Balkanabat, Turkmenistan 🇹🇲
#1848
,
Nomad Score:
40%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Balkanabat is a city in southwestern Turkmenistan, serving as a regional hub in the Balkan Region. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 90,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10-20 Mbps, with increasing availability of mobile data. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Turkmen manat (TMT). 1 USD ≈ 3.50 TMT. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Altyn Asyr and MTS. SIM cards are available at local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard are accepted at some banks and ATMs, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses and hotels, with Airbnb also available in some areas. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash transactions are more common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and other vacation rentals may be found, though availability is limited. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouses typically range from $10 to $30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Balkanabat is recommended for easy access to local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider residential areas near working cafes for a more local experience. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, coworking spaces are scarce; consider cafes or hotels with Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Konevi is popular among locals and offers decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking events are limited; look for local meetups on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats can provide information about casual meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, but no rideshare apps like Uber function widely. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited rental options; biking requires caution due to traffic conditions. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Caspian Sea beaches are about a 3-hour drive from Balkanabat. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines services regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines is the primary option for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect to Ashgabat and other significant cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Balkanabat Railway Station connects to larger cities in Turkmenistan. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is primarily buses, and fare is usually paid in cash. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available for intercity travel, with limited schedules. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Balkanabat State Hospital for general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Very limited; local gyms may offer some fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Balkanabat has a few small gyms with basic equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, prices around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery apps are limited; try local restaurants that may offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Plov', a traditional rice dish with meat and vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; local markets may provide fresh vegetables. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries serve various sweets, including 'Baklava'. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars and markets offer fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options are limited; consider international shipping for goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Minimal delivery services; local supermarkets are accessible. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; local cafes and restaurants may have evening gatherings. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Balkanabat doesn’t have famous breweries, but local drinks are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few wine-specific venues; local wines are served in many restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer snacks like 'Samsa', a meat-filled pastry. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local restaurants mainly serve Turkmen cuisine with few international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Explore the Balkanabat Mausoleum and the local national park. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local galleries, small but worth visiting for cultural insights. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby ancient ruins and historical monuments are notable. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Mosques such as the Balkanabat Mosque are important cultural sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals celebrate Turkmen traditions but not widely advertised. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Central areas host local markets showcasing crafts and food. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performing arts venues for local productions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Markets are rich in culture where locals sell handmade goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local events may feature traditional Turkmen music occasionally. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Not prevalent; culture is more reflected in traditional means. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited options; local expatriates may offer informal classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few art galleries exist, mostly showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Interesting architecture can be found in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich in Turkmen culture, particularly in craftwork and community life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kopet Dag mountains provide excellent hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Köpetdag Nature Reserve is a few hours away, perfect for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited, but some roads are suitable for biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Explore gas craters like the Darvaza, albeit a bit far from the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is best near the riverbanks. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near outskirts of town for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops may assist but more comprehensive services in Ashgabat. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; local community centers may have tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options, but some informal classes may be available through expat groups. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries offer study spaces, though with limited resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community gatherings often happen at local mosques or cultural centers. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited; gaming is mostly done in private spaces. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is generally not prevalent in Turkmenistan. |
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. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is set at 0%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax basis; income derived from Turkmenistan taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules but implementation is variable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is usually based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is approximately 2% on real estate transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Low taxation incentives may exist for income earned outside Turkmenistan. |