Irkutsk, Russia 🇷🇺
#1352
52.289122, 104.279829
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Irkutsk is a city in Siberia, Russia, located near Lake Baikal, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 RUB ≈ 0.012 USD, currency is the Russian Ruble (RUB). Banks like Sberbank and VTB operate widely. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not safe to drink; recommend bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MTS, Megafon, Beeline; prepaid SIMs available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa, Mastercard, and Mir cards accepted; banks often have English-speaking staff. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, local rental websites, and hostels like Zvezda Hostel are popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel St. Petersburg offers dorms for as low as 700 RUB per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Space 'Kovorking' features great facilities and Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 'Kram' is known for its quiet atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and tech events can be found on platforms like Meetup and Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join 'Irkutsk Expats' Facebook group for community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is widely used and reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rental available at 'Cyclo' shop near the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Listvyanka beach, located on Lake Baikal, is about 70 km from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Angara Airlines provides domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Aeroflot and S7 Airlines connect to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to A-331 highway connects Irkutsk with regional towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Irkutsk Railway Station offers services to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for public transport cost around 1300 RUB. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are available to nearby towns such as Listvyanka and Angarsk. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | City Clinical Hospital No. 1 provides a range of medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio 'Om' offers various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club 'Tonus' has multiple branches with modern facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromat 'Cinderella' is available in the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery Club offers a wide range of restaurant options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Buryat khinkal (steamed dumplings) are a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe 'Green Kitchen' offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastry shop 'Tortik' is famous for its range of cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market has fresh produce and local goods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Ozon.ru and Wildberries.ru are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery services like 'SberMarket' offer convenient grocery shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kirova Street hosts a variety of bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery 'Baikal' is known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar 'Vino' offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the Central Market serve traditional snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sushi House provides a variety of sushi and Japanese dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The 130th Quarter is a historic area showcasing wooden architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Irkutsk Regional Museum features exhibits on local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Decembrists' Museum highlights the history of Russian rebels. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of the Savior and the Cathedral of the Epiphany are notable landmarks. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Baikal Ice Marathon takes place in winter, attracting many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Kirov Street area has many cafes, galleries, and theaters. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Irkutsk Drama Theater holds performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market offers local crafts and food products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Jazz club 'Nemo' hosts regular live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found around Kirov Street, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary school 'BAIKAL’ offers cooking classes focused on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Gallery 'Baikal' showcases regional artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Irkutsk Regional Administration Building is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city reflects a blend of Russian and Buryat cultures, with strong historical ties to Lake Baikal. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Baikal offers hiking, fishing, and beautiful landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Baikal National Park is renowned for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along Angara River provide picturesque walking and cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Chersky Stone offers panoramic views of Lake Baikal. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birds can be spotted around the shores of Lake Baikal, especially in spring. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Permitted areas near Listvyanka along the lakeshore. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SDEK and Russian Post offer delivery services within the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Service centers like 'iCity' repair smartphones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis can be enjoyed at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language school 'Poliglot' offers Russian language classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Irkutsk Regional Library provides a quiet environment for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural Center 'Zvezda' hosts events and workshops regularly. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The gaming cafe 'Game House' provides a place for console gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino 'Shangri-La' offers gambling and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 150,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 6,000,000 RUB) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 100,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 4,000,000 RUB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 160,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 9,600,000 RUB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 110,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 6,600,000 RUB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 170,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 13,600,000 RUB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 120,000 RUB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 9,600,000 RUB) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 13% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the property’s cadastre value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No tax for non-residents; otherwise, 0.3%. |