Byblos, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1109
34.119207, 35.646448
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, known for its historical significance and beautiful Mediterranean coastline. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 40,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps (depending on location) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1,500 LBP; local banks include Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Touch and Alfa are the main providers offering prepaid and postpaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard widely accepted; international banking through local branches. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments via platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially, cash is still widely used, but credit cards are accepted in major establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local websites, typically starting from $30/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Like Japan offers dorms at about $10/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWorking Byblos - a shared office space with flexible pricing near the beach. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Dunes, offering good WiFi and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized by local Facebook groups and expat networks. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly expat gatherings at local bars like El Sayad. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the popular ride-sharing service available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at Byblos beaches, typically costing $5 per hour. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Byblos Beach, a public beach with amenities, just a short walk from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Middle East Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lebanon's main international carrier is Middle East Airlines (MEA). |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the Coastal Highway connecting Beirut to Tripoli. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Byblos has a bus terminal connecting to major cities; taxis available for local transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares are about 1,000 LBP for local routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis available to nearby cities like Tripoli and Beirut. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Byblos Government Hospital provides emergency care and general services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Oasis offers a variety of classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 1 is a popular gym offering full facilities, memberships starting at $20/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | 24-hour laundromats available around the city; prices start at $5 for washing. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato covers local eateries for food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Saj bread - a traditional flatbread served with various fillings. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Al Halabi serves excellent vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al Tannour provides delicious local desserts, such as knafeh. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Byblos Souk offer fresh produce and street food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lebanon has online marketplaces like Souq.com for grocery and electronics. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket delivery available through Abed T. Sweets & Sons. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife around Byblos Waterfront is popular for bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Beer producer Almaza offers local beer experiences. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Cellar in Byblos is excellent for wine tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Byblos Castle sell fresh falafel and shawarma. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several pizza and burger joints like PizzaViva are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Byblos Castle, an ancient Phoenician site overlooking the Mediterranean. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Byblos Archaeological Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient Roman amphitheater is a must-visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. John the Baptist Church represents the region's rich religious history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Byblos International Festival featuring music and performances every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic Byblos Old Town offers unique shopping and dining experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Open-air theater at the ancient site hosts summer concerts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Byblos Souk features artisanal products and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music often performed at bars like The Primaries. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals around Byblos create a vibrant street art scene. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Lebanese Cooking School offers classes for local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Space Byblos features exhibitions from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The ancient ruins of Byblos are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Cedar tree is a national symbol representing Lebanese identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Akkar Nature Reserve is nearby for hiking and exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Qadisha Valley, about an hour away, offers stunning landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path from Byblos to Batroun is scenic for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Byblos Castle walkway provides stunning seaside views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Coastal wetlands nearby attract migratory birds, ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches provide designated areas for fire pits. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and LibanPost offer reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops provide tech repair; Le Tech is well-reviewed. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offering Arabic classes are available in Byblos. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Byblos Public Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Byblos Cultural Center hosts various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Several cafes offer gaming setups, popular among locals. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino du Liban is located outside Byblos, about a 30-minute drive. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 17% standard corporate tax rate in Lebanon. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Lebanon has progressive income tax; residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 11%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply under Lebanese law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax typically 2% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transfer tax is approximately 5%. |