Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 🇹🇲
#418
37.940464, 58.382348
Nomad Score:
44%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ashgabat is the capital city of Turkmenistan, known for its white marble buildings and significant monuments. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1 million residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 6-15 Mbps, primarily through mobile networks. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 9.30 TMT (Turkmen Manat). ATMs are limited but some allow international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Altyn Asyr and Gorkut. SIM cards are available at the airport and local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited options for expats; best to use international banking apps like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels and short-term rentals. Airbnb is available but limited. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is preferred and widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available. Prices range from $20 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited, but guesthouses start at about $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Space Coworking - Provides good internet and a collaborative atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 7/24 - Offers decent Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited; try local Facebook groups for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cultural events organized by the expat community, often shared via social media. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is widely used and reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is not common; rentals are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Caspian Sea beaches are about 4 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines serves regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect to other cities; the M37 highway is significant. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ashgabat Railway Station connects to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses have a nominal fee, but passes are not common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect to nearby cities like Mary and Balkanabat. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | State Hospital of Ashgabat - The primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness Centre of Ashgabat offers yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like 'Sportivny' have modern equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available in hotels and some laundromats across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Turkmen Food Delivery - Limited choices available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Plov, a traditional rice dish served in many local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; Vegetarian cafe 'Myshtak' offers some plant-based choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dasha Bakes - Local bakery known for pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Grocery stores like Magtymguly's are affordable. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping is limited; international shipping is generally slow. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Available through local stores, but limited options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Café Duygun is popular for a night out. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Turkmenbashi Brewery produces local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local offerings are limited but available in select restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell common snacks like Samsa; check around Ashgabat's main parks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Turkish and Russian cuisines are well-represented; restaurants like Taksim are recommended. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Arch of Neutrality and the National Museum of Turkmenistan are must-visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | State Museum of the State Cultural Center showcases Turkmen art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Bibi-Hanym Mosque and other significant religious sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Melon Festival and other cultural celebrations throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic Old Town area for local culture and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Turkmen Drama Theatre offers regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Tolkuchka Bazaar is a vibrant local market worth visiting. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music events often feature traditional Turkmen performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited, but urban artworks can occasionally be found in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are hosted at local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery of the Union of Artists displays local works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The National Museum is a stunning example of Ashgabat architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural traditions are celebrated and maintained in various community events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kopet Dag mountains are ideal for hiking and exploring. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kopet Dag Nature Reserve is accessible for outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited pathways, but parks are great for walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Monument of Independence is excellent. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Wetlands near the Caspian Sea offer birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas in local parks. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Check local electronic markets for repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Turkmen and Russian courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Gorky State Library is the main public library. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various venues host cultural events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited availability; check local internet cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Few casinos exist, with the Ashgabat Casino being one of the few options. |
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. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Flat tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; goods are taxed at the point of sale. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific rules for CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes apply based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% on property transactions. |