Khiva, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
#446
41.377689, 60.362
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Khiva is a historic city in Uzbekistan, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 15 Mbps for mobile data, 10 Mbps for broadband. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 10,200 UZS. Several banks like Asaka Bank and National Bank are available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Uzmobile and Beeline are popular providers; prepaid SIM cards can be bought at the airport and local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted at a limited number of ATMs and larger establishments. Cash is commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include homestays, guesthouses, and hotels, with prices ranging from $15 per night in guesthouses to over $100 in hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is more commonly used, especially in small establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb have some listings for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Khiva's hostels, such as the Hotel Bakhrom and Meros B&B, offer budget-friendly prices starting around $10-$15. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | There are limited coworking spaces; try local cafes with good Wi-Fi for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Zarafshan offers a quiet atmosphere and decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups can be found on social media; no regular events exist. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join Facebook groups like 'Expats in Uzbekistan' for informal meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is popular for getting around Khiva. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; renting bicycles is available at some guesthouses. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach; however, the Amu Darya River is accessible for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Uzbekistan Airways offers flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa are good options for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is connected by M37 highway to major cities like Urgench. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Khiva has a railway station with services to major cities, but it's limited. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; public transport mainly consists of shared taxis and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and marshrutkas frequently connect Khiva with nearby towns like Urgench. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Khiva Central Hospital offers basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options available; try finding local groups via social media. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local hotels may have basic fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several local laundries are available; prices are reasonable. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local delivery services are limited; better to dine-in at local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plov (rice pilaf) is a must-try dish in Khiva. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Choices are limited; vegetarian meals are often available in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try local sweets at the Khiva Bazaar. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Khiva Bazaar offer various goods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Regional e-commerce platforms like Ozon can be useful. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options for grocery delivery; better to shop in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; local cafes and restaurants offer a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | There is no local brewery; imported beers are available in bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wineries are more common outside the city; local wine available in some restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found around the market area, offering local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few international options; some restaurants serve pizza and pasta. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Ichan Kala, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the main attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Khiva Museum showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Kalta Minor minaret and the Kunya-Ark fortress are essential visits. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Djuma Mosque, known for its unique wooden columns. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Silk and Spices Festival is celebrated annually in the fall. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Ichan Kala is the cultural heart of Khiva, filled with historical architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances can sometimes be attended in outdoor settings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Khiva Bazaar offers traditional crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional Uzbek music can be experienced during local celebrations. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is limited; historical sites dominate the landscape. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes focused on local cuisine can be arranged through some guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited art galleries; local artisans showcase their work at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Khiva boasts many historic buildings, including palaces and mosques. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Khiva is renowned for its unique blend of Persian and Central Asian cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kyzylkum Desert is nearby, offering opportunities for exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks but beautiful landscapes are found in the neighboring regions. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited formal pathways; walking is popular around the old city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The city walls offer great views of the surrounding area. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Amu Darya River banks may attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some local rules may restrict fires; check with locals. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Khiva. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; major issues may require travel to larger cities. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports centers may have facilities; check clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some local universities offer language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; local cafes may offer quieter spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local mosques and cultural centers often host community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; gaming is often done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not prevalent in Khiva. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is around 12%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically 10% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates apply to individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is around 22%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally, around 2% for property transactions. |