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | 'Kazakh Cuisine Classes' offer hands-on cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | 'Art Studio 8' displays local artwork. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Semey Fortress is a significant historical site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local architecture reflects a blend of Kazakh and Russian influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Irtysh River and surrounding parks offer plenty of outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Kokshetau National Park is a few hours drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Irtysh River are popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Various spots along the river provide beautiful sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in nearby wetlands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the outskirts allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services such as CDEK and DHL operate in Semey. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer tech repair, such as 'TechnoMaster'. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like 'Lingua' offer classes in English and Kazakh. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library provides a quiet space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural community events are frequently held at 'Dostyk' Community Center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | 'Game Zone' offers a space for gamers to meet and play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Semey Casino provides gaming opportunities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 500,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 15,000,000 KZT). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 350,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 10,500,000 KZT). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 450,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 27,000,000 KZT). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 300,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 18,000,000 KZT). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 400,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 32,000,000 KZT). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 250,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 20,000,000 KZT). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents pay on a worldwide income basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulation exists. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% to 2% of the property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads currently. |