Taraz, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#1400
,
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Taraz, formerly known as Jambyl, is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan, known for its rich history and cultural significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 350,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for fiber available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). 1 USD ≈ 465 KZT. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and Type F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Kcell, Tele2, and Beeline, with competitive data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted; local banks include Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Housing options range from hotels to guesthouses and local rentals via websites like OLX Kazakhstan. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in many places, but it's wise to carry some cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local agencies offer short-term rentals in the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Free Hostel Taraz offer affordable lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town area is recommended for its proximity to historical sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center has good cafes and coworking spaces conducive for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Taraz is a popular space for freelancers and remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Almaty is known for its good internet and comfortable working environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat communities organize regular meetups; check platforms like Meetup for events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various Facebook groups exist, like 'Expats in Kazakhstan,' for connecting and organizing social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go is the most popular ride-hailing service in Taraz. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at various locations, but bike lanes are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Balkhash is approximately 300 km away, a few hours' drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana operates flights connecting Taraz to major cities within Kazakhstan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa have flights to Taraz. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The M-39 highway connects Taraz with other major cities in Kazakhstan. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Taraz Railway Station is the main transit hub for rail travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport tickets are generally affordable, around 100 KZT per journey. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains provide efficient connections to nearby cities like Almaty and Shymkent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Central City Hospital (Қалалық клиникалық ауруханасы) is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studios such as Yoga Taraz offer classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Altyn (Фитнес центр Алтын) is a popular spot for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available, as well as laundry services at hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is favored for food delivery services in Taraz. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak, a traditional dish made with boiled meat and pasta, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like VeggieWay offer appealing plant-based menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Miras serves fantastic local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Green Bazaar is a good spot for budget shopping and fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kazakhstan's version of Amazon is Wildberries, offering a wide variety of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Chocofamily deliver groceries right to your doorstep. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center features several bars and cafes for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Taraz has several local breweries, with Taraz Beer being popular. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine cellar 'Sauvignon' offers local and international wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls near the Central Market serve delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Pizza House serve a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Mausoleum of Aisha Bibi and the Babaji Khatun Mausoleum are key historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Taraz Regional Museum showcases the city's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient ruins of Taraz offer insights into its historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The central mosque is a notable architectural highlight in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Taraz City Day celebrations occur every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town features a variety of cultural landmarks and eateries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Taraz State Theater hosts performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market is a vibrant place for shopping and local culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found at cafes around the city, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Urban art can be seen in various neighborhoods, particularly in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available to learn about Kazakh cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Taraz has a few local art galleries showcasing regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Synagogue of Taraz is an outstanding relic of the city's multicultural history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Taraz's rich history is highlighted by its various architectural styles from different eras. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Sharyn Canyon, a couple of hours’ drive away, offers stunning natural scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is the nearest national park, about 200 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paved pathways around parks in Taraz provide safe cycling and walking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills around Taraz provide great views of the city and surrounding landscape. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Areas around Lake Karakol are known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks may have designated areas for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Kazpost and DHL operate within Taraz for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city center offer smartphone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Taraz offer Kazakh and Russian language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library is a quiet place to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers often host events and activities for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Video gaming lounges are available, catering to local youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are a few small casinos in Taraz offering various games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 150,000 KZT per m²; a 40 m² studio costs about 6,000,000 KZT. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 100,000 KZT per m²; a 40 m² studio costs about 4,000,000 KZT. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 140,000 KZT per m²; a 60 m² apartment costs about 8,400,000 KZT. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 90,000 KZT per m²; a 60 m² apartment costs about 5,400,000 KZT. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 130,000 KZT per m²; an 80 m² apartment costs about 10,400,000 KZT. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 85,000 KZT per m²; an 80 m² apartment costs about 6,800,000 KZT. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Kazakhstan has a progressive personal income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules are in place for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the property's cadastral value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The tax applied during property purchases is 1%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Kazakhstan does not tax income earned abroad, making it favorable for digital nomads. |