Khiva, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
#446
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Khiva is a historic city in Uzbekistan, known for its well-preserved architecture, particularly its ancient madrasahs and mosques. |
| 👥 Population | About 50,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 11,000 UZS (Uzbekistani Som), cash is preferred but international cards are accepted in certain places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type C and F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers such as Ucell and Beeline offer SIM cards with reasonable data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Global cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants; local banks include Asaka Bank and National Bank of Uzbekistan. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to boutique hotels, with prices starting at $10 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; many places only accept cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular, with rates starting around $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Khiva offers dormitory beds starting at $10. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Ichan Kala, the walled old town, is the most central and vibrant area for visitors. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Ko’kaldosh Street offers various guesthouses and small apartments suitable for long-term stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are limited coworking spaces, but the Khiva Business Center offers venues for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Termez provides a quiet atmosphere with Wi-Fi and local delicacies. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups can be found via social media and community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community groups on Facebook often organize cultural exchanges and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is widely used for local rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops in the Ichan Kala area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest large body of water is the Aral Sea, although it is several hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Uzbekistan Airways connects Khiva with major cities within Uzbekistan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot operate flights from Khiva to several international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A-380 highway connects Khiva to major cities and regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Khiva Railway Station offers connections to Tashkent and Samarkand. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly through buses and shared taxis; passes are not common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and marshrutkas (minivans) connect Khiva with nearby cities for affordable travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Khiva City Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness centers are limited; some hotels offer basic fitness facilities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms are available; personal trainers can often be found in larger hotels. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several guesthouses offer laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local apps like Glovo and Yandex.Eda serve Khiva. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plov is the quintessential dish of Uzbekistan, often served in local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Makhallya is known for its vegetarian-friendly options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer traditional sweets like chak-chak and baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local bazaar is great for budget-friendly grocery shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Oson offers online grocery shopping services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets may offer delivery services, but options are limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Khiva is quiet at night, but visitors can find local tea houses and some small bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery options are limited, with local beers available in restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine from the Samarkand region can be found in many restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell kebabs and samsa in various locations. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Milo's Restaurants serve a mix of international and local dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Ark Fortress and the Kalta Minor Minaret are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The History Museum of Khiva offers insights into the city's past. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Palace of Tash Khauli is a must-visit historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Juma Mosque features unique wooden pillars and a peaceful ambiance. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Silk and Spices Festival showcases local crafts and foods each September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Ichan Kala is the primary cultural district filled with markets and historical sites. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The local cultural hall occasionally hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Ichan Kala bazaar is a vibrant market for local goods and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music shows can be found at various local venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art is mostly traditional; local crafts can be found in the markets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at local guesthouses teaching traditional Uzbek cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; craft markets showcase local artisans. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Tash Khauli Palace is noted for its architectural beauty. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Khiva is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kyzylkum Desert offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Kyzylkum Desert National Park is accessible for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited due to the city layout; walking around Ichan Kala is recommended. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Rooftop views from hotels in Ichan Kala offer great panoramas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The area around the Amu Darya River is known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated campgrounds in the Kyzylkum Desert are available. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL offers delivery services; local post office available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; recommended to seek repairs in larger cities. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have recreational tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools available for Uzbek and Russian language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; public libraries exist but may not have extensive resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers often host community and art events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No specific gaming lounges; expatriates may gather in cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legal in Uzbekistan. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $18,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Advantages for foreign residents, but there are specific reporting requirements. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 22% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules do exist for taxation of foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is applicable based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 2% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific incentives for digital nomads, regular business taxes apply. |