Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan 🇹🇲
#419
,
Nomad Score:
41%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Turkmenbashi is a coastal city located on the Caspian Sea, known for its port and oil industry. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 20 Mbps, but can vary significantly. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 TMT (Turkmen Manat) ≈ 0.29 USD; Cash is preferred, and ATMs can be limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include TMCELL and Altyn Asyr, providing 3G services mainly. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards may not be widely accepted. Look for local banks that facilitate wire transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and serviced apartments. Airbnb may be limited. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Not very cashless friendly. Cash is the primary mode of transaction. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, but options may be limited. Local guesthouses are a viable alternative. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Guesthouse options like Hotel Zaman offer competitive pricing. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central areas near the Caspian Sea are preferred for their scenic views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center, closer to cafes and basic amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces; however, public libraries and cafes can serve as workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café 2007 offers a quiet atmosphere with coffee and snacks. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups are organized occasionally; check local social media groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Social gatherings, including language exchange meetups, can be found via local Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, use regular taxi services or ask for hotel recommendations. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking paths are limited; walking is more common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | A Nasimi Beach located within the city offers easy access for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkmenistan Airlines for major international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well connected to Ashgabat and other major cities via the M37 highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main train station is located in the city center. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are available, but passes are not commonly used. Pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to Ashgabat, Mary, and other regional cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The State Hospital of Turkmenbashi provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited wellness centers. Consider nearby gyms for fitness options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center at the Rodina Hotel provides gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are offered at most hotels, and local laundromats are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local delivery services might be limited; some restaurants may offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plov, a traditional dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited options; local markets often provide fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café 2007 offers traditional sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars such as Tolkuchka Bazaar offer budget shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited local e-commerce options; international sites are accessible. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer delivery, but the options are limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; hotels typically have bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Craft beer options are rare but can be found at select restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few options exist, primarily in larger hotels. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available near markets, offering kebabs and pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some eateries offer Turkish and Iranian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Caspian Sea coastline and the Turkmenbashi statue are notable landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Local Lore offers insights into regional culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient city of Merv is a short trip away and a UNESCO site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Turkmenbashi Mosque is a key religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Carpet Day is celebrated annually in October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Central Turkmenbashi offers a glimpse of local architecture and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | State Drama Theater hosts performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Tolkuchka Bazaar is a vibrant local market well worth a visit. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local performances and events can be found during cultural festivities. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is minimal, as the city focuses on traditional aesthetics. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Limited offerings; small local groups may host cooking sessions. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art galleries are limited; some local exhibitions can be found. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several Soviet-era buildings retain historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Turkmen culture is rich in traditions, especially surrounding carpets and hospitality. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Caspian Sea offers opportunities for relaxation and fishing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Köroğl National Park is nearby, showcasing local flora and fauna. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal walking paths are available, although infrastructure is minimal. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views of the Caspian Sea from the port area provide beautiful photography opportunities. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Caspian Sea coastal areas attract migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Campsites on the beach allow bonfire setups in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops can handle basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally have tables for recreational use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Turkmen and Russian language lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | National Library is a quiet place for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various cultural centers host events and community gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options exist; most gaming is done at home or in cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Currently, there are no casinos in Turkmenbashi. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rate is approximately 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Currently, there is a 0% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on local income; foreign income may not be taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate is around 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is around 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Currently no strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Minimal property tax applies based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A standard rate of 2% applies to property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No taxes on earnings made outside Turkmenistan make it appealing. |