Batroun, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1113
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Batroun is a coastal city located in northern Lebanon, known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 20,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is about 15 Mbps, with options for fiber optic internet available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Lebanese Pound (LBP). 1 USD ≈ 90,000 LBP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it is advisable to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz, and Type C/E plugs are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include touch and Alfa with decent coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries (BBAC) offer services to expats, and international cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hotels along the coast. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; several places accept credit cards, but cash is often preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and other local rental platforms are available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options or shared rooms starting from $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town near the harbor and beach areas. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Tannourine area for quiet workspaces and scenic views. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Batroun offers a professional environment with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Moca, which has a good vibe and decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups targeting entrepreneurs and freelancers at local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the ‘Batroun Expats’ Facebook group for local meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate, but local taxis are also common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options available at local shops, with prices around $20 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Batroun Beach is the main local beach, suitable for swimming and relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Middle East Airlines (MEA) is the main regional airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Turkish Airlines serve the international market. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Elderly highway connecting Batroun to Beirut and Tripoli. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Batroun does not have a train station; buses operate to nearby areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; local buses are inexpensive. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for travel to nearby cities like Tripoli and Jbeil. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Batroun Governmental Hospital offers basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Batroun Yoga Studio provides regular classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Clubs such as 'Batroun Fitness' are available for gym enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are limited, but local services can be accessed for washing clothes. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and food delivery services work within the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local fish mezze and Batrouni grilled kebabs. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Fattoush and tabbouleh are popular vegan options available in local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Don't miss 'Sweets of Batroun' for traditional Lebanese desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and inexpensive groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lebanon offers various online shopping platforms such as Ounoz. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets may provide deliveries through their own services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The promenade area near the sea is bustling with nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Visit the '1528 Brewery' for local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vin De Liban offers an extensive selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for shawarma stalls around the harbor area for quick bites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Asian fusion options are available in town. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | St. George Church and the Phoenician Wall are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Batroun Museum displays the city's historical artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Crusader Castle and ancient ruins can be explored in the area. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the historic churches dating back centuries. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Batroun International Festival is celebrated every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the charming old town with its Mediterranean architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters offer occasional performances, follow community boards for updates. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Batroun Souk is great for buying local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Enjoy live music at local bars, especially during summer weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Urban murals can be found throughout the city enhancing the coastal vibe. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on Lebanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small art galleries showcase local artists and exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many buildings in the old town have historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | An array of traditions and crafts are still preserved by the locals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Cedars of God forest offers stunning views and hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jebel Moussa Biosphere Reserve is a couple of hours' drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic waterfront paths ideal for walking and cycling along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit 'The Top View' café for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Batroun coastline is ideal for birdwatching, especially in spring. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach for bonfires on special occasions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic tech repair services for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Arabic and French classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The municipal library provides a quiet space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Engage with locals and expats at the Batroun Cultural Center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Online gaming cafes exist in the city for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Lebanon; hence no casinos available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $224,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% corporate tax rate for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income tax based on progressive rates up to 25%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax (VAT) is 11%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | There are no strict CFC rules in Lebanon. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the property's value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% property transaction tax on real estate purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax rates are generally low, making it appealing for remote workers. |