Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
#1290
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ust-Kamenogorsk, a city in eastern Kazakhstan, known for its rich mining history and beautiful landscapes along the Irtysh River. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 350,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 30 Mbps, with some providers offering up to 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KZT ≈ 0.0021 USD. Major banks include Halyk Bank and Kazkommertsbank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; it's recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Kcell, Beeline, and Tele2. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard are accepted widely in urban areas. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel 'Golden Eagle' offers dorm beds for about 2,500 KZT per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Ust-Kamenogorsk near the Irtysh River promenade. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center provides good internet access and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-working Space 'StartUP' offers reliable internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 'Atelier' provides a cozy atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups for entrepreneurs at the 'Innovation Center'. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook group 'Expats in Ust-Kamenogorsk' organizes various gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go operates efficiently for local transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through 'Velosiped' rental shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Zaisan, approximately 70 km away, offers beach access. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Astana connects major cities within Kazakhstan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines for international flights from Ust-Kamenogorsk. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via A2 highway leading to major hubs. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ust-Kamenogorsk Railway Station connects to Almaty and Nur-Sultan. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single ride tickets available for city buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Ust-Kamenogorsk with surrounding cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Regional Hospital No. 1 offers general health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio 'Balance' provides classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club 'Olimp' features modern equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry service available at 'Laundry Plus' downtown. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda and Glovo operate with various restaurant options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Beshbarmak - a traditional meat and noodle dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe 'Green Plate' offers a range of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie 'Tortik' is famous for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local market 'Central Bazaar' for fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Kaspi.kz for shopping various goods online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery services via local grocery stores are available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zhastar Park area offers a few trendy bars and pubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Ust-Kamenogorsk Brewery provides local beers for tasting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Cellar 'Kharisma' features international selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls near the Central Market offer local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restauran 'Milan' serves Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cathedral of the Holy Assumption and Irtysh River Promenade. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The East Kazakhstan Museum of Local History has informative exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Mosque is a significant historical monument. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Holy Resurrection Cathedral is an important spiritual landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Irtysh River Festival occurs every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | 'Old Town' retains historical architecture and charm. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The State Drama Theater hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Try the 'Central Bazaar' for a true local experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various local cafes host live music nights regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals at 'Youth Square' for urban art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes are available at the local cultural center. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 'Khan' showcases works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit 'The House of Cherepanov' for historical insight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Kazakh culture is represented through festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Zaisan Lake offers stunning natural scenery and recreation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Katon-Karagay National Park is a 200 km trip accessible for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paved paths along the Irtysh River offer scenic cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the 'Kamenogorsk Height' for panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Explore around Lake Zaisan for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Camping areas near Zaisan Lake permit bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Kazpost operates for local and international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Service Center 'Digital Life' repairs electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sport complex offers recreational table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various schools offer Kazakh and Russian language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Kazakhstan in Ust-Kamenogorsk is great for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural Center 'Astana' hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | 'Gamer's Lounge' popular among local youth for gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino 'Altyn' offers gaming options for visitors. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 90,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 3,600,000 KZT) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 60,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,400,000 KZT) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 85,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 5,100,000 KZT) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 55,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,300,000 KZT) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 80,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 6,400,000 KZT) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 50,000 KZT per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 4,000,000 KZT) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Kazakh tax system based on residence and income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to Kazakh residents with foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property location and size. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for foreign residents. |