Semey, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#1399
50.406737, 80.250282
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Semey, formerly known as Semipalatinsk, is a city in northeastern Kazakhstan located along the Irtysh River, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 270,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 30-50 Mbps, suitable for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KZT ≈ 0.0021 USD; banks such as Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank are prevalent. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is advisable to purchase bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2, with plans starting around 1,500 KZT for 10 GB. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, with services such as Kaspi Bank being popular among locals. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, Airbnb, and hotels such as the Hotel Shakarim. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, with prices ranging from 15,000 KZT to 30,000 KZT per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Hostel Zharaskan offer beds for around 2,500 KZT per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Space 'Zharas' offers reliable internet and comfortable work environments. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Shop 'Daska' is known for its good coffee and quiet atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are held at the Semey Chamber of Commerce for local entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Semey Expats group on Facebook for community events and local gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is widely used and reliable within the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently, there are no widespread bike or scooter rental services available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Buiraty is popular for day trips and is about 30 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana is the main carrier operating regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Astana and Qatar Airways provide international connections from Semey. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A2 highway connects Semey to major cities like Almaty. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Semey Railway Station serves as the main transit hub with connections to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are available, with a one-way fare costing around 100 KZT. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Semey to nearby cities like Pavlodar and Ust-Kamenogorsk. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Semey City Hospital is the primary healthcare facility for residents. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are held at Wellness Club 'Zharas' in the city center. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center 'Tansholpan' features modern equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat 'Clean City' offers laundry services at affordable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is popular for food delivery in Semey. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Beshbarmak, a traditional Kazakh dish made from boiled meat and noodles. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Vegan KZ offer plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café 'Sweet Heaven' is well-known for its cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like 'Moskva' offer fresh produce and local delicacies at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Wildberries.kz provides a variety of shopping options online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local services like 'Aika' can deliver groceries to your doorstep. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Gorkogo Street has several bars and cafes for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Semey Brewery offers locally brewed beer tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are limited wine bars, but some restaurants offer Kazakh wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell shashlik (skewered meat) and other snacks around the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Forte' serve Italian and Asian cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Abai Kunanbayev Museum and Semey's historical monuments. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Semey Regional Museum offers insights into local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The 'Kyzyl Zhar' archaeological site is a significant historic location. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Ascension is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The 'Day of the City' celebration attracts locals and guests every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area features a variety of theaters and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Semey State Drama Theater hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Central Market is a hub for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars sometimes host live music events, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals and street art in alleyways off Gorkogo Street. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focusing on Kazakh cuisine are available at local cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The M.Seifullin Museum of Fine Arts displays local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old train station illustrates the city's historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Kazakh yurts can be found in some parks as cultural landmarks. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Irtysh River offers scenic views and walking paths. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Katon-Karagay National Park is about 120 km away, known for its stunning landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The banks of the Irtysh provide suitable paths for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points along the Irtysh River are great for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nature around Lake Buiraty is perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some designated areas near Lake Buiraty allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services such as Kazpost are available for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like 'Tech Repair Semey' can assist with electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have facilities for table tennis enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Semey offer Russian and Kazakh language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Semey City Library is a quiet place for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community Center 'Amanat' hosts cultural events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are a few internet cafes where gaming is popular among locals. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino 'Azart' is located in the city for those interested in gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 60,000,000 KZT) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000,000 KZT) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 120,000,000 KZT) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,600,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 96,000,000 KZT) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 144,000,000 KZT) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,400,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 112,000,000 KZT) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Calculated based on the property’s value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate. |