Samarkand, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
#444
40.430577, 67.964713
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Samarkand is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, known for its stunning Islamic architecture and historical significance on the Silk Road. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 20-30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 11,000 UZS; Major banks include National Bank of Uzbekistan, Open Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not Drinkable; recommended to purchase bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Uzmobile, Beeline, and Ucell offer good prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted in many places; ATMs available in the city. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and Airbnb, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; cash is still widely used, but cards are increasingly accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies are available with prices starting at $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Mekhtar Ambar offers dormitory beds starting at $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sun Coworking - a popular space for digital nomads with good Wi-Fi and an inspiring atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Zarafshan offers free Wi-Fi and a cozy environment for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are informal; check local Facebook groups for expatriate events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups often arrange informal gatherings, check platforms like InterNations. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go is popular for ride-hailing in Samarkand. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented at local shops; no prominent scooter service is available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | There are no beaches in Samarkand; the nearest coast is around 600 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Uzbekistan Airways for domestic travel. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Uzbekistan Airways, Turkish Airlines for international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via A-377 road leading to Tashkent and other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Samarkand Railway Station connects to major cities like Tashkent and Bukhara. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; buses and marshrutkas accept cash. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for travel to neighboring cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Samarkand Regional Hospital - the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Samarkand offers classes for locals and expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms like Fit City provide workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries are limited; check hotels for laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is popular for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plov - traditional Uzbek rice dish with meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafes such as Green Street offer vegan choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Bukhara serves a selection of traditional sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Price boutiques for fresh fruits and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Ozon.uz for online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets may offer delivery; check local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Central Park area has several bars and cafes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Samarkand Brewery, known for local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar Kazan offers local and international selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors throughout the city offer kebabs and pastries. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Chinese restaurants are popular; check out Bella Italia. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Samarkand Museum of History offers insights into the region. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ulugh Beg Observatory is a must-visit historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Jame Mosque offers beautiful architecture and serenity. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Shakhrisabz Annual Festival celebrates cultural heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Registan area is rich in cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Samarkand Drama Theatre hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Siab Bazaar for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live traditional music performances are common in local cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Artisan street murals can be found near Registan. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops offered through local tourism offices. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries featuring Uzbek artists are present around the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Shah-i-Zinda complex is known for its tomb architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Samarqand is historically significant as a cultural center of the Silk Road. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Zarafshan Mountains are a short drive away for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tamgali Nature Reserve is accessible for outdoor activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails around Registan Square and through local parks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from the hilltop above the Shah-i-Zinda complex are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Great birdwatching near the outskirts towards the mountains. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas in the nearby mountains. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office services available; DHL also operates. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer tech repair; check listings online. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs and community centers provide ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools near Registan offer Uzbek and Russian classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Samarkand Regional Library is suitable for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural community centers offer various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; check cafes with gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is restricted; few spots available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 12% for local businesses |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% applicable |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation for locals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Calculated based on property market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate around 2% on property purchases. |