Bukhara, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
#445
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bukhara is a historic city in Uzbekistan, known for its well-preserved Islamic architecture and ancient historic sites. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 280,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 12,000 UZS (Uzbek som); ATMs widely available but cash is king. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not potable; it's advisable to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Beeline, Ucell, and Mobiuz which offer prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted in major banks and hotels, but cash is preferred in most local businesses. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments available via Airbnb and local rental platforms. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is widely used, and card payments are often not accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local rental websites. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Shirin and Old Bukhara offer affordable options for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town area around the Ark Fortress is recommended for its proximity to historical sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area near Registan Square and the Bukhara State University offers a quiet atmosphere ideal for working. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bukhara started to develop coworking spaces such as Sitora Space, providing good facilities and internet access. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Tarona, known for its Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by expat groups on platforms like Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats in Bukhara are active and often host social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go is the most popular ride-hailing app in Bukhara. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at local shops, especially in tourist areas, with rentals around 20,000 UZS per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches close to Bukhara, as it's located inland. The nearest options are at the Amu Darya river, about 2 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Uzbekistan Airways is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Bukhara to Tashkent and Samarkand. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bukhara Railway Station connects to major cities in Uzbekistan. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | City buses operate frequently, passes vary in price (approx. 1,000 UZS per ride). |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses operate from Bukhara to other cities like Samarkand and Tashkent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Bukhara Medical Center provides various medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogis can find classes at local wellness centers, with a few spots near the Old Town. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms like Fitness Bukhara offer basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available in major hotels, and local laundry services cost around 10,000 UZS per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Dostavka offers food delivery from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plov, a traditional Uzbek rice dish, is a must-try, available at many local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are limited, but local restaurants offer vegetarian dishes upon request. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Muqaddas is known for its pastries and local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars like the Bukhara Bazaar are great for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | UZB online marketplaces like olx.uz offer goods for purchase. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available via local apps and shops. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Town has a few bars like Bukhara Lounge, but nightlife is limited. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There are no dedicated breweries; local beers can be found in restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine can be tasted at various restaurants; however, specific wine bars are uncommon. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell snacks like samsa (savory pastries) around the Old Town. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and grills serve international dishes alongside local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Ark Fortress, Bolo Haouz Mosque, and the Kalyan Minaret are essential sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bukhara Museum of Applied Arts showcases local art and craftsmanship. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historic sites include the ancient city and many madrassas in the Old Town. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Ismail Samani Mausoleum and the Kalyan Mosque are renowned religious sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Navruz celebrations in March highlight cultural traditions in Bukhara. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town is the cultural heart with its narrow streets and historic architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater performances can be found at various cultural centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bukhara's market is vibrant, focusing on traditional crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local musicians often perform in public spaces and during cultural events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | While limited, some local artists showcase their work in public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Traditional cooking classes are offered at some local cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries exist, displaying local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Remarkable historical buildings throughout the Old Town reflect the city's rich past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage site and holds great cultural significance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kyzylkum desert offers unique landscapes nearby for exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Amankutan Nature Park is a short drive from Bukhara, ideal for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths around historical sites provide a scenic experience. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Kalyan Minaret offers a great panoramic view of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The outskirts of Bukhara have spots for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Select areas outside the city near the river allow for evening gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are available for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide basic repair services for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports centers may have table tennis available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language centers offer classes for Uzbek and Russian. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries exist, although study spaces may be limited. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural community centers host events and classes for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming options are limited; the local cafes may offer some entertainment. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is generally not prevalent in Bukhara. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000 USD) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 900 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 36,000 USD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 90,000 USD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 72,000 USD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 144,000 USD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 120,000 USD) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Uzbekistan-source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% for individual income. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules exist but are more relaxed compared to many countries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is approximately 1% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 50% tax exemptions for certain investment-based activities. |