Samarkand, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
#444
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Samarkand is one of Uzbekistan's largest cities, known for its rich history as a key stop on the Silk Road. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 600,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is 30 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 11,000 UZS. Local banks include Asia Alliance Bank and National Bank of Uzbekistan. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available options include Ucell, Beeline, and Mobiuz. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted at major banks; ATMs available in the city. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses such as Samarkand Silk Road and Meros B&B. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Acceptable, but cash is preferred in many local stores. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Samarkand Hostels are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like Hotel Kheivak and Samarkand Youth Hostel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Registan Square area offers great access to major landmarks. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center for better internet and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Samarkand Co-Working Space located near the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Muminov offers a quiet atmosphere with good internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly 'Digital Nomads in Samarkand' meetups at various cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Samarkand' are active and host regular events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go is widely used and reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals available at local shops near Registan. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches; the nearest water body is Lake Aydar, about 60 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Uzbekistan Airways serves the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot serve international travelers. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connecting to Tashkent and Bukhara. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Samarkand Railway Station provides train services to several cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets are typically purchased on board and cost around 1,000 UZS. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services connect Samarkand to Tashkent and Bukhara. Buses are also available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Samarkand Regional Hospital provides comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes at the Sports Complex near the city center. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness facilities available at major hotels like Grand Samarkand. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services can be found at most guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uzum is the most popular local food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Plov (Pilaf), a classic Uzbek rice dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Salad Bar and Limoncello offer vegetarian-friendly menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Muminov offers delicious local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Marketplaces like Siab Bazaar for local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Ozon.uz provides various products, mostly in Russian. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery; ask at major supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars like Navoi offer a local atmosphere for mingling. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Tashkent Brewery produces some local beers available in Samarkand. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine from the Samarkand region is available at local taverns. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Registan sell fresh samsa (savory pastries). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | KFC and Pizza Hut are available for fast food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda are essential sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Samarkand State Museum of History and Culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Ulugh Beg Observatory. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Bibi-Khanym Mosque is not only historical but also spiritual. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Navruz (Spring Festival) is celebrated in March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town offers a glimpse into traditional life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Samarkand State Theatre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Siab Bazaar is famous for spices and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local musicians perform in cafes and theaters. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public art installations can be found throughout city parks. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at local homes can be arranged via tour companies. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Uzbekistan State Museum of Arts highlights local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The intricate architecture of monuments highlights the region's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The rich Silk Road heritage is a key part of Samarkand’s culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Zarafshan Mountains provide opportunities for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sirdarya State Reserve is about 100 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the historic centers and parks are available. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Registan Square offers stunning views of the surrounding structures. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The banks of the Zarafshan River are good for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the Zarafshan River. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates in major cities including Samarkand. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops around the city center provide tech repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often include table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Uzbek and Russian classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | National Library of Uzbekistan has study facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers host various activities for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes offer video gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos are located mainly in Tashkent. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% for small businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident individuals are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 22% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | annual property tax is 1% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | approximately 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax for digital nomads residing less than 183 days. |