Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan 🇹🇲
#419
40.005316, 52.992883
Nomad Score:
43%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Turkmenbashi, also known as Krasnovodsk, is a port city located on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 70,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 5-10 Mbps, though some cafes and hotels may offer faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3.50 TMT (Turkmenistan Manat); ATMs are available but may not accept foreign cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz; Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Provider: Altyn Asyr; prepaid SIMs can be purchased at airports and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited options; MasterCard and Visa accepted at some hotels and larger establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals via local agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, and credit cards are not widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through local property agencies; prices around $30-50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Turkmenbashi offers budget stays starting at around $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are no dedicated coworking spaces; consider cafes like Cafe Helena for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Helena offers a relaxed atmosphere and decent internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking opportunities are limited; consider joining local expatriate groups on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check local groups on Facebook for meetups and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; no ride-sharing apps like Uber. Negotiate fares upfront. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; some hotels may offer bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is 5 minutes away by taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines primarily, with connections to the Middle East and Asia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road connections to Ashgabat and beyond are available. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Turkmenbashi Train Station offers routes inland. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate locally; no formal transit passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for travel to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Central Hospital allows for basic services, but facilities may be limited. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited specialty studios; check local community boards for classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Check out local hotel gyms or fitness clubs for workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at most hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; takeout from local restaurants is common. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plov (rice pilaf) is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are limited; however, salads and pilafs can be found. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer sweets; try Ashgabat Bakery. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars offer affordable food options and fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; local markets and shops are preferred. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is not widely available; physical shopping is preferred. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; some hotel bars offer evening entertainment. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local breweries are scarce; check out specialty drinks at restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine options available, but no dedicated wine bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Check out local vendors for basic snacks and light meals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants in town may offer some international dishes, predominantly Turkish. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Caspian Sea coastline is a beautiful sight; also visit the nearby Yangykala Canyon. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of the State History showcases Turkmen culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient fortress of Old Turkmenbashi. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Mosques in the area exemplify traditional architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals celebrate national holidays; check local listings. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center showcases local crafts and markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performance spaces; check for community events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bazaar Turkmenbashi offers an authentic shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music mainly includes traditional folk; check community events for live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local murals can be found in central areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional cooking workshops offered by locals; inquire at community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries exist; check for local artist exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional architecture is prevalent; notable buildings include the local mosque. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional crafts and cultural expressions represent Turkmen identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Yangykala Canyon, located about an hour out of town, is stunning. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kaplanbek Nature Reserve, accessible for hiking and exploration. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited; explore streets along the coastline for a scenic walk. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Caspian Sea viewpoints are perfect for sunsets. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Explore wetland areas nearby for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check with locals for designated fire areas along the coast. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices handle parcel deliveries; international service is limited. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited repair options; inquire locally for small electronics repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Ashgabat may offer online classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited libraries available; check local universities for study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host activities and gatherings; check listings for events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; most gaming occurs at home or in private settings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is limited; few establishments offer gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $44,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 2% for small businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax for resident companies. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Generally based on territorial income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10-20% depending on income level. |
| 🧾 VAT | No standard VAT; businesses issued “profit tax”. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Strict regulations governing taxation on foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | A small nominal tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No specific tax applied to property transfer. |