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Guide
Samarkand, Uzbekistan πΊπΏ
#444
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Samarkand is one of Uzbekistan's largest cities, known for its rich history as a key stop on the Silk Road. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 600,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speed is 30 Mbps |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 11,000 UZS. Local banks include Asia Alliance Bank and National Bank of Uzbekistan. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type C/F sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Available options include Ucell, Beeline, and Mobiuz. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted at major banks; ATMs available in the city. |
π Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses such as Samarkand Silk Road and Meros B&B. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Acceptable, but cash is preferred in many local stores. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Samarkand Hostels are popular for short stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Options like Hotel Kheivak and Samarkand Youth Hostel. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Registan Square area offers great access to major landmarks. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center for better internet and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Samarkand Co-Working Space located near the city center. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Muminov offers a quiet atmosphere with good internet. |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly 'Digital Nomads in Samarkand' meetups at various cafes. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Samarkand' are active and host regular events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go is widely used and reliable. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available at local shops near Registan. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; the nearest water body is Lake Aydar, about 60 km away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Uzbekistan Airways serves the region. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot serve international travelers. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Major roads connecting to Tashkent and Bukhara. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Samarkand Railway Station provides train services to several cities. |
π Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets are typically purchased on board and cost around 1,000 UZS. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Train services connect Samarkand to Tashkent and Bukhara. Buses are also available. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Samarkand Regional Hospital provides comprehensive services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes at the Sports Complex near the city center. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness facilities available at major hotels like Grand Samarkand. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found at most guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Uzum is the most popular local food delivery service. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Plov (Pilaf), a classic Uzbek rice dish, is a must-try. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Salad Bar and Limoncello offer vegetarian-friendly menus. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Muminov offers delicious local pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Marketplaces like Siab Bazaar for local produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Ozon.uz provides various products, mostly in Russian. |
π Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery; ask at major supermarkets. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars like Navoi offer a local atmosphere for mingling. |
π» Local Brewery | Tashkent Brewery produces some local beers available in Samarkand. |
π· Wine Bars | Wine from the Samarkand region is available at local taverns. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Registan sell fresh samsa (savory pastries). |
π Popular International Cuisine | KFC and Pizza Hut are available for fast food options. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda are essential sites. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Samarkand State Museum of History and Culture. |
π° Historical Sites | Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Ulugh Beg Observatory. |
π Religious Sites | Bibi-Khanym Mosque is not only historical but also spiritual. |
π Annual Events | Navruz (Spring Festival) is celebrated in March. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Old Town offers a glimpse into traditional life. |
π Theater Venues | Samarkand State Theatre hosts various performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Siab Bazaar is famous for spices and local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local musicians perform in cafes and theaters. |
π¨ Street Art | Public art installations can be found throughout city parks. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at local homes can be arranged via tour companies. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Uzbekistan State Museum of Arts highlights local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The intricate architecture of monuments highlights the region's history. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The rich Silk Road heritage is a key part of Samarkandβs culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Zarafshan Mountains provide opportunities for hiking. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Sirdarya State Reserve is about 100 km away. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the historic centers and parks are available. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Registan Square offers stunning views of the surrounding structures. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The banks of the Zarafshan River are good for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the Zarafshan River. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates in major cities including Samarkand. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops around the city center provide tech repair. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often include table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools offer Uzbek and Russian classes. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | National Library of Uzbekistan has study facilities. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Local cultural centers host various activities for expats. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes offer video gaming options. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are located mainly in Tashkent. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $40,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $32,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $72,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $60,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $72,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $60,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 10% for small businesses. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Resident individuals are taxed on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 22% for individuals. |
π§Ύ VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific regulations apply. |
π Property Tax | annual property tax is 1% of the property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | approximately 2% on property purchases. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax for digital nomads residing less than 183 days. |