Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#1290
49.956391, 82.6263
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ust-Kamenogorsk, often called Öskemen, is a city in eastern Kazakhstan known for its industry and beautiful natural surroundings. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 350,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 20-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KZT ≈ 0.0021 USD, local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | K-cell, Beeline, and Tele2 are popular mobile providers |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank accept foreign cards; ATMs are widely available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hotels and guesthouses; Airbnb is available with varying prices. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate agencies offer short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Fifty50' offer budget accommodations starting from 5,000 KZT per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | StartUp Space - a popular coworking venue with good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Zhar, known for its cozy atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups hosted by local tech groups; check Facebook for details. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook and Meetup.com organize monthly gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go and Bolt are the preferred ride-hailing apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental available at local shops, prices around 1,000 KZT per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches, but the nearby Irtysh River offers scenic spots. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana operates flights from Ust-Kamenogorsk to main cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Astana offers international flights from Almaty and Nur-Sultan. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connecting to Semey and Pavlodar. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ust-Kamenogorsk Train Station serves regional and intercity routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses available; passes can be bought at kiosks. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to nearby cities with regular schedules. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | City Hospital No. 1, provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Zone - offers classes for various levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club FitHouse offers memberships starting at 10,000 KZT per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at local facilities, around 1,000 KZT per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Yandex Eats are popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak - a traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat and pasta. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Altyn, offers limited vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Choco Room offers delightful cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | City Central Market for fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Wildberries and Ozon are popular online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Locally, some stores offer delivery services via their apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Karaoke clubs and local bars around the city center. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Ust-Kamenogorsk offers local beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Shalkar offers regional wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer snacks like samsa and kebabs, especially in the evening. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several bistros offer pizza, sushi, and European dishes around the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Ust-Kamenogorsk Memorial Complex and the local mosque are notable sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The East Kazakhstan Regional Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the abandoned factories around the city for industrial tourism. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of the Assumption is a beautiful historical church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kazakh national holidays feature local festivals in the spring. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the historical center for local arts and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Ust-Kamenogorsk State Theater presents various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Central Market for handicrafts and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live music events, especially in the summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti can be found in various locations, especially near the university. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes offer experiences in traditional Kazakh cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Ust-Kamenogorsk Art Gallery features works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Railway Station building is a historic site in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ust-Kamenogorsk has a rich history linked to various cultures in Kazakhstan. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Altai Mountains offer hiking and skiing opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Katon-Karagai National Park, famous for its stunning landscapes, is accessible. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several trails in the city and surrounding areas for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The banks of the Irtysh River provide beautiful views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The surrounding natural parks are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in local parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Kazpost and DHL are reliable options for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local IT shops offer repairs for personal devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools provide classes in Kazakh and Russian. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Regional Library is a quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community Center offers various local activities and cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | A few gaming cafes are available in the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Shanyrak offers gambling opportunities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 450,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 18,000,000 KZT) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 300,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 12,000,000 KZT) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 500,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 30,000,000 KZT) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 350,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 21,000,000 KZT) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 400,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 32,000,000 KZT) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 280,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 22,400,000 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, applies strictly to foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on local government property assessments. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 1% on property purchases. |