Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 🇹🇲
#418
,
Nomad Score:
39%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, characterized by its modern architecture and expansive green spaces. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.1 million inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 10-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3.50 TMT (Turkmenistan Manat). Banking options are limited, primarily state-run banks. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Altyn Asyr and MTS; prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted, but ATM access may be limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and limited Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless payments; cash is often preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb has a few listings; expect higher prices for central locations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Turkmenistan offers budget stays starting at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center (Bitarap Avenue) is recommended for access to major attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The areas around Gypjak and the Arch of Neutrality offer longer-term options with dining nearby. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces; cafes may serve as flexible workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Vatan offers a quiet atmosphere with free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited formal networking opportunities; local expat groups on social media can be useful. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Turkmenistan: Expat Community on Facebook organizes informal meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi operates in Ashgabat for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability for bike sharing; public transportation is more common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Caspian Sea beaches are approximately 3 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines provides flights to major international cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Ashgabat is connected by the Aşkabat-Turkmenabat highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main train station is located in the city center with connections to other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes can be purchased at kiosks; costs are low. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are available to nearby cities, but schedules may vary. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | State Hospital of Ashgabat is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kopetdag Wellness Center offers yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Olympic Sport Complex has fitness facilities; prices vary. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at several hotels; expect higher costs for quick service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants often take phone orders. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Plov', a traditional rice dish popular in the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Быт generally has vegetarian options, but choices are limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Konditer is known for local pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Gypjak Bazaar offer affordable dining and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping is limited; best to shop in person. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is not widely available; self-service is common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; a few bars like Michael's Pub exist. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kopetdag Brewery produces locally favored beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; some hotels serve imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer kebabs and pastries in various locations. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local pizzerias and Asian restaurants are popular among expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Neutrality Monument and the Arch of Neutrality are must-see landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Turkmenistan exhibits the country’s history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Gypjak Mosque is a prominent site in Ashgabat. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Day of the Constitution is celebrated on May 18 each year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center features various cultural venues and public spaces. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The State Musical Theater offers performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Altyn Asyr Bazaar sells a mix of produce and traditional items. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Limited music venues; local festivals promote traditional music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; public squares often feature state-sponsored installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cultural centers may offer cooking classes; inquire locally. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The State Gallery showcases Turkmen artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Architectural highlights include Independence Monument and the National Museum. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Turkmen culture is deeply rooted in hospitality and tradition. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kopet Dag mountains provide hiking and panoramic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kov Ata National Park is known for its thermal springs, about a 3-hour drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paved paths along the main boulevards are available for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of the Neutrality Monument offers a panoramic view of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Murgap River area is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas may exist in parks; confirm with local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city center offer phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes, including Russian and Turkmen. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library offers reading and study facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Turkmenistan State Youth Organization hosts various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited; most gaming is done privately at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited gambling opportunities; mostly found in major hotels. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation; worldwide income is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules governing tax on foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% tax applies during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Potentially favorable environment for digital nomads with no special taxation benefits. |