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Ashgabat, Turkmenistan πΉπ²
#418
,
Nomad Score:
42%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, characterized by its modern architecture and expansive green spaces. |
| π₯ Population | Approximately 1.1 million inhabitants. |
| π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 10-20 Mbps. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 3.50 TMT (Turkmenistan Manat). Banking options are limited, primarily state-run banks. |
| π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| π Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type C/E sockets. |
| πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Altyn Asyr and MTS; prepaid options available. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted, but ATM access may be limited. |
| π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and limited Airbnb listings. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless payments; cash is often preferred. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb has a few listings; expect higher prices for central locations. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Turkmenistan offers budget stays starting at $15 per night. |
| ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center (Bitarap Avenue) is recommended for access to major attractions. |
| ποΈ 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
| π’ Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces; cafes may serve as flexible workspaces. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Vatan offers a quiet atmosphere with free Wi-Fi. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Limited formal networking opportunities; local expat groups on social media can be useful. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Turkmenistan: Expat Community on Facebook organizes informal meetups. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi operates in Ashgabat for ride-hailing. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability for bike sharing; public transportation is more common. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | The Caspian Sea beaches are approximately 3 hours away. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines serves regional routes. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines provides flights to major international cities. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Ashgabat is connected by the AΕkabat-Turkmenabat highway. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | The main train station is located in the city center with connections to other cities. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Bus passes can be purchased at kiosks; costs are low. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and trains are available to nearby cities, but schedules may vary. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | State Hospital of Ashgabat is the main healthcare facility. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kopetdag Wellness Center offers yoga classes. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Olympic Sport Complex has fitness facilities; prices vary. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services available at several hotels; expect higher costs for quick service. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants often take phone orders. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Plov', a traditional rice dish popular in the region. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe ΠΡΡ generally has vegetarian options, but choices are limited. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Konditer is known for local pastries and sweets. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Gypjak Bazaar offer affordable dining and local products. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping is limited; best to shop in person. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is not widely available; self-service is common. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; a few bars like Michael's Pub exist. |
| π» Local Brewery | Kopetdag Brewery produces locally favored beers. |
| π· Wine Bars | Limited; some hotels serve imported wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer kebabs and pastries in various locations. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Local pizzerias and Asian restaurants are popular among expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Neutrality Monument and the Arch of Neutrality are must-see landmarks. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Turkmenistan exhibits the countryβs history and culture. |
| π° Historical Sites | Old Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nearby. |
| π Religious Sites | The Gypjak Mosque is a prominent site in Ashgabat. |
| π Annual Events | The Day of the Constitution is celebrated on May 18 each year. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | The city center features various cultural venues and public spaces. |
| π Theater Venues | The State Musical Theater offers performances throughout the year. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | The Altyn Asyr Bazaar sells a mix of produce and traditional items. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Limited music venues; local festivals promote traditional music. |
| π¨ Street Art | Limited street art; public squares often feature state-sponsored installations. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Local cultural centers may offer cooking classes; inquire locally. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | The State Gallery showcases Turkmen artists. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Architectural highlights include Independence Monument and the National Museum. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | Turkmen culture is deeply rooted in hospitality and tradition. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Kopet Dag mountains provide hiking and panoramic views. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Kov Ata National Park is known for its thermal springs, about a 3-hour drive. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paved paths along the main boulevards are available for walking and cycling. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | The top of the Neutrality Monument offers a panoramic view of the city. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Murgap River area is known for its diverse bird species. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas may exist in parks; confirm with local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in the city. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city center offer phone and laptop repairs. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis available for public use. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools offer classes, including Russian and Turkmen. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library offers reading and study facilities. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | The Turkmenistan State Youth Organization hosts various activities. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Very limited; most gaming is done privately at home. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited gambling opportunities; mostly found in major hotels. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $60,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $48,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $108,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $90,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $160,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $144,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 10% standard corporate tax rate. |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends. |
| π¦ Tax System | Residence-based taxation; worldwide income is taxed. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| π§Ύ VAT | 10% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules governing tax on foreign entities. |
| π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | 1% tax applies during property purchases. |
| π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Potentially favorable environment for digital nomads with no special taxation benefits. |