Mons, Belgium 🇧🇪
#1615
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mons is a historic city in the Walloon Region of Belgium, known for its rich heritage and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 95,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps, with fiber optic options available in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1 USD, widely accepted credit/debit cards including Maestro and Visa. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Proximus, Orange, and BASE, offering good coverage and flexible plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis, and ING, and services like Revolut are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local real estate agencies like Immo Mons, and the website Spotahome. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, particularly in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local agencies provide numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Consider budget-friendly hostels like Hostel B.B. or guesthouses like Le Terminus. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center and around Grand Place offer numerous attractions and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center and the neighborhoods around Mons University provide a good balance of amenities and community. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking La Cité offers a vibrant community and flexible workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Le Jardin is popular among nomads for its Wi-Fi and cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at L'Entre-Peaux encourage collaboration and networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Mons' and regular international nights at local bars. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Mons, providing convenient ride options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Brompton Bike Hire is available for tourists and residents. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Westende Beach, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Brussels Airlines operates frequent flights from Charleroi Airport, around 1 hour away. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM and Lufthansa connect Mons with major international destinations via Brussels Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Close access to the A7 and E19 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mons train station is well-connected to major cities like Brussels and Charleroi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Various options available, including single tickets and monthly passes through TEC. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services provided by SNCB/NMBS connect Mons with surrounding cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Mons provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zen Attitude offers yoga classes and wellness therapies. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Mons and Fitness First are popular fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash & Go provides convenient laundry services throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and UberEats operate in the city, offering wide restaurant options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Frites' with a variety of sauces, a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Greenway restaurant offers a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Maison Demarle is renowned for its exquisite pastries and chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The weekly market at Grand Place offers fresh local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Amazon are widely used for online retail. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivio and Metro provide grocery delivery options for residents. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue des Fripiers is the place to be for bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | La Brasserie du Castelet produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Vin Qui Danse has an excellent selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local markets feature a variety of street food vendors, especially during festivals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Try cuisine from Italy, India, and Lebanon, with numerous restaurants available citywide. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Belfry of Mons and the Collegiate Church of St. Waudru are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Mons Memorial Museum provides insights into the city's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the historical Grand Place and the remains of the medieval city walls. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Waltrude Collegiate Church is a prominent religious site with stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Ducasse de Mons, celebrated annually in September, features parades and traditional games. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the vibrant streets around Place du Parc for cultural activities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Théâtre Royal de Mons hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sunday market at Place du Parc offers fresh food, crafts, and more. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues like Le 106 offer live music ranging from local bands to international acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the Rue des Gouts to see impressive street art installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | L'Atelier des Chefs offers hands-on cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie d'Art Mons showcases contemporary art by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former royal palace and the Town Hall are great examples of local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mons is known for its folklore and traditions represented in various cultural events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mons is close to the scenic Bois de la Cambre park, perfect for picnics and walking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hainaut Province features nearby parks ideal for outdoor activities, such as Parc Naturel des Plaines de L'Escaut. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several paths along the Cannal du Centre are available for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Citadel of Mons offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit the nearby nature reserves like Polders de la Sennette for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain sections of the Bois de la Cambre allow for designated bonfire spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Bpost provides reliable parcel and shipping services across Belgium and internationally. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Phone Repair offer quick tech repair services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several community centers and parks have outdoor table tennis setups. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions like Sprachcaffe offer language classes for expats and locals. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bibliothèque de Mons is a great place for studying and accessing resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural center 'La Maison de la Culture' offers events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Omen Cafe is a hub for gamers looking to socialize and play together. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Mons offers classic gaming and entertainment 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. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%, standard for all businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30%, applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 50%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 21%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Belgium has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate, with a lower rate of 6% for primary residences. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax rate on income earned solely outside Belgium for non-residents. |