Mons, Belgium 🇧🇪
#1615
50.455164, 3.96713
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mons is a city in the Walloon region of Belgium, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 95,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. Major banks include BNP Paribas Fortis and KBC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of good quality |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Proximus, Orange, and BASE, with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | KBC and ING are popular banks among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, Airbnb, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely at most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Le Montagnard offers affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Le Bureau is a popular coworking space in Mons. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | T-Café is known for its cozy atmosphere and good WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized by local Digital Nomad groups and networking nights. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Mons Facebook Group organizes regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in the area, providing convenient ride-sharing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Velo Mons offers bike rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Ostend, approximately 1.5 hours away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Brussels Airlines operates from nearby Charleroi Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and Lufthansa fly from Brussels Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to E19 and E42 highways for regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mons Railway Station connects to Brussels and other major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | TEC offers day passes and monthly cards for public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains from SNCB/NMBS connect Mons with surrounding cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | CHU Ambroise Paré is the main hospital in Mons. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Room Mons offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Mons and Jims Fitness are widely used. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavoir Express provides quick laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo is popular for food delivery in Mons. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Carbonnade Flamande', a traditional Flemish beef stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Eat&Go offers plants-based menu options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Sablonnière is known for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Market at Place du Parc for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Coolblue operate in Belgium. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivroo offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Place de Major offers a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Sambre produces local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Wine Bar Mons serves a variety of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Available at local markets and events. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and Asian restaurants are popular among locals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Belfry of Mons and the Grand Place are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | BAM (Beaux-Arts Mons) for contemporary art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The UNESCO-listed St. Elizabeth's Church. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilique de Sainte-Waudru is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Ducasse de Mons, a colorful festival held in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center is rich with culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theatrium Mons for various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mons Market for local crafts and food every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues frequently host live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals in the town center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | L’Atelier des Chefs offers cooking workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Artothèque Mons features local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit Hôtel de Ville, a stunning historical building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mons is known for its historical folklore and heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parc de la Dodaine offers scenic walks and nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hainaut Province has several scenic nature reserves. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Le Grand R (GR) hiking path runs near the city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | View of the city from the top of the Belfry. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nature reserve in the nearby Bois de la Houssière. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Parc des Jardins du Fleuriste. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Bpost and DHL services are available throughout the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | FixMyTech Mons offers mobile and device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis meet-ups. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Alliance Française offers French language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bibliothèque de Mons provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Maison de la Culture hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Game Center Mons for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Mons offers various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 50% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate, 6% for primary residence. |