Bukhara, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
#445
40.229366, 63.547058
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bukhara is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 280,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 20 Mbps for mobile data; Wi-Fi in most cafes and hotels varies from 5 to 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Uzbek Som (UZS). 1 USD ≈ 10,800 UZS. ATMs are available, and major cards are accepted in larger establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz; Type C and F sockets used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers are Beeline, Ucell, and Perfectum Mobile. SIM cards available at airports and shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and TransferWise are commonly used for international banking; local banks such as Asaka Bank are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb rentals. Prices range from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but larger hotels and restaurants accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouse websites provide various options; average price is about $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Bukhara Hostel with dorm beds starting at $10. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sardor Co-Working Space offers reliable Wi-Fi and quiet work areas. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Zarafshan has a relaxed atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups and expat meetups; informal networking often happens in cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on social media organize regular gatherings, especially among the English-speaking community. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is widely used and reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available near the historical center; prices start from $2 per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bukhara is inland, but the nearest water body, the Aydar Lake, is approximately 250 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Uzbekistan Airways connects Bukhara with major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connect to Samarkand and Tashkent, well-maintained but may experience traffic. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bukhara Railway Station, with services to Tashkent and Samarkand. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses operate but are not common for expats; taxis are more practical. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services are frequent and affordable for intercity travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bukhara Regional Clinical Hospital is the main medical facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Various local gyms may offer yoga classes, although options are limited. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like Fitnes World provide workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Locally available laundromats and hotels often provide laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo operates in Bukhara for convenient food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plov (rice pilaf) is a must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited, but some restaurants offer vegetarian dishes; check Baliq or Budda Bar. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Guli offers traditional sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markets like Bukhara Bazaar for fresh local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | O'zbekistonda offers local products online, but international shipping is limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Available through local supermarkets, though less common than in larger cities. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Most nightlife is centered around local cafes and restaurants; Bukhara does not have a vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Limited options; local beers can be found in restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited availability; consider the local drinks in cafes. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for snacks like samsa (samosas) in local markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some pizzerias and cafes offer Italian and Russian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ark Fortress and Bolo Haouz Mosque are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bukhara Museum of History showcases the city's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic center of Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Kalyan Minaret and the Poi Kalon complex. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Silk and Spices Festival in May highlights local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town is rich in cultural landmarks and bazaars. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances occur in various historical venues; check listings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The historic trading domes are great for local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music performances can be found at local cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited, but traditional artistic elements can be seen in the architecture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes offered by local chefs can help you learn traditional Uzbek cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries showcase local artists, mostly around the Old Town. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Architecture from the Timurid period can be found throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bukhara represents a major cultural crossroads of various Central Asian civilizations. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Buzgun Mountains offer beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Zarafshan National Park is a few hours away, accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Main pedestrian areas in the Old Town are great for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Panoramic views are available from the Ark Fortress. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is possible in surrounding areas, especially near water bodies. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas outside the city for nature lovers. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post offices offer shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics stores provide basic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some recreational centers may have table tennis setups. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer language courses for Uzbek and Russian. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bukhara State University has libraries open to the public. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various cultural community centers host workshops and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; few gaming spots found in cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not widely practiced or available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $12,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $250 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $15,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $16,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 12% for small businesses, 15% for large businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Unified tax system for entrepreneurs based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 22% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, within local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property valuation; relatively low rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Not applicable for properties under concurrent ownership. |