🌍 Overview
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a hidden gem for digital nomads. As a seasoned remote worker, I can attest that this city offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and modern amenities. With a Nomad Score of 70/100, Tashkent is an attractive destination for those seeking a mix of history, food, wellness, and nature. The city’s vibe is a fascinating blend of traditional and modern, with Soviet-era architecture standing alongside sleek new buildings. As a digital nomad, you’ll find that Tashkent is a great base for exploring Central Asia, with its strategic location and relatively low cost of living.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Tashkent, digital nomads have several options to consider. Here are three areas that I highly recommend:
- Chilonzor: This neighborhood is located in the heart of the city and offers a great mix of modern amenities and traditional charm. You’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops along the main street, and the area is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport.
- Mirzo Ulugbek: This neighborhood is a bit more upscale and is known for its beautiful parks and gardens. It’s a great area for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center and enjoy some peace and quiet. You’ll also find some great restaurants and cafes in this area, serving up a range of local and international cuisine.
- Sergeli: This neighborhood is a bit further out from the city center, but it’s still well-connected by public transport. It’s a great area for those on a budget, with plenty of affordable accommodation options and a range of local restaurants and cafes.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Tashkent is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses:
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: 3,500,000 UZS ($370 USD)
- Meal at a mid-range restaurant: 20,000 UZS ($2 USD)
- Coffee at a cafe: 5,000 UZS ($0.50 USD)
- Monthly public transport pass: 50,000 UZS ($5 USD)
- Coworking space membership: 500,000 UZS ($50 USD) per month
Overall, the cost of living in Tashkent is around 30-40% lower than in other major cities in Central Asia. As a digital nomad, you can expect to get by on a monthly budget of around $800-$1,200 USD, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Internet & Coworking
Tashkent has a relatively well-developed internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 49 Mbps. You’ll find plenty of cafes and coworking spaces with good internet connectivity, including:
- Wework Tashkent: a modern coworking space with high-speed internet and a range of amenities, including a gym and rooftop terrace. Membership costs around 500,000 UZS ($50 USD) per month.
- Impact Hub Tashkent: a community-focused coworking space with a range of events and activities. Membership costs around 300,000 UZS ($30 USD) per month.
- Coffee Box: a popular cafe with good internet and a range of coffee and food options. Coffee costs around 5,000 UZS ($0.50 USD) per cup.
Tashkent has a small but growing digital nomad community, with a range of events and meetups taking place throughout the year. Some popular groups and events include:
- Tashkent Digital Nomads: a Facebook group for digital nomads living and working in Tashkent, with around 500 members.
- Nomad List Tashkent: a meetup group for digital nomads, with regular events and activities.
- Expats in Tashkent: a Facebook group for expats living in Tashkent, with around 1,000 members.
Culture & Lifestyle
Tashkent is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and there’s plenty to explore and experience. Some popular activities and attractions include:
- Visiting the Chorsu Bazaar: a bustling market selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts.
- Trying local cuisine: Tashkent is famous for its delicious food, including dishes like plov, shashlik, and manty.
- Exploring the city’s museums and galleries: Tashkent has a range of museums and galleries, including the State Museum of History and the Fine Arts Museum.
- Dating and nightlife: Tashkent has a relatively small but vibrant nightlife scene, with a range of bars and clubs to choose from. Dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are also popular in the city.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to enter Uzbekistan. The country offers a range of visa options, including:
- Tourist visa: valid for up to 30 days, and can be obtained online or at the airport.
- Business visa: valid for up to 1 year, and requires a range of documentation, including a letter of invitation from a local company.
It’s worth noting that Uzbekistan does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, but the government is considering introducing one in the near future.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads living and working in Tashkent:
- Getting a SIM card: you can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at a local mobile phone store. Prices start from around 10,000 UZS ($1 USD) per month.
- Using public transport: Tashkent has a well-developed public transport system, including buses and metro lines. You can purchase a monthly pass for around 50,000 UZS ($5 USD).
- Staying safe: Tashkent is generally a safe city, but you should still take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Dealing with the weather: Tashkent has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Be sure to pack accordingly and stay hydrated during the summer months.