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Irkutsk, Russia π·πΊ
#1352
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Irkutsk is the administrative center of Irkutsk Oblast and a key point on the Trans-Siberian Railway. |
| π₯ Population | Approximately 600,000. |
| π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 Russian Ruble (RUB) β 0.013 USD; Major banks include Sberbank and VTB Bank. |
| π° Tap Water | Tap water is generally NOT drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets. |
| πΆ SIM Card | Providers include MegaFon, MTS, and Beeline with prepaid options available. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but avoiding cash can be tricky in some areas. |
| π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local hostels, and hotels. Prices start from RUB 1,500 per night. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still commonly used in smaller establishments. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental websites like Π‘ΡΡΠΎΡΠ½ΠΎ.ΡΡ are popular for short-term stays. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Da Vinci Hostel offer dorm beds starting from RUB 500. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, especially around Karl Marx Street. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around Baikal Lake for its tranquility and co-working options. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Belka Coworking, offers desk space and meeting rooms. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Goryachaya to offers good Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere for working. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Look for events on Meetup.com or local social media groups for expats. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | International Community of Irkutsk hosts regular meetups. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is the most popular ride-hailing service in Irkutsk. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options but check local shops renting bicycles. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Listvyanka Beach on Baikal Lake is about an hour away. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Irkutsk Airlines operates regional flights, especially to Ulaanbaatar. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Aeroflot and S7 Airlines connect to major cities. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | The Trans-Siberian Highway offers direct access to major nearby cities. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Irkutsk Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes can be purchased for RUB 1,500. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses connect to nearby cities like Angarsk and Bratsk. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Irkutsk City Hospital No. 1 is the primary healthcare facility. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Gaya Yoga offers multiple classes for various skill levels. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness House gym has a range of equipment and classes. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Clean & Go offers laundromat services across the city. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Samokat and Yandex.Eda are popular choices. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Buryat cuisine including Buryatskie Pirogi (dough stuffed with meat). |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Cafe (Cafe V) serves a variety of vegan dishes. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | CafΓ© Pyshechnaya offers delicious pastries and donuts. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Irkutsk Central Market for fresh produce and local snacks. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | Ozon.ru and Wildberries are popular for online shopping. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Delivery services available via Samokat and Ozon. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center around Karl Marx street has various bars and clubs. |
| π» Local Brewery | Baikal Brewery is well-known for its local craft beers. |
| π· Wine Bars | Vinotera offers a nice selection of wines from around the world. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Various food stalls are found at the Central Market. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Pasta Bar serves a variety of Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Irkutsk Regional Museum and the Decembrists' Museum. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Irkutsk Fine Arts Museum has an impressive collection. |
| π° Historical Sites | The Church of the Savior and the Znamensky Monastery. |
| π Religious Sites | The Kazan Church is notable for its architecture. |
| π Annual Events | Baikal Ice Marathon is held every April. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | Kirov Street is known for its vibrant culture and venues. |
| π Theater Venues | Irkutsk Drama Theater provides regular performances. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | The Central Market provides a glimpse into local life. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Check out local pubs for live music events. |
| π¨ Street Art | Street art is emerging in various neighborhoods; look for murals around Kirov Street. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cook with Baikal offers classes focused on traditional Siberian cuisine. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | City Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The 130th Quarter features historic buildings and architecture. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | Irkutsk is known for its rich Siberian heritage, especially linked to Lake Baikal. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Baikal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers stunning views. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Pribaikalsky National Park with hiking and nature trails. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The path along the Angara River is popular for walking and cycling. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | See the view from the Chersky Stone for breathtaking vistas of Lake Baikal. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Baikal Nature Reserve is great for birdwatching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check out designated camping areas along the shores of Lake Baikal. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Delivery services available through SDEK and Boxberry. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | MobiFix offers phone and laptop repair services. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | English language centers are available throughout the city. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | The Irkutsk Regional Library is a quiet place for studying. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | Local cultural centers host events and activities for expats. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Check out Gaming Zone for gaming and eSports. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | There are limited options; the Grand Casino is the most notable. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 60,000 RUB per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 2,400,000 RUB) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 50,000 RUB per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 2,000,000 RUB) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 65,000 RUB per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 3,900,000 RUB) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 55,000 RUB per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 3,300,000 RUB) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 70,000 RUB per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 5,600,000 RUB) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 60,000 RUB per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 4,800,000 RUB) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 20% |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| π¦ Tax System | Income tax is usually a flat rate of 13%. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is generally 13%. |
| π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules in place for foreign entities. |
| π Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property valuation. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 2%. |
| π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | With the right residency status, digital nomads can benefit from various exemptions. |