Shymkent, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#127
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Shymkent is the third-largest city in Kazakhstan, known for its rich cultural heritage and history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). 1 USD ≈ 460 KZT. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Beeline, Kcell, and Tele2. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank; international services like Revolut are accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Green House' offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center near Abay Park is recommended for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around the main square and several coworking spaces are ideal for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sky Hub Coworking is popular among remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 'Dodo' offers a comfortable atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Shymkent Expat Community hosts regular events and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi and Uber operate in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services like 'Shymkent Bike' are available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Aksu is about an hour away and is a popular local retreat. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Air Astana offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Key highways connecting Shymkent include the M-32 and M-39. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Shymkent Railway Station is the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single ride tickets are available; no monthly passes currently. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Shymkent to Almaty and other regions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Shymkent City Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'ANNA Yoga' is a popular yoga studio. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 'World Class Shymkent' offers modern fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | 'Clean & Fresh' offers laundry services around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Zoo and Glovo are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Beshbarmak', a traditional Kazakh dish made with meat and noodles. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Raduga' offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Bon Bakery' is famous for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Khan-Shatyr market offers budget food shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kaspi.kz is the leading online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Get groceries delivered through 'SberMarket'. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Central Park has a variety of bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | 'Asu Brewery' produces popular local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | 'Vinoteka' is a nice place for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | 'Buran' offers traditional street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | 'Pizzasurf' offers great pizza options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Shymkent Zoo and the historical complex 'Kyzylku'. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Regional Museum of History is a must-visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Pay a visit to the ancient ruins of Otrar. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The 'Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum' is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | International Jazz Festival takes place every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the old town for a glimpse of local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Shymkent State Philarmony hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Shymkent Bazaar is perfect for shopping and locals. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local events and concerts happen regularly at venues like the 'Cultural Center'. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals around the city for culture and art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | 'Kazakh Culinary School' offers traditional cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | 'Shymkent Art Gallery' showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the historic mosques around the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Shymkent is known for its hospitality and diverse culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Aksu Canyon is a short trip from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sharyn Canyon National Park is accessible for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the Central Park are popular for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the top of Taraz offers stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Sayram-Ugam National Park is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated campsites in the nearby mountains allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services handle deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | 'Tech Service' provides device repairs in the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers offer tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like 'Lingua' offer Kazakh and Russian classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | 'Shymkent Central Library' is a quiet study area. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | 'Civic Center' hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | 'Game Zone' has gaming setups for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | 'Shymkent Gambling Center' is the main casino in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €450 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €18,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €42,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €33,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €52,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €40,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Kazakhstan applies a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on local rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 2% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Little-to-no taxes on digital income for foreigners. |