Batroun, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1113
34.254887, 35.658856
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Batroun is a coastal city located in Lebanon, known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and friendly atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Lebanese Pound (LBP). 1 USD ≈ 15,000 LBP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not considered safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Touch and Alfa, offering prepaid and postpaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries (BBAC) provide services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local rentals, Airbnb, and guesthouses. Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $400. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash transactions are more common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental listings are available; prices vary from $30 to $70 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable stays can be found at local hostels and guesthouses starting from $20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Batroun Co-Working Space provides a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Ezzahra is popular among remote workers for its good Wi-Fi and sea view. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Social meetups and expat gatherings occur occasionally, mostly announced through local groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Batroun' host regular events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify is a reliable ride-hailing app available in Batroun. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops, costing around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Batroun Beach, easily accessible within the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Middle East Airlines (MEA) operates flights to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Emirates are major international carriers available from Beirut. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Batroun is conveniently located along the coastal highway connecting to Tripoli and Beirut. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Batroun does not have a train station; local buses and taxis are primary transit options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes; fares are usually paid in cash. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis (service) connect Batroun to major cities like Tripoli and Byblos. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Batroun Governmental Hospital serves as the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Soul & Body offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First in nearby Byblos offers modern workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various local laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and Talabat are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fattoush and grilled fish are must-try local specialties. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Salad Bar Batroun offers excellent vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweets & Desserts is known for traditional Lebanese desserts like baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and spices at negotiable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lebanon's souq.com provides various online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Lebanon groceries offer delivery services within Batroun. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Batroun promenade is the vibrant nightlife area with several bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | 961 Beer offers brewery tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Château Ksara is a popular wine bar offering tastings. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Batroun Souk features various street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and French restaurants are available throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Batroun Crusader Castle and Phoenician wall are historical attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Batroun Heritage Museum showcases the city’s history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic churches and old souk are notable sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Church is an important religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Batroun International Festival celebrates local culture each summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town area is rich in culture with local artisans. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events are occasionally held at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Batroun Souk is vibrant with local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is often featured in local bars and cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The area is home to various murals and urban art pieces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes can be found at local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries display works by Lebanese artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old souk features traditional Lebanese architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Batroun's heritage is defined by its maritime history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shaimah Nature Reserve is a short drive for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Qadisha Valley is nearby and offers stunning landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the coastline are great for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean are breathtaking, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Batroun coast is ideal for birdwatching, especially in winter. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; inquire locally for permissions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide parcel delivery services in Batroun. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Batroun offer gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer English and Arabic classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library provides reading spaces and study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers host various cultural activities and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; mostly popular among younger locals. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Batroun; nearby areas might offer gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 17%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 11% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Lebanon has no CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is assessed based on property valuations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property transactions. |