Balkanabat, Turkmenistan 🇹🇲
#1848
39.511627, 54.353992
Nomad Score:
41%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Balkanabat is a city in Turkmenistan, known for its historical significance and natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Around 67,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 10 Mbps, though it can vary. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Turkmenistani Manat (TMT). 1 TMT ≈ 0.28 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Altyn Asyr and MTS, with prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and TransferWise are recommended for international transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to hotels like the Dayhan Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited. Cash is predominantly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term options like Airbnb are limited; local guesthouses are a better option. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget lodgings include the Osyan Prim hotel and local hostels. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no established coworking spaces in Balkanabat. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Retro is popular among locals, with quiet spots to work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking is limited; expat meetups are rare but can be organized in local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social gatherings are informal and might include local cultural events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use local taxis; Bolt is not available. Public transportation is also an option. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rental is rare; walking is more common for short distances. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Caspian Sea beaches are about 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines serves regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines, Qatar Airways operate flights to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via M37 highway connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Balkanabat has a railway station connected to Ashgabat. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No passes available; tickets are purchased per journey. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel by shared taxis (marshrutkas) is common for nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Balkanabat State Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited yoga centers; some community centers offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gym facilities exist, like the Sport Complex. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various hotels and local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major delivery apps; food delivery is typically done by local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Plov, a traditional rice dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; some local eateries offer vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Istochnik for local pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars like Gökdepe Bazaar offer fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited access to online shopping; local shops are more common. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is minimal; shopping is usually done in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; local cafes and tea houses are popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Balkanabat does not have a brewery; beer is typically imported. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few; wine is served in restaurants rather than dedicated bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Limited street food options; try local bakeries for snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and kebab places are available at several locations. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Balkanabat Mosque is a notable landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Natural History Museum showcases regional exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby ancient ruins at Old Balkan. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | A visit to local mosques is culturally significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals during Novruz in March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center hosts various cultural and historical sites. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited, occasional performances at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Gökdepe Bazaar for local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music is featured in cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art but some murals can be seen in the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Very few options; culinary workshops are rare. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries exist; local artisanal crafts are more common. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | A few Soviet-era buildings represent the city's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural heritage is infused with Turkmen traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kopet Dag mountains provide scenic views and hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Yangykala Canyon is a must-visit natural site nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited, mostly in parks; walking paths are common in city parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views of local mountains and sunset spots near the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Key wildlife areas near Yangykala Canyon. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | No designated areas; camping is not common. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal service exists but delivery times can vary. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; small shops can fix basic gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at some community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Few language schools exist; private tutoring is an option. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries are available but resources may be limited. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers offer cultural activities and local events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options for gaming; informal play in cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No established casinos in Balkanabat. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is around 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax is approximately 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations on foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax during property purchases is 3%. |