Shymkent, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#127
42.314696, 69.588328
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Shymkent is the third-largest city in Kazakhstan, known for its rich history and cultural diversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 1,000,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 470 KZT. Banks like Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank are popular for expats. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not generally considered drinkable. Use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2 offering affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is widely accepted, though cards can be used at most establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local rental services are common, with options ranging from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are becoming more popular, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies offer plenty of options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include 'Hostel Sunkar' with beds starting around $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Zheruyik Coworking is a well-rated space with good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Moka is popular among remote workers for its quiet ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events on Facebook and local expat groups to find networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Shymkent Expats' Facebook group to keep up with community events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi and Bolt are the most commonly used taxi apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops; however, scooter rental services are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Shardara, about 2 hours away, is the nearest beach-like area. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa offer international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Key highways include the M-39 leading to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Shymkent Railway Station offers intercity transit options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport passes are available but can vary in availability; single rides are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Shymkent to neighboring cities like Turkestan and Taraz. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Shymkent City Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga studio options include 'Mera Yoga' with classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers such as 'Empire Fitness' offer memberships starting at $20/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries and drop-off services are available in various neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Yandex.Eda are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak (boiled meat with pasta) is a traditional must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Veggie' offer vegan and vegetarian menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Zharma is famous for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Shymkent Bazaar is a great place for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops sell via platforms like OLX.kz for a variety of goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer delivery services, especially in larger neighborhoods. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars and nightlife can be found at locations like Zodiak Pub. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Shymkent Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bars are limited; however, some restaurants have a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Explore street food at Shymkent's bazaars for authentic local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias like 'Pizza 4U' serve popular international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Arbat, a pedestrian area, and the Shymkent Fortress are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of History of Shymkent is worth a visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Central Mosque of Shymkent is a significant cultural landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Shymkent City Day is celebrated every year in September with various festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the vibrant Altynshy area for local culture and activities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Shymkent Theater for Musical Comedy showcases performances regularly. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Zhanazhol Bazaar offers local crafts and products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues feature local music performances regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city has several murals and street art installations to explore. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available for traditional Kazakh dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Center for Modern Art showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Town area hosts several historic buildings to explore. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Shymkent is noted for its rich Silk Road history and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is a popular escape for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Kentau National Park is about an hour away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Parks like Mega Mall Park have paths suitable for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the hills surrounding the city for panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The areas around the Arys River are noted for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas along the edges of Shymkent offer bonfire spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services like Kazpost and DHL are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Repair shops for electronics are found across the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers offer spots for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Kazakh and Russian classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Shymkent Regional Library offers quiet spaces for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host various classes and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Online gaming lounges are emerging in urban areas. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Several gaming halls operate, with a few featuring casino gaming. |
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. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is approximately 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applicable to dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Kazakhstan has a simplified tax regime for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing the taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is 1%. |