Taraz, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#1400
42.901594, 71.37693
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Taraz is an ancient city located in Kazakhstan, known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 350,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 470 KZT; major currencies accepted in some tourist areas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Kcell, Tele2, and Beeline; prepaid SIM cards are easy to obtain. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank are popular; international cards accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to local guesthouses; Airbnb availability is limited. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; credit cards accepted at larger businesses. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Local short-term rental options can be found on sites like Airbnb. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Chilka Hotel' offer affordable stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work_Zone Taraz, featuring a quiet atmosphere with decent amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 'Sultanm' is popular for freelancers, offering free Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups are organized through local expat groups on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Taraz' host regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is widely used in the city for reliable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | There are limited bike rentals; inquire locally for options. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; however, nearby Lake Aksu is a great spot for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana offers regional flights, connecting to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Astana and SCAT Airlines handle international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The M39 highway provides vital connections to Almaty and Shymkent. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Taraz Railway Station offers connections to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single-use tickets are available; monthly passes can be purchased at kiosks. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to larger cities like Almaty and Astana. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Regional Hospital Taraz is the main public healthcare center. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio 'Zhenis' offers classes for various skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center 'Fizkul'tura' provides modern gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are available throughout the city; 'Clean & Fresh' is recommended. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Yandex.Eats and local services like 'Foodpanda' provide diverse options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kazy, a traditional horsemeat sausage, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Zaman' offers vegetarian meals with local flavors. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Bakery Altyn' is known for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Taraz Central Market offers budget-friendly shopping for food and crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kazpost and other local delivery services provide online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online grocery shopping is limited but can be arranged through local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Central Taraz features various cafes and bar options for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Ratek Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | 'Wine House Taraz' features a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try plov from street vendors near Nauryz Meyrami Park. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | 'Trattoria Da Giovanni' serves Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Mausoleum of Aisha Bibi and the Taraz Regional Museum are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Regional Museum Taraz hosts various exhibitions and cultural artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Taraz, showcasing its rich history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Aysha Bibi Mausoleum is an important pilgrimage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Nauryz holiday celebrations are a highlight of the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Old Town of Taraz for a glimpse into traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Taraz State Drama Theater hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Taraz Central Market is perfect for local produce and handmade goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music venues feature traditional Kazakh performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals in central Taraz reflect the modern art scene. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at 'Kazakh Kitchen' provide insight into local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | 'Rukhaniyat' gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Mosque of Taraz is a famous architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Taraz's heritage is celebrated in its monuments and local traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Talas River offers beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Kungey Alatau National Park is about a 2-hour drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are paths around the city parks, ideal for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Koktobe Hill for fantastic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Taraz City Park attracts various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check local regulations; some parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Kazpost operates throughout the city for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops are available at 'TechnoMarkt' in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | 'Sport Complex Taraz' has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | 'Language School Taraz' provides Kazakh and Russian classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Taraz Regional Library is a quiet spot for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | 'Cultural Center Taraz' hosts various workshops and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes like 'Game Zone' offer entertainment and social gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The 'Altyn Casino' offers a mix of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $27,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $51,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable if certain conditions are met. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax applies based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% of purchase price, payable upon buying property. |